et high and closely
interwoven.

But now the last crop of cane has been harvested from these graceful
mounds and their slopes are being prepared to receive the
dwelling-houses of any who choose--and can afford--to live in the
rarified atmosphere of romance that hangs about this Hawaiian Olympus.

Nor is the term Olympus as applied to these hills a redundant flight
of fancy. Long ago--many, many years before the haole came to plant
his sugar cane in their deep, rich soil--these hills were the homes of
several beautiful goddesses.

The makai and largest hill, called Halai, was the home of Hina Keahi,
eldest daughter of the goddess Hina, who lived at Waianuenue--the cave
behind Rainbow Falls in the Wailuku River--and sister of Maui the
demi-god. To Hina Keahi was given power over fire.

In many ways this young goddess aided her people, bestowing upon them
the blessing of protection from fire while teaching them many ways in
which to use it. The remarkable fact has often been noted, by the way,
that although the Hawaiians always lived in grass houses, seldom was
one known to be destroyed by fire. Hina Keahi was well beloved by her
people and her lightest commands were obeyed meticulously.

Food had always been plentiful in Hawaii. The people cultivated their
fields, which yielded bountifully. But one time the crops failed--grew
smaller and smaller--and began to shrivel up and die. Soon a famine
spread over the land. Crops were allowed to wholly perish because none
was strong enough to tend them.

Hina Keahi saw that unless something was done at once her beloved
followers would all die. Calling them about her she commanded that an
immense imu be dug in the top of Halai Hill. "Prepare a place for each
kind of food as though you were ready to fill the imu, then bring as
much firewood as you can," she ordered.

The starving people summoned new strength at this promise and worked
for many days preparing the enormous imu. Knowing a human sacrifice
would be offered as the only possible result of their labors, they
lived in fear and wondered who would be chosen. Still, they never once
thought of deserting their work and finally everything was in
readiness.

"Fill the imu with wood and heat it," commanded Hina.

As soon as this was done she turned to the wondering people and said:
"Listen to what I tell you, and follow my instructions. It is the only
way you can be saved from starvation. I will step into the imu and you