Mo'olelo of 'Akaka Falls

In Hilo (near Honomu, Hawai'i), is 'Akaka Falls State Park, which was named after chief ‘Akaka o ka nī’au pi’o ka wao, the grandson of Kūlanikapele and Kīakalohia.

The waters of ‘Akaka, which leap downward, with mist flying up the cliff of Kīakalohia

Chief, ‘Akaka, lived in the Honomu village (near the falls) with his wife and dog. He had 2 mistresses; Lehua (lived on the north side) and Maile (lived on the south side). When his wife left to visit family in Hilo, ‘Akaka visited the mistresses. She returned earlier than expected.

Akaka Falls. Hilo, HI

‘Akaka was with Lehua, when he saw his wife, who started to search for him. He left Lehua's hut and crossed the south side of the gulch to Maile’s hut. His wife was able to follow him from the smell of the grass he wore. He panicked when she began to call out his name, so he left the hut to Honomu village by shortcut. Alone with thoughts, he was ashamed of his poor behavior. His wife was young, beautiful and faithful. On mo’olelo state, she supported him as chief and was trustworthy, which lead him to be deceived by his actions.

‘Akaka (with his dog) walked to the cliff, looked at the huts of his mistresses, and then descended into the pool below where he transformed into stone. His dog hesitated to follow and transformed into stone. His wife frantically rushed and called out his name. When she reached the edge of the cliff, her grief and cries transformed her into a rock. The rock and stone are located at the top of the falls. ‘Akaka, his wife, and dog will forever be together.

Mistresses, Lehua and Maile mourned and cried over the death of their beloved, they eventually transformed into 2 small cascading falls nearby (Lehua Falls and Maile Falls).

Like many mo’oleo, there are different versions. One story, I read said he tripped and fell over the edge. Another stated, he reached the edge and transformed into stone, which fell into the pool below.

On a still moonlit night, you can hear the cries of ‘Akaka’s wife in the distance. If you strike the large rock at the top of the falls with a lehua twig or wrap a maile lei around, rainfall will appear. 'Akaka's wife is crying for him.

At the state park, Kapuna and Akaka Falls are viewed with an easy hike: railings and stairs. Kapuna Falls was a bit harder to see (see picture below) with all the greenery surrounding the area. The lookout location was very small. You have just a few minutes to glance, take a photo, and allow the next person to view.

Kapuna Falls - In the far distance

But, visiting Akaka and Kapuna Falls was absolutely beautiful. The lookout to Akaka Falls was much bigger and well shaded. I had a bit of fun with my pictures.

XO – R. Mae

How to say:

‘Akaka o ka nī’ au pi’o ka wao (ah kah kah / oh / kah / kneee! / ahoo / pee! oh / kah / wahoo)

Kūlanikapele (kooo lah knee kah pay lay)

Kīakalohia (keee ah kah loh hee ah)

Mo’olelo (moh! / oh lae loh)

Honomu (hoh noh moo)

Lehua (lay hoh ah)

Maile (mm i lay)

Akaka Falls State Park // 28-875 Akaka Falls Rd, Hilo, Hawai`i

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P.S. For more reading on Akaka Falls... I provided the markers below that talk about the State Park.