Kai o Kauhako

When the month of July rolls around in the coastal village of Ho'okena, excitement builds as preparations begin for the annual Outrigger 'Ono Fishing Tournament.  Ho'okena and Miloli'i remain some of the last fishing villages on the Kona side of the island where nā kānaka lawai'a still use canoes to fish for 'ono, aku, ahi, 'opelu, and other kinds of prized and cherished fish.  This past July 2014 marked the 31st annual fishing tournament down at Ho'okena.  My father was a participant this past year, as he has been every year of the tournament since it's beginnings in the early 80's, and got the award for the most fish caught.  The previous year, 2013, my father placed 1st at the 30th annual tournament, with a beautiful prize 'Ono of 44lbs! My husband was his co-captain, and my two sons were their crew.  It was a happy day for the family!!!  The annual fishing tournament brings home family members of those who once lived, fished, worked, and played in the village of Ho'okena and neighboring village of Kealia.  Many who have moved far away from the sunny shores of their youth, return at this time of year to participate in the 'Ono tournament, or to simply be a part of the festivities centered around it.  These festive activities usually include a lot of delicious food from the area, caught and cooked right there at Ho'okena, as well as hearty beverages!! The launching of the canoes takes place around 5am from Kauhako Bay, the waters on the cliff side of the famous and historic Kupa Landing.  Fishermen are out until the weigh in which is held around 11am.  There is lots of excitement and anticipation in the air as everyone makes there way over from the weigh in to the lunch and awards celebration under the pavilion. Add some music, kanikapila, and hula into the mix, as well as the underlying spirit of friendly competition as the awards are announced, and it is safe to say...a good time is had by all!  From the kūpuna giggling and singing in the shade, to the keiki running around and playing in the sand, and the auntys' talking story, getting the food ready, and the  fisherman talking about their 'Ono run,  there is a feeling of peace and happiness encompassing all...reminiscent of earlier, simpler times when community and 'ohana came first.  

     There was a time when I hadn't been to the 'Ono tournament for many years.  My life had taken me away from the ocean of my youth  on journeys that were far and different.  I traveled throughout and lived in different islands, states, and continents.  I followed many paths....in search of a greater understanding of others as well as myself, and my place in this world.  That's another story for another time, but eventually  my path leads me back to Ho'okena as I move into a house in the same village my 'ohana was from for several generations.  I find my way back to the 'Ono tournament after some 15+ years of not attending, as it is the buzz of the village and when you're living in the village there is no bypassing it.  That year was a homecoming in many ways, July 2008.  My father entered the tournament that year, with my brother as his co-captain, who was home visiting from college that summer.  They placed third that year, and I remember driving down to the festivities and joining everyone in the celebration.  It was so wonderful to see all these people, extended 'ohana as well as close 'ohana, and I couldn't believe I had been away so long.  The kids were playing and swimming, and the adults were singing and laughing and just enjoying being with one another.  I remember coming home that evening feeling very piha, full.  My heart was happy and whole.  It was a moment of reconnection, not only to a place and people that I came from, but to that part of me I had not recognized in a long time.   So, in that feeling of fullness, contentment, and happiness in the recollection of the day's experiences... a mele started to come to me.  It was a mele of the 'Ono tournament, that sang of the ocean, the fishermen and their preparations, the 'ohana that waited back on land for them, and the exciting moment when they returned home to the beach with their canoes full of fish.  That mele became Kai O Kahauko....my first song ever on the radio, my song to dedicated to my father and brother, my song of reconnection.......

Kai O Kauhako --- By Kanani Enos , July 2008

Vs.1

E hele kākou i ke kai o Kauhako   Let's go to the bay of Kauhako

A 'ike i nā wa'a o nā kānaka lawai'a.  To see the canoes of the fisherman

Vs. 2

E lawai'a kākou i ke kai mālie.  Let's go fishing in the calm ocean

E ho'omākaukau i nā mākoi.    And prepare our fishing poles

Vs. 3

Le'ale'a kākou i ke kai o Ho'okena.   Let's have fun in the ocean of Ho'okena 

A 'ike i nā keiki pā'ani i ke one.    Watching the children play in the sand

Vs. 4

E luana kākou me nā kamali'i.       Let's relax with the little ones

'Au'au i ka loko hiamoe i ka malu.   And swim in the pond, and rest in the shade

Vs. 5

Puana kēia no ke kai o Kauhako.   This is my refrain of the ocean of Kauhako

E ho'i hou nā wa'a me nā i'a nui.     The canoes return with plentiful fish for all