THE GIRL PA-PULEHU—THE FEAST
In the morning while it was still dark, they roused and started afresh. Their way led through lehua groves of the most luxuriant growth, the bloom of which crimsons the landscape to this day, exuding a honey that is most attractive to the birds of heaven. The cool still air wafted to their ears the hum of voices which was soon explained when they came upon a bevy of girls who were busily plucking the bright flowers to string into wreaths and garlands, in anticipation of some entertainment. This rural scene made an appeal to the poet in Hiiaka which she could not resist:
A Wai-akea, i ka Hilo-hana-kahi,
Ala i ka wa po iki,
I ka lehua lei o Hilo, o Hi-lo;
E pauku ana no ka hala me ka lehua.
Maikai Hilo, o Hilo-hana-kahi!
TRANSLATION
At Wai-akea, in Hilo—
The Hilo of Hana-kahi—