--- title: The Alapa Regiment — Hawaiian Historical Legends · full text with trees · page 2 description: The Alapa Regiment, «Hawaiian Historical Legends» by W. D. Westervelt: the whole chapter, every sentence with its dependency tree and pragmatics. It begins: 1776 --- [Mova](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/14/page/2/) [home](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/) / [corpora](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/) / [tales](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/) / [Hawaiian Historical Legends](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/) / The Alapa Regiment # The Alapa Regiment · page 2 [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/14/) **2** Ka-leo-puu-puu was able to prove beyond question that the mantle of priesthood had never passed out of the family since the days of Pau-makua of the eleventh century.[125](../../125/ "tree and pragmatics") There was strong rivalry between the two priestly lines.[126](../../126/ "tree and pragmatics") Kahekili of Maui desired to bring the two priestly powers into conflict with each other.[127](../../127/ "tree and pragmatics") This was the real beginning of the new war.[128](../../128/ "tree and pragmatics") New temples were built and old temples repaired by both kings, and all were filled with gods and priests and sacrifices.[129](../../129/ "tree and pragmatics") Prayers and incantations innumerable were used by both parties.[130](../../130/ "tree and pragmatics") Many human sacrifices were laid upon the altars.[131](../../131/ "tree and pragmatics") At last the Maui priest informed his king that he was assured by the gods of final victory.[132](../../132/ "tree and pragmatics") “The warriors of Hawaii should come like fish into a bay and should be caught in a net.”[133](../../133/ "tree and pragmatics") From this suggestion came the plan of battle afterward carried out.[134](../../134/ "tree and pragmatics") The new year dawned—the year known in the civilised world as 1776.[135](../../135/ "tree and pragmatics") It was the year of the Declaration of Independence in America.[136](../../136/ "tree and pragmatics") It was the year of increased British effort and many reverses on the part of the colonies.[137](../../137/ "tree and pragmatics") It was in this year that King George’s dark-skinned brother in ambition, Ka-lani-opuu, set sail with “a cloud of boats.”[138](../../138/ "tree and pragmatics") Hundreds of canoes crossed the channel between the two islands and then coasted western Maui.[139](../../139/ "tree and pragmatics") They landed wherever any little valley on the rugged slope of Mt.[140](../../140/ "tree and pragmatics") Hale-a-ka-la—“House of the sun”—afforded soil sufficient to give life or foothold.[141](../../141/ "tree and pragmatics") They destroyed the villages and drove the terrified defenceless people up the lava cliffs to mountain hiding-places.[142](../../142/ "tree and pragmatics") Early one morning a part of the king’s army landed at Maalaea Bay, near the spot where they had been defeated.[143](../../143/ "tree and pragmatics") The chiefs looked over the sandy isthmus lying between the two great Maui mountains—Mt.[144](../../144/ "tree and pragmatics") Hale-a-ka-la and Mt.[145](../../145/ "tree and pragmatics") Iao.[146](../../146/ "tree and pragmatics") On the other side of some sand hills in this isthmus lay Wai-luku, the home of the Maui king.[147](../../147/ "tree and pragmatics") The cry arose: “On to Wai-luku\![148](../../148/ "tree and pragmatics") On to Wai-luku!”[149](../../149/ "tree and pragmatics") No strong force had offered opposition so far in the invasion.[150](../../150/ "tree and pragmatics") It seemed fair to presume that they had completely surprised the Maui warriors.[151](../../151/ "tree and pragmatics") Through the Wai-luku lands dashes a swiftly flowing stream of clear, cold water, breaking through the foothills of Mt.[152](../../152/ "tree and pragmatics") Iao.[153](../../153/ "tree and pragmatics") The banks of this stream had already been the scene of many a bloody battle, hence the name Wai-luku—“Water of destruction.”[154](../../154/ "tree and pragmatics") It was nearly ten miles away—but that would be only a short morning’s race for the hardy chiefs.[155](../../155/ "tree and pragmatics") The Alapa warriors shouted, “Let us drink of the waters of Wai-luku this day!”[156](../../156/ "tree and pragmatics") The king, surrounded by his bodyguard of royal chiefs, watched the splendid array of warriors as they hastened to surprise the Maui warriors.[157](../../157/ "tree and pragmatics") The king’s prophet chanted as they passed him:[158](../../158/ "tree and pragmatics") “Roll on, roll on, waves of Hawaii\![159](../../159/ "tree and pragmatics") You are the surf waves.[160](../../160/ "tree and pragmatics") The war god rides on the surf To land on the banks of Wai-luku.”[161](../../161/ "tree and pragmatics") Over the long desert isthmus sped the stalwart chiefs on up the divide between the two great mountains, until they saw the valley of the Wai-luku and the ocean waters of the eastern coast.[162](../../162/ "tree and pragmatics") On sped the eight hundred bronzed and sinewy athletes.[163](../../163/ "tree and pragmatics") It was to them an easy race for victory.[164](../../164/ "tree and pragmatics") Below Wai-luku lies a sandy tract through which the winds swept with power.[165](../../165/ "tree and pragmatics") It has long been a tangled group of large rounded sand hills.[166](../../166/ "tree and pragmatics") As they entered this rough region the first serious show of force met the exultant Hawaiians.[167](../../167/ "tree and pragmatics") There was obstinate resistance, but the onset of the Hawaiian chiefs was irresistible.[168](../../168/ "tree and pragmatics") They literally trampled the warriors of Maui beneath their feet.[169](../../169/ "tree and pragmatics") On into the sand hills they rushed, chanting their song of victory.[170](../../170/ "tree and pragmatics") Suddenly their Maui foe disappeared, and in front and rear and on every side rose up hundreds of warriors from Oahu—strangers to the Alapa chiefs.[171](../../171/ "tree and pragmatics") The scouts of Maui had faithfully reported the movements of Ka-lani-opuu and the coming of the Alapa high chiefs, giving the Maui king time to select and place his allies from Oahu.[172](../../172/ "tree and pragmatics") The wily king had made thorough preparation to catch his enemies “in a net.”[173](../../173/ "tree and pragmatics") The ambuscade was not ordinarily a part of Hawaiian warfare.[174](../../174/ "tree and pragmatics") In battle, dependence was placed upon the strong arm rather than in cunning wit.[175](../../175/ "tree and pragmatics") Often the beginning of a battle would be delayed by a series of single conflicts between challenging chiefs, as in the days of European knight-errantry.[176](../../176/ "tree and pragmatics") Banners were seldom carried.[177](../../177/ "tree and pragmatics") Some giant chief with marked helmet towered above his fellows and was the centre around which his followers could gather.[178](../../178/ "tree and pragmatics") Sometimes war gods—images of hideous and distorted features—were carried by priests and thrust into the faces of opponents.[179](../../179/ "tree and pragmatics") This battle of the Alapa regiment was unlike the ordinary contests.[180](../../180/ "tree and pragmatics") The brave warriors massed their strength and expected to override all opposition.[181](../../181/ "tree and pragmatics") But when they were drawn into conflict in the sand hills their ranks were broken.[182](../../182/ "tree and pragmatics") They were forced to pass around the obstacles or climb over them.[183](../../183/ "tree and pragmatics") From every wind-raised hill the Oahu men hurled heavy stones upon the plumed helmets beneath them, and thrust long spears into those who stormed the hillsides.[184](../../184/ "tree and pragmatics") Still up the loose sand the Alapa warriors struggled, putting to death every foe, as they took possession of one hill after another, while their comrades forced the Oahu warriors back through the winding sand valleys.[185](../../185/ "tree and pragmatics") The conflict continued hour after hour.[186](../../186/ "tree and pragmatics") The blazing tropical sun filled the struggling warriors with raging thirst, and the waters of the Wai-luku were still nearly a mile away.[187](../../187/ "tree and pragmatics") Then the struggle toward the stream was checked.[188](../../188/ "tree and pragmatics") The Oahu warriors were continually reinforced by fresh, unwearied men.[189](../../189/ "tree and pragmatics") The broken ranks of the Alapa regiment were met by a constantly increasing host of enemies.[190](../../190/ "tree and pragmatics") Soon the larger bodies were separated into small bands, each one hopelessly surrounded by picked warriors.[191](../../191/ "tree and pragmatics") Broken helmets and tattered feather cloaks lay crushed and trampled into the sand.[192](../../192/ "tree and pragmatics") Fragments of broken spears, javelins and war clubs lay in splinters under the feet.[193](../../193/ "tree and pragmatics") Naked and bleeding the chiefs raised broken arms to ward off descending blows.[194](../../194/ "tree and pragmatics") They died bravely, avenging themselves to the utmost in their death.[195](../../195/ "tree and pragmatics") Only one of the large regiment was captured alive.[196](../../196/ "tree and pragmatics") Hundreds of bodies of his companions marked the progress of the fight.[197](../../197/ "tree and pragmatics") This last warrior, Ke-awe-hano—“the silent supporter”—noted for his valour, fought to the last and then was beaten down and captured.[198](../../198/ "tree and pragmatics") “To the chief\![199](../../199/ "tree and pragmatics") To the chief!” was the cry of the Oahu warriors.[200](../../200/ "tree and pragmatics") The wounded man was carried at once to the camp of the king.[201](../../201/ "tree and pragmatics") They decided that he should be sacrificed to the gods, but his wounds were severe and he died before they could carry him to the temple.[202](../../202/ "tree and pragmatics") Two other valiant chiefs side by side fought their way through their enemies and escaped.[203](../../203/ "tree and pragmatics") They evidently left before the regiment had been annihilated, for they were unnoticed until they had gone so far that pursuit was useless.[204](../../204/ "tree and pragmatics") They reached the camp of Kalaniopuu at sunset—the last of the Alapa regiment.[205](../../205/ "tree and pragmatics") “Into the valley of death rode the six hundred.”[206](../../206/ "tree and pragmatics") Like sacrifices mark the brave deeds of brave men in all nations.[207](../../207/ "tree and pragmatics") This battle received the name in Hawaiian history—“The furious destruction at Kakanilua”—Kakanilua was the name of the sand hills below Wai-luku.[208](../../208/ "tree and pragmatics") Great was the wailing among the royal chiefs of Hawaii and throughout the army.[209](../../209/ "tree and pragmatics") Sore was the heart of the disappointed king.[210](../../210/ "tree and pragmatics") He called a war council of the powerful chiefs of his bodyguard.[211](../../211/ "tree and pragmatics") It was a night council.[212](../../212/ "tree and pragmatics") The old king seemed to have a secret feeling that the gods were fighting against him.[213](../../213/ "tree and pragmatics") Apparently he desired to give up the invasion.[214](../../214/ "tree and pragmatics") He was surrounded by a turbulent band of fighting chiefs.[215](../../215/ "tree and pragmatics") They waged war among themselves when they could not attack the neighbouring islands.[216](../../216/ "tree and pragmatics") They decided to press on the next day and defeat Kahekili and his allies.[217](../../217/ "tree and pragmatics") Before day began to dawn the camp was roused for action.[218](../../218/ "tree and pragmatics") The majestic masses of clouds almost always hanging over Mt.[219](../../219/ "tree and pragmatics") Iao were glorious in the morning light as the great army drew near the sand hills.[220](../../220/ "tree and pragmatics") The Maui army crowded up toward the steep sides of the mountain as if to avoid the scene of the battle of the preceding day.[221](../../221/ "tree and pragmatics") The debris of battle, the mutilated bodies of hundreds of warriors inspired the great army to endeavour to avenge the recent defeat.[222](../../222/ "tree and pragmatics") But the Maui army had the advantage of a well chosen position.[223](../../223/ "tree and pragmatics") The Hawaiians had to fight up hill or else drift down to the sand hills.[224](../../224/ "tree and pragmatics") In either case advance was difficult.[225](../../225/ "tree and pragmatics") Each step forward was fully earned.[226](../../226/ "tree and pragmatics") Each sand hill passed was almost as much of a defeat as a victory.[227](../../227/ "tree and pragmatics") There was a full day of savage fighting, marked by inhuman acts of awful brutality.[228](../../228/ "tree and pragmatics") The native account of the battle says: “It was not a war characterised by deeds of princely courtesy.”[229](../../229/ "tree and pragmatics") Many noted names of valiant chiefs were never again mentioned in Hawaiian story.[230](../../230/ "tree and pragmatics") The story and the life ended together in this Wailuku battle.[231](../../231/ "tree and pragmatics") At last the Hawaiian warriors were forced to retreat to the camp of their king, where Kalaniopuu and his guard had waited for the result of the battle.[232](../../232/ "tree and pragmatics") Kahekili evidently suffered almost as severely as the invaders, for there was scarcely any attempt at pursuit.[233](../../233/ "tree and pragmatics") Kalaniopuu had brought part of his household with him.[234](../../234/ "tree and pragmatics") His chief queen, Ka-lo-la, was the sister of Kahekili.[235](../../235/ "tree and pragmatics") She had come to share in the victory over her brother and assist in the pacification of her former friends.[236](../../236/ "tree and pragmatics") The attack had been made, and the ragged remnants of a vanquished army had come back.[237](../../237/ "tree and pragmatics") He was too heavily burdened with camp equipage and suffering men for immediate fight.[238](../../238/ "tree and pragmatics") He proposed that they sue for peace and that his wife, Ka-lo-la, be the messenger to her brother.[239](../../239/ "tree and pragmatics") The queen utterly refused to face her brother.[240](../../240/ "tree and pragmatics") There had been too many past personalities between them, and she had evidently been a vigorous endorser of her husband’s invasions into her old homeland.[241](../../241/ "tree and pragmatics") Life was too precious to be risked in that brother’s presence.[242](../../242/ "tree and pragmatics") She proposed that the royal prince, Kiwalao, her son, be sent as ambassador.[243](../../243/ "tree and pragmatics") Kiwalao was robed with all the royal elegance of a king according to the customs of that almost naked, savage life.[244](../../244/ "tree and pragmatics") He wore his finest neck ornaments, his most costly feather cloak and girdle and helmet.[245](../../245/ "tree and pragmatics") He was attended by high chiefs carrying the royal kahili, or large feather banner, and a royal calabash.[246](../../246/ "tree and pragmatics") These chiefs preceded the young prince as his heralds.[247](../../247/ "tree and pragmatics") When his name and position were announced to the outposts of the Maui army, they fell flat on the face in the sand while he passed by.[248](../../248/ "tree and pragmatics") It was death to stand before a prince or a tabu chief.[249](../../249/ "tree and pragmatics") Kiwalao was one of the highest sacred tabu chiefs in all the islands.[250](../../250/ "tree and pragmatics") Runners carried the news of the coming of this prince to the Maui king.[251](../../251/ "tree and pragmatics") He was lying on a mat in the royal grass house at Wailuku.[252](../../252/ "tree and pragmatics") Ka-lani-hale—“the heaven house”—was the name of this home of the king.[253](../../253/ "tree and pragmatics") As Kiwalao drew near the door all the Maui chiefs prostrated themselves before him, while the king lazily turned over and partly raised himself, lifting his head in token of friendly greeting.[254](../../254/ "tree and pragmatics") To have turned away from the prince, letting his face look down, would have been the sign of immediate death of his visitor.[255](../../255/ "tree and pragmatics") Kiwalao, with slow and dignified tread, crossed the room and seated himself in his uncle’s lap.[256](../../256/ "tree and pragmatics") Then both wailed over the troubles which had brought them together, and over the deaths among their followers.[257](../../257/ "tree and pragmatics") The embassy was successful, and terms of peace between the two kings were arranged.[258](../../258/ "tree and pragmatics") Kalaniopuu returned to Hawaii, to begin at once a new crusade against Kahekili.[259](../../259/ "tree and pragmatics") During the ensuing two years the war degenerated into a series of petty raids by which he kept his wife’s brother busy marching warriors from one end of Maui to the other to repel his attacks.[260](../../260/ "tree and pragmatics") In 1779 the coming of Captain Cook changed the course of action and gave the people new things to think about, until Kamehameha secured white men’s arms and conquered all the islands.[261](../../261/ "tree and pragmatics") XIV[262](../../262/ "tree and pragmatics") [1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/14/) **2** - ← previous: [page 1](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/14/) - next →: [In the Days of Kahahana, 1782](https://md.mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/tales/pg66357/15/) - ↑ back to [Hawaiian Historical 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