...somewhere in a Land Called Hanalei

["Chinaman's Hat" as viewed from Pali Lookout]






... PUFF, the magic dragon lived by the sea
And frolicked in the autumn mist in a land called Hanalei ... [Yarrow/Lipton 1963]

Swimming in memories this week of an extreme privilege granted to an almost 11-year-old girl many years ago. My paternal grandmother "Nana Eva" afforded an opportunity to my older brother, sister, and myself. She took us to Hawaii. Her husband, my grandfather Mike, had long passed on - but she wanted us to know his kin who had settled post WW II on Oahu.

Even at such a young age, I recognized the extreme privilege of that journey. My favorite memory, along with stringing homemade leis from fragrant wild orchids, was a visit to Punchbowl Crater where I had a most marvelous "echo" experience, calling across the mountain. Standing atop the crater I called out "echo!" "echo!" "echo!" duh. lol However, in that moment and having goosebumps now at the memory - I had a distinct reply which my inner self heard as this: "haleakalea anale ankala." Over the years, my adult mind said "tink, you only heard "echo" in reply." In a meditation a few years ago, my soul memory spoke and said "tink - this is what you actually heard." And, I can only write it out phonetically as the written words of what was echoed are my own interpretation. It actually sounds like this: " hah lee ah kah lay ah. on ah lee. on kah lah." Standing atop that crater, yes - even as a young girl - there was an overwhelming sense of being within, around, and all about Sacred Energy.

Over the years, I've had minimal interest in the Polynesian/Hawaiian gods & goddesses. But, it seems a time is coming to look closer at these ancient myths and energies. It seems very important, because the memories and images come stronger and more frequently now. So, as my explorations flow -- I'll write what I discover. :o) On a synchronous note - I observed that the time I started writing this blog entry, 1:19 pm eastern, matches the anniversay date of "Nana Eva's" death. January 19th. Which also matches the date of my grandfather's death [her husband.] They died exactly 10 years apart to the exact day and, I believe, time.

My other favorite memory was standing in a "wind tunnel" on Pali Lookout and letting myself fall forward, while being held firmly in place by the wind.

A little history on Pali Lookout on Oahu [also called "Cool Height Cliff] :

The Nuuanu Pali Lookout is a perennial favorite stop among visitors to Oahu. The panoramic views of the Windward side of the island from this expansive cliff will blow you away. Just make sure the winds don’t blow you away, either.

Located at Nuuanu Pali State Park, the lookout overlooks the 985-foot cliffs of the Koolau Mountain Range. (Translated, "pali" means "cliffs.") And yes, it is extremely windy. The trade winds blow through the valley between the high mountains on either side, forming a strong wind tunnel of sorts. On extra windy days, you can even lean into the wind and let the gusts hold you up.

The Nuuanu Pali was the setting for one of the most significant battles in Hawaiian history.
In 1795, Kamehameha I and his army invaded Oahu, arriving in an imposing fleet of war canoes at Waikiki Beach. The Oahu warriors were led by Kalanikupule, the alii nui (chief) of Maui and Oahu.

Kamehameha’s army marched to Nuuanu Valley to face Kalanikupule’s troops. The ensuing battle was fierce, bloody and unrelenting. Gradually, Kamehameha’s men gained an advantage, forcing Kalanikupule’s forces to retreat further up the valley. The Oahuans attempted to make a final stand, but Kamehameha’s army was too strong. Thousands of Kalanikupule’s men were pursued and driven over the steep cliffs to their deaths. It’s said that the victory was so complete that not a single Oahu warrior that got into the upper part of the valley escaped alive.

An engineering firm was hired in 1897 to build what is now the Old Pali Road, a winding road used to carry traffic across the mountains. During construction, workers found an estimated 800 human skulls and other human bones at the foot of the cliffs—the century-old remains of Kalanikupule’s slain warriors.

In ancient times, the extinct volcanic Punchbowl Crater was known as Puowaina which means "Consecrated Hill" or "Hill of Sacrifice". It was the site of many secret Ali'i (royal) burials and a place where offenders of certain Kapus (taboos) were sacrificed.

Today, the Hill of Sacrifice is the location of the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific where 33,230 service men and women from four wars are buried.