Hina Sisters' Sacrifice

The following play was written to share the story of the sisters, Hinaikeahi and Hinaikawai and the things they did to save their people in the hills above Hilo, Hawai'i.

THE HINA SISTERS' SACRIFICE

Narrator 1: Many lifetimes ago, Hina traveled from Kahiki to the islands of
Hawai'i. She lived on the slopes of Haleakala with her son, Maui
and his brothers. As the island became overpopulated, Hina left with
her two daughters Hina-i-keahi and Hina-i-kawai and traveled to
Hawai'i. They emerged from the springs of Waiakea Uka. As they
traveled about, Hina loved the lush green landscape of this island
and decided to make Waianuenue her home. She resided in Keana-a- Hina, a cave where she could pound her kapa close to the ever
flowing waters.

Her daughter, Hina-i-keahi found the Hala'i Hill to her liking
and made it her home. The other daughter, Hina-i-kawai, chose the
nearby Pu'uhonu for her home. Each sister reigned as high chiefess
among the people of each hill.

At first, the sweet rains of Hilo kept the land green and productive.
Then a terrible drought struck the island and the once green lands
became dry and barren. Crops withered in the parched ground.

Chorus: (State at will)
'Aue
Pololi
Makewai
Auhea ka ua?
Narrator 1: Feeling sorry for her people, Hina-i-keahi was determined to save them
from starvation and death. She gathered all of her people together
and gave them strict instructions on what to do in this disaster.

Hina-i-Keahi: Dig a imu, deep and wide at the top of Hala'i Hill
Collect firewood and rocks for the imu
Light the imu and bury me in it

Chorus: 'Aue, 'Aue, 'Aue

Hina-i-keahi: Watch for signs I will send so that you will know what to do.
In three days, you will see springs emerge bringing cool water to you and
the land. A white puffy cloud will appear above Hala'i Hill.
When you see a woman approaching you from the ocean, make sure you
open the imu which will be filled with food.

Narrator 1: The people did as they were instructed sadly knowing that their
beloved Hina-i-keahi would perish in the fires of the imu. As they were
getting ready to put Hina-i-keahi into the imu, they saw that she was in a
deep trance and was praying to the gods to save her people and send
them food.
(Hina-i-keahi, keeping your eyes closed, lip synch like you are chanting)

Narrator 1: Hina-i-keahi was buried in the imu as she had instructed.
The people watched for the signs predicted by Hina-i-keahi. Sure
enough, on the third day, springs emerged bringing life giving water and
a white puffy cloud appeared at the top of Hala'i Hill. Everyone turned
their eyes seaward and looked to see a woman approaching them.
At a distance they could see a woman walking towards them.

(Actors look makai and lipsynch like you are talking to each other, and point toward the ocean)
Chorus: E mai, e mai
Eia ka wahine. E wehe kakou i ka imu
Narrator 1: As the woman came closer, they saw that it was their beloved
Hinaikeahi.
Chorus: Hui ....aloha e Hina-i-keahi (etc.)

(Actors look happy, smile and greet Hina-i-keahi)

Narrator 1: When the imu was opened, it was filled with life giving food.
Hinaikeahi ate with her joyful people.
(Actors At will - act like you are talking, laughing out loud, and eating)

TRANSITION (Actors face their backs to the audience except for Narrator 2)

Narrator 2: Sounds of cheering and joyful laughter carried over to Pu'uhonu and
Hina-i-kawai. Her people were also suffering greatly from the
drought and famine. Hearing of what her sister had done, Hina-i-
kawai was determined to save her people as dramatically as her
sister.
(Everyone turns to face the audience and looks at Hina-i-kawai when she is talking.
Make like you are really hungry and very sad)

Hina-i-kawai: Mai hopohopo. Nana mai i'au...Don't be afraid. Look at me.
I will save you and you will have twice as much to eat.
(Said with much attitude)

Narrator 2: Hina-i-kawai gave the same instructions to her people. The imu was
dug, the firewood and rocks collected. Everything was prepared.
When it was time to put Hina-i-kawai into the imu, she did not go
into a trance but rather, she looked up into the skies and shouted
the demands for her people.

(Hina-i-kawai look upward, raise your hands upward, and lip synch like you are saying something to the skies. Then step back a bit when the narration continues)

Narrator 2: The people waited and watched for the three signs.
Three days passed but the life giving springs did not appear.
A dark gray cloud hung over the top of Pu'uhonu. The people
looked seaward but did not see anyone approaching their hill.
(Actors look makai...scan the horizon, etc.)

Narrator 2: The dark and angry cloud poured rain onto the imu creating a
smoky mist of steam. The people opened the imu to find the
charred remains of Hina-i-kawai.
Chorus: 'Aue, 'Aue,'Aue.
Narrator 2: Hina-i-kawai brought water to Hilo from the rain cloud which quenched
the thirst of the land. She was never seen again in her human form.
TRANSITION (Actors face their backs to the audience except for the Ki'i speakers)
(All actors face the audience)

Narrator 3/1: Thus is the story of the sisters, Hina-i-keahi and Hina-i-kawai. Although Hina-i-kawai acted out of jealousy, envy, and pride, her quest to be
better than her sister resulted in a perpetual gift to the people of Hawai'i.
The sacrifice of her life created the water cycle which bathes our islands
with life giving water.