History of Keoua Kalanikupuapa-i-kalani-nui, Father of Hawaiian Kings
is a genealogical history by Elizabeth Kekaʻaniau La'anui Pratt. Written
towards the end of Pratt's life, the book was intended as a tribute to
her family's history and influence in Hawaii. Raised as a member of the
House of Keōua Nui, she was closely related to the first rulers of the
Hawaiian Kingdom. Engaging with traditions and stories from before the
arrival of Protestant missionaries in the islands, Pratt provides a link
to the past, before Christianity and written language usurped the oral
tradition of her people. "Comely of person and gracious to all he met,
Keoua as he verged toward manhood became an attractive personage. While
yet awaiting the fulfillment of the plighted troth of his childhood,
rumors of events in Maui royal circles were wafted across he waters of
Alenuihaha channel which stirred his ambition." Born the son of High
Chief Keeaumoku Nui, Keoua was known for his sacred power, or kapu, of
determining the safety and danger of his people by observing the
formation of rain clouds. With his wisdom and leadership, he proved an
excellent role model for his son Kamehameha I, the first ruler of the
Hawaiian Kingdom who unified the islands in 1795. Detailed and enriched
with Elizabeth's personal relation to the figures she describes, the
History of Keoua Kalanikupuapa-i-kalani-nui, Father of Hawaiian Kings
is an essential study of one of Hawaii's most important leaders. With a
beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this
edition of Elizabeth Kekaʻaniau La'anui Pratt's History of Keoua
Kalanikupuapa-i-kalani-nui, Father of Hawaiian Kings is a classic work
of Hawaiian literature reimagined for modern readers.
