Laʻa-mai-Kahiki
The Sacred-one-from-Tahiti, a legendary figure who purportedly lived several centuries before the ʻUmi line chiefs and is considered the most plausible candidate for the god Lono. He came as a younger member of the Moikeha family of North Tahiti and brought a small hand-drum and flute for the hula, enriching Hawaiian New Year festivals with games and drama. He took wives in various districts of Oahu and sailed back to Tahiti at least once before his final departure, with many families claiming descent from him.
Relationships
- syncretized with
- Lono, Kupulupulu
- co occurs with
- Lono-i-ka-makahiki
Mentioned by
Sources
Source passages
“A more plausible candidate for the god Lono is the legendary Laʻa-mai-Kahiki (i.e., the 'Sacred-one-from-Tahiti), who purportedly lived several centuries earlier. Upon his arrival, the locals heard his flute believing it was the god Kupulupulu.”
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