Handmade kapa, archival ink. Pattern tells the legend of Hawai'i Loa. Framed in koa.

The Legend of Hawai'i Loa
There are many versions of this legend. In all of them, though, Chief Hawai'i Loa is credited with the discovery of the Hawaiian Islands.

Chief Hawai'i Loa set off in three canoes on a purposeful voyage. With his chief navigator, Makali'i, they were led by birds, sharks and stars until they reached land. They arrived at the easternmost island of the Hawaiian chain. They went ashore and found the land fertile and pleasant, and the Chief gave the land his name, Hawai'i. After dwelling there for some time, when enough provisions were to be had, they set off on a return voyage to their homeland. Much time passed before they would return to Hawai’i. When they did, Chief Hawai'i Loa brought his wife and children and a great crowd of men, steersmen, navigators, shipbuilders and others. He called the islands after the names of his children and the stars after his navigators and steersmen. On their voyage here, the star Hokule’a was the bright star which they followed.