Journey to Wahi Pana: Legendary Land

About the Book

The spread of ancient Islanders throughout the Pacific basin, using some imagination, can be attributed to population pressures and natural events that drove them on. The following story is based on the little I know of legends, my own experiences, a bit of natural occurrences and imaginings entirely my own. The story begins with a young man alone at sea in a canoe, struggling to remain alive during his search for Wahi Pana. Committed to discover the location of the fabled island through the teachings and drive of his Father, Kilo‘ia, or die in the effort. Existence at sea in a canoe consists of almost endless monotony and boredom interrupted by rare moments of excitement or life threatening incidents. Ai Pilau experiences more than his share during his long voyage. Due to boredom his mind often strays back to the village of his birth, rehashing everyday events, legends and extraordinary occurrences as they were taught to him. Kilo‘ia, no different from others until incurring a severe injury, then dedicates his entire family’s existence to the discovery of Wahi Pana, a fabled island that when discovered would prove to be a Garden of Eden for ‘The People’. Kilo‘ia takes the first step toward his goal by giving his son the name Ai Pilau, eater of filth, thinking a name others were bound to ridicule would add impetus to the boy’s need to earn a more desirable name. As the boy grows and matures under parental pressure to fulfill this dream, he excels at all he’s taught and after his sixteenth birthday sets out in a canoe of his father’s design that proves to be everything he could hope for. Indeed, his life and the success of the journey depend entirely upon that design and meticulous construction. Having survived several trials, Ai Pilau eventually finds Wahi Pana only to be captured by ‘savages’ already in residence. Surviving this latest ordeal, ‘Ai’ escapes back to his hidden canoe but instead of sailing directly for home, takes a survey of the island, confident of his ability to out-sail the local savages. Once having gathered enough evidence of Wahi Pana’s existence and enough supplies, ‘Ai’ sails toward the West, seeking an alternate route home. His most life threatening incident and greatest adventure still await him. He’s found by fishermen as he lay close to death and they return with their unexpected guest only to discover when he awakens, that he’s now become Chief over all ‘The People’. This news surprises ‘Ai’ as well as the new name given him. ‘The People’ willingly follow their new leader on his return trip to Wahi Pana, regardless of the risks.

About the Author

Born on the Pacific Rim I grew up loving fishing and the sea. Working in the construction trades for over forty years, I worked alongside men from all Island nationalities, listened to their stories, ate their foods and learned to respect their traditions. I hope this work reflects that respect. The Author