Yes, King Kamehameha the Great, whose name is Pai’ea, united the Hawaiian islands. But this isn’t about Kamehameha’s father. It’s about a warrior chief, a father, many haven’t heard of but who plays a role in Kamehameha becoming one of the greatest Hawaiian warriors and the success of him uniting the Hawaiian islands.
Now when I mention Kamehameha being one of the greatest Hawaiian warriors, there is another warrior that is part of the equation. That warrior is Kekūhaupiʻo, Kamehameha’s teacher and personal guard.
But who is this mystery warrior chief? It’s Kekūhaupiʻo’s father – Kohapiolani.
During a mock battle at Kealakekua beach, a guardian priest (kahuna kia‘i) of the heiau of Hikiau observed the battle and noted the bravery and fearlessness of Kekūhaupiʻo and told his father, Kohapiolani, that Kekūhaupiʻo “appeared as though he had been born to become a famous warrior and that it would be appropriate for him to become a kahuna and that he should be taught the profession of war.”
At that moment, Kohapiolani decided to begin training his son in the warlike arts like spear throwing, wrestling, boxing, and how and why runnings swiftly are so important. In the book, Kamehameha and His Warrior by Samuel M. Kamakau shares how Kohapiolani tells Kekūhaupiʻo, “One who is learning the warlike arts of the land does well to accustom himself to swift-running whereas, by speed, the fleeing enemy can be pursued from the battlefield and caught. I am training you now, but when you become big, you will be taught by experts.”
That moment is an essential point to note in the relationship between father and son. This shows the humility of the father and the love he has for his son by understanding in order for Kekūhaupiʻo to continue to grow that he must let him go to learn from others and the humility of knowing he didn’t have all the answers.
But before he lets Kekūhaupiʻo go, he continues to teach his son more of what he knows and gives the last test of learning how to dodge spears: “My son, fighting a battle consists not only in hurling a spear, but a most valuable thing in this warlike profession of our ancestors is the knowledge of how to dodge the spears that will be thrust at you—this knowledge makes a famous warrior.”
As Kekūhaupiʻo continued to practice under his father’s supervision, Kohapiolani searched for teachers to help Kekūhaupiʻo to become the famous warrior the kahuna kia‘i of the heiau of Hikiau believed he would be.
Kohapiolani introduced his son to a teacher who could train Kekūhaupiʻo how to use the spear and fence with a wooden staff that the famous warriors of old Hawai’i excelled in that knowledge. This teacher’s name was La’amea known for his profession of teaching body-strengthening for battle.
When La’amea began training Kekūhaupiʻo, he quickly noted his skills and bravery and told Kohapiolani that his son will become a great warrior and one that will prevail in future battles. These words from La’amea made Kohapiolani happy and proud of his sound but tells La’amea to teach Kekūhaupiʻo all that he knows but to keep him humble and not allow him to become arrogant because that weakens a true warrior.
Over a short period of time, Kekūhaupiʻo continued to grow to become a famous warrior many in the area spoke about. The more La’amea trained Kekūhaupiʻo, the more he realized Kekūhaupiʻo’s knowledge, skill, and strength began to exceed his. It was at that moment when La’amea tells Kohapiolani that he no longer can teach Kekūhaupiʻo and that it was best for him “to place the young warrior under the instruction of Koaia, a certain man of Kapalilua very famous for bone-breaking wrestling, who was, in fact, a cousin of his,” according to Kamakau.
Kamakau writes, “Although he [Koaia] was a man much feared in his own place, it was never heard that he used his knowledge to harm the life of another.” Upon Kekūhaupiʻo’s arrival, Koaia was impressed by his physique and demeanor and agreed to take Kekūhaupiʻo as his last student and teach him all that he knows until he is prepared to battle and eat the eye of the niuhi shark to take its mana and become a niuhi upon land. Kekūhaupiʻo goes through the ʻailolo ceremony and slays the shark.
Now my friend, understand the importance of the role of Kohapiolani in the growth and strength of his son, Kekūhaupiʻo. One can say, if it weren’t for him – Kamehameha may not have been able to unite the islands because Kekūhaupiʻo wouldn’t have been their to teach him the art of warefare and be his personal guard.
This is important for us to reflect on. Think of the individuals who have played a large role in your growth to help you get where you are today or empower you to be the best version of yourself. Think of those around you who look towards for advice or to lead. Now you will never really know the influence you have on others but you should always know that you are doing what’s best to help others succeed and grow.
Hope this reads inspires you to reflect on those who play a large role in your life and think of those around you who look up to you to be the one that inspires and empowers them.
