Our traditions include ho’ao pa’a (marriage), an ancient custom by which a man and a woman were bound in a lasting union; a man is not to desert his wife nor a woman her husband. Tradition includes a time that unions were divided into two classes, those in which a man took many wives and those of which a woman took many husbands, and the more commonplace marriage was of the one wife and one husband arrangement.  In ancient times, it was the aristocracy and privileged who afforded more than one wife or husband.

 In the interest to be betrothed, the parents of the boy (kane) and the girl (wahine) wishing to marry discussed the matter among themselves first.  Then later, after having parentally agreed, the kane and wahine were invited to share in hearing the wishes of the respective parents, and if agreeable, the two were united with a ho’hiki aku (vow) which commanded the kane take care of the wahine and the wahine take care of the kane.  They must learn to work in order to prepare for a life together. When the advising was pau (ended), the kane and wahine would honi (embrace) to seal the pact, and they became husband and wife.  This marriage is considered binding ‘til death.

 Another tradition of ho’ao pa’a (marriage), was for the man’s parents to send a messenger with gifts to the woman and her parents.  They were valuable ho’okupu (gifts) usually of hulu (feathers) of the mamo and ‘o’o birds for leis or capes, finely designed ahu pawehi (mats), pearls, ivory, tapa, fishnets, fish lines, iron adzes, pigs, dogs, fowl, poi, and other la’au (herbal, medicinal plants).  Then, the woman’s makua (parents) would in return send a messenger with lou (hooks) or lou ‘ulu (breadfruit hooks), attesting to the betrothal of the two parties to a bond in marriage.  As the marriage day approached, the relatives of the man and woman would prepare for a luau (feast).  It was the man’s relatives who built the hale (house) to host the marriage ceremony and feast, and the responsibility of both families to prepare the food.

 On the marriage day, the woman’s relatives gathered her property and other wai wai (goods) upon what looked like a decorated manele (stretcher) to the home of her husband-to-be.  Upon receiving them, the family of the husband to be gives the relatives of the woman, rich gifts and land if they had it.  Conversely, the woman’s relatives would offer the same. This last demonstration between the families on the wedding day was the last exchange to seal the relationship between the two families for a lifetime.

 An appropriate oli (chant) of ancient Hawaii was spoken by the kahu (leader or minister), that would help to guide the matrimonial ceremony.  Friends and family were encouraged to participate in the chanting as well. In ancient times, a kapa (cloth or tapa (bark cloth) was prepared by beating to form a cloth like substance.  From this substance, vibrant colors were designed into it from plant extract dyes, and this cloth would be used to drape the couple or held behind them throughout the ceremony, until the end, when the kapa enfolded them within it.  This kapa would be the enclosure for which the wedded couple would consummate their marriage, at the encouragement of their families and friends.

 A common thread in the tradition was that one would marry on the “huna moon” which was the 11^th day of the month, at sunrise; the beginning of a new day. 

                               Kahu Bernadette K. Park

Bibiliography:  “Ka Poe Kahiko” The People of Old

                 by Samuel Manaikalani Kamakau; 1931 Bishop

                 Museum Press; a me Kumu John Lake;

                 HWM Arts & Culture, April 2005