[31] Noho, a seat, or to sit. Here used for the people there living. [↑]
[32] Kua o ka makani (literally, at the back of the wind). Koolau, the windward side of an island, was its kua, back. The whole line contains an ingenious reference to the manner of fire-lighting. When the smouldering spark from the fire-sticks has been received on a bunch of dry grass, it is waved to and fro to make it ignite. To the old-fashioned Hawaiian familiar with this manner of fire-making this figure is full of meaning. [↑]
[33] Ulu o ka La, the figure of the Sun as it touched the horizon, or its glare. [↑]
[34] Akua, literally, a god. This is a generic term and includes beings that we would call heroes, as well as devils and demons. [↑]
[35] Ka-wai-hoa, the southern point of Niihau. [↑]
[36] Hoaka-lei, a hill on Niihau. [↑]
[37] Kiu, the name of a wind. [↑]
[38] Makalii, Kaelo and Ka-ulua are cold months. Lohiau found them hot enough. [↑]
[39] Ha’aha’a, literally, hanging low. I am reminded of an old song uttered, it is said, by a hero from the top of Kauwiki hill, in Hana, Maui: “Aina ua, lani ha’aha’a.” Land of rain, where the heavens hang (ever) low. [↑]