The Backbone of a Chief

retold here by Nina

Adapted from "The Backbone of a Chief" from The Water of Kāne by Mary Kawena Puku‘i

Long Ago, on Kaua‘i, there lived a boy named Paka‘a. He always wanted to know who his father was. After many years of groaning and complaining, La‘a or Paka‘a's mom told him who his father was. La‘a told him that she was supposed to be married to the high chief of Kaua’i. But instead, she met Paka‘a‘s father or Kuanu‘uanu. Kuanu‘uanu was wanted by his island chief because Kuanu‘uanu was a backbone or servant to the chief.

Later, Paka‘a asked his mom if he could go traveling around the island with their chief because one of the chiefs servants asked him. La‘a wasnt going to let him go at first because she believed that he was too young and she didn't want him to go. But Paka‘a asked some more and finally, La‘a said yes. As Paka‘a was leaving, La‘a reminded her son not to boast about his father. Paka‘a agreed. La‘a knew how Paka would be scorned and laughed at if he told anyone. On this trip, he had to work very hard. Carrying koa logs and having little to eat.

When he came back to his mom, Paka‘a asked La‘a if he could go on another trip because all the servants really enjoyed his company. La‘a could see how excited he was to go on this trip because Paka‘a knew that this would be his chance to meet his father. So La‘a said okay. Paka‘a went around the island with his chief working very hard. Finally, he reached the island of Hawai‘i very hungry. They had a big feast filling everyonem including Paka‘a. But too many days passed, the food went scarce. There was only enough to feed the chiefs. Paka‘a knew that he must find his father soon before he dies of starvation.

Paka‘a prayed to the gods and hoped not to be caught. All of a sudden, shouting came from up the road and all the guards at the ali‘is house. When he went into the ali‘i‘s house, he immediately knew who his father was. He then jumped into his fathers lap and telling him who he is. Paka‘a‘s father was filled with joy to finally see his son. Kuanu‘uanu introduced his son to his chief, Keawenui. Keawenui told Paka‘a to learn from his father and someday soon, he should take his fathers place. told his Paka‘a to learn from his father. So that when his father dies, he will take his place. Paka‘a understood and learned well from his father