The Holua-Sliding Sled

—:OF THE:—

Princess

KANEAMAMA

—:OF:—

Hookena, South Kona,

Hawaii.

On the 6th of this November, found in a hidden cave in Hookena, South Kona, on the island of Hawaii, was a holua-sliding board of ancient times of Hawaii. This surfboard [sic] was found by our companion and good friend, Mr. N. K. Pukui, one of the young gentlemen travelling about for the group, “The Hawaiian Realty and Maturity Co.” When he found this board, the kamaaina of Hookena told him, this finding of the sled was new to them.

It is believed that this holua board was left in that cave for two-hundred years, from the time of Keawenuiaumi, the King of Hawaii.

According to the understanding of the oldsters of Hookena, they remember the words of their parents and grandparents, that it was a holua-sliding board of a chiefess of Hookena from long ago, named Kaneamama, and her older sister was the kaukau alii of Keauhou. These women, they were women who loved recreation. While Kaneamama was ruling Hookena, she declared to her people [kanaua? kanaka?] that they were to build a sledding course. This course was completed, and that chiefess rode upon this board. It is said that there is no sled equal to this one in any museum all over the world. This sled was made from breadfruit wood, and it is a thing of beauty to behold.

A surfboard was also found. These boards can be seen in the Office of the Group, “The Hawaiian Realty and Maturity Co.,” here in Honolulu.

(Na’i Aupuni, 12/6/1905, p. 2)

Na'i Aupuni, Buke I, Helu 9, Aoao 2. Dekemaba 6, 1905.