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STORY
In the Beginning...
The first verse of the Kumulipo, or Hawaiian creation chant, sets the
theme for the endless cycles of life. A lone man on a spiritual quest
is seen carrying a ka'ai ( a woven burial casket used to hold the bones
of ancient ruling chiefs) to an unknown destination. And taro, one of
the food and plant staples of the Hawaiian islands, emerges out of the
ground, dancing the first breath of life.
The Ocean
provides the way for the first migrators from Tahiti. Navigating by the
stars and following signs from birds, they pursue their vision of Pele,
the volcano goddess, and her brother Kamohoali'i, the shark god. The demi-god
Maui pulls the islands from the depths of the ocean.
The Mythical Forest...
A young ali'i has a vision of a Mo'o (a guardian spirit in the form of
a lizard) who inhabits a waterfall. The trees in the rainforest suddenly
come to life, manifesting their mana, or life-force; young men and women
run playfully among them. The gods reflect upon their passions and desires
while the half-hog, half-god, kamapuaÕa pursues his passionate
love for Pele.
The Village...
Men pounding poi from fresh taro roots and women beating kapa exemplify
simple village life in Hawaii. The sister of the young ali'i has a vision
of the Kapa goddess while she works.
The Makahiki...
A long white tapa banner honoring the god of agriculture, Lono, announces
the annual celebration of the Makahiki Harvest Festival, a time of thanksgiving,
sports and taboo on war.
The European Explorer
arrives and interrupts the climax of the Makahiki Festival. The great
white sails of the ship reveal a similarity with the Lono banner. The
islands inhabitants vow reverence and great respect as they believe the
god Lono has arrived in human form.
Shadows
behind a ship sail expose the differences between two worlds and the introduction
of foreign elements. After the death of King Kamehameha, the old kapu
system is overthrown, resulting in conflict between the old and new ways.
The Hawaiian Monarchy
witnesses some of the events of the nineteenth century before its downfall;
immigrants from around the world are brought to work in the islands' sugar
cane fields as the demand for sugar increases.
The Regenerating Forces of Nature...
Pele, the volcano goddess, explodes, reflecting the turbulent emotions
of the century. After her devastation comes a time of contemplation, where
life begins again under the peaceful lunar light of Hina, the goddess
of the moon.
'Ulalena...
The new era of golden people face their future as the 'Ulalena rain embraces
them - their essence and spirit molded into a way of life that is close
to nature.
* Free when not occupying a seat
on bus, in theater or plate for dinner.
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