“The sacredness of Kalaau (Laau was not arbitrary, it was created to be something permanent).†– Kumu Vanda HanakahiThe Makahiki was one of the most important events in Hawaiian history.
It was a time of peace and planting and a time when all wars came to an end. On Molokai there were two sacred areas marking the Wehe and the Pani of Makahiki (the opening and closing). On the eastern side of Molokai the Wehe was located at KapuupoI in the proximity of Halawa.
On the leeward side of the island the Pani of the Makahiki was at Laau. The significance of these two locations was profound to Hawaiian culture. These were two of the most sacred areas of our island. The annual cycle that directed the course of the Hawaiian culture was determined by the natural and ceremonial events surrounding these areas. It was recognized that the blessings of our island, which include the abundance of food and the well being of our people were directly linked to the prayers that occurred at Laau.
Throughout the Laau area we find numerous cultural sights ranging from Heiau to Koa, the latter representing the abundance of fish and other sea life found in the waters of Laau. The moolelo kahiko of this area reminds us that is was at Laau that the numbers of kumu Ia would first make there way to Molokai, eventually populating all of the loki Ia (fishponds) of our island. Laau wasn’t just seen as a fishing area, it was seen as the source which supplied all of the fishing areas of our land, thus adding to the acknowledgment of Laau as a provision of sustenance in both the physical life and in the sacred life for all of the Kanaka Maoli of Molokai, and at the same time realizing that the physical and the spiritual life of the Kanaka Maoli were never separate.
As it did in the ancient days, the Pelu Wind stills blows at Laau, reminding us of the Kupuna of the past. It is not hard to imagine the great AliI Pakaa as he traveled about this aina. The strength of his mana is still present. The significance of Laau is immeasurable. It was not by accident that the Kahuna of old chose Laau as the Pani of the Makahiki. The sacredness of Laau was not arbitrary, it was created to be something permanent.Get Your Own! | View Slideshow
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