02/25/2026
Join us THIS FRIDAY for a timeless tale of love, sacrifice, and courage in a time of repression and uncertainty, from the book Aloha Kāua. Join us at Native Books with author Nālani Helela and play director Ta**us Kinosh*ta
Aloha Kāua is a story about Kauikeaouli (Kamehameha |||), who fell in love with Kaomi, a kanaka who could heal with his hands, diagnose illnesses, and rebelled against the values and laws being imposed by the missionaries. As their love deepens, Kauikeaouli is inspired to resist oppressive colonial morality: he brings back hula, free love, drinking, and Makahiki. Outraged by Kauikeaouli making Kaomi his Mō’ī ku’i (joint king), Christian chiefs try to stop the young Kauikeaouli. Some resort to violence, turning their anger on Kaomi and demonizing him for leading the king down what they believed was a dangerous path.
E hele mai and experience this stirring story of love and courage from the time of our monarch.
Native Books at Arts & Letters
Friday, 27th at 5:30pm
1164 Nuuanu Ave