[1] Hui, an elided form of huli, the l being dropped.
[2] Paoa. One Hawaiian says this should be pahoa. (Paulo Hokii.)
The Paoa mentioned in verse eight was a divining rod used to determine the suitability of any spot for Pele's excavations. The land must be proof against the entrance of sea water. It also served as a spade in excavating for a volcanic crater.
When a suitable place was finally discovered on Hawaii, the Paoa staff was planted in Panaewa and became a living tree, multiplying itself until it was a forest. The writer's informant says that it is a tree known to the present generation of men. "I have seen sticks cut from it," said he, "but not the living tree itself."
[3] O Ahu. The particle o is not yet joined to its substantive, as in Oahu, the form we now have.
[4] Pola, the raised platform in the waist of the canoe, a place of honor.
[5] This Laupahoehoe is to be distinguished from that in Hilo.
[6] Ua, rain. It is suggested this may refer--sarcastically--to the watery secretion in Pele's eyes, as found in old people.
[8] Loiloi. If a chief was not pleased or satisfied with a gift, loiloi would express his state of mind.
[9] Elua oiwi, literally, two shapes. Pele had many metamorphoses.
[11] This Pohakau was the friend, previously mentioned, who had brought to Pele the faithful dog that lay fasting and mourning at Lohiau's grave. Pohakau remained at Pele's court; the dog Pele hid away in her own secret place.
[13] Kaupaku o ka hale o kaua. A hidden reference to sexual intercourse.
[15] Kamaaina, a resident, one acquainted with the land.
[16] Ele-i. One Hawaiian says this rare word means blue-black, shiny black (J. W. P.); another says it means rich, choice, select (T. J. P.)
[17] Ka, to remove, clean up entirely, as in bailing a canoe.
[19] Ne, an elided poetical form of nele, meaning gone, blotted out.
[20] Piko, the navel. The belly, or piko, of a fish was the choicest part. "I ka piko no oe, lihaliha." Eat of the belly and you shall be satiated. (Old saying.)
[21] Hu-la. (Notice the accent to distinguish it from hula.) To dig up, as a stone out of the ground.
[22] Kukui, the tree whose nuts furnished torches.
[23] Uli, an elder sister of Pele, a character much appealed to by sorcerers.