Kailua’s role in Hawaiian mythology

Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and Le Jardin Academy are putting Kailua on the map — of mythology. “Hi‘iaka’s Journey through Kailua,” the first in a series of 12 Hawaiian cultural education presentations, will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. May 28 at LJA’s Dahl Multipurpose Room.

Kumu hula Mapuana deSilva and historian Kihei deSilva will discuss the little-known role Kailua played in the story of Hi‘iakaikapoliopele on her journey from Hawaii island to Kauai and back.

The most popular version of the story, Pele and Hi‘iaka: A Myth from Hawaii, by Nathaniel Emerson, does not mention Hi‘iaka’s stop in Kailua, but three Hawaiian-language newspapers from the mid-19th to early 20th centuries offer different versions of the story that include Hi‘iaka’s Kailua-based encounters with the vain Apuakea, her first love Kaanahau and Kawainui’s two guardians, Hauwahine and Kahalakea.

The presentation also will feature an oli and a hula performance.

The free event is sponsored by A&B Kailua, and includes a light dinner. Guests can sign in starting at 6 p.m.

For more information, call 351-0943 or email kalanikaanaana@gmail.com.