Read this article in ʻŌlelo Hawaiʻi
By J. Kimo Alama Keaulana
It’s enjoyable to go visiting to places here in Hawaiʻi. There are many beautiful and wondrous places to see! There in the upland of Waiheʻe on the island of Maui is a lovely pool. It is Eleile.
Before going on a visit to Eleile, pray to the all-powerful God and to guardians. Protection from guardians will watch over you. When you travel in Waiheʻe Stream, do not shout along the way – be silent. The godly presences are in the forests.
As you near Eleile, the soothing voice of the waterfall in the cliffs can be heard. When you lift your eyes upward, the beauty of Eleile Falls is in view. When you gaze below, the beautiful pool is in plain sight.
Don’t descend into the water. The water below is deep and cold. You need to break off a stalk of tī-leaf. Toss the tī leaves into the water below.
Should the tī leaves swirl and open in the deep, dark water, you can go and swim in the pool. If the tī leaves swirl in the chilling water and close into a bud, observe the tī leaves. When the tī leaves disappear in the swirling current, the tī leaves were pulled under by a supernatural lizard. Eleile is the residence of that moʻo. Don’t go into the water!
Here’s some advice: Don’t wear yellow clothing in the mountains! Moʻo are attracted to and like yellow! Take care along your travels throughout Hawaiʻi.
Here are some lines in the beautiful song, Eleile, a song for Kaʻiulani:
For the loveliness of tī leaves is love,
That return in a bud in the water,
Here is your fitting companion,
Like [is] the woman of the shade.
