Polynesian. [volume] (Honolulu [Oahu], Hawaii) 1844-1864, 1852-03-20
For the Polynesian.

Dear Sir.-I am sitting in neat native house
in the delightful valley of Halawa. The precipi-
ces on either hand and in front of me rise from 300
to 500 feet and are clothed with verdure to their
SUBMITS Over two of these, in plain view, fall
two magnificent cascades of some 4 or 500 feet de-
scent, which some distance below unite their wa
ters and form rapid, serpentne, beautiful stream,
which after supplying the large kao grounds of the
valley with water, gldes directly by me into the
sea. An ancient grove of Kamani under the brow
of the opposite hill, gives variety to the scene
while the restless surf thunders its eternal base
close in the rear.
Halawa is romantic and charming spot; no one
can approach it from the south and look down from
the heights which overhang it without emotions of
awe. Its great depth almost makes you dizzy,
while its regular, clean and well cultivated kalo
lands, ornamented by the pearly stream above men,
toned, thrill you with sense of the beautiful
Formerly the village was populous. Less than 20
years ago it numbered six or seven hundred souls;
but now all told, there are less than 300. Besides
having had its full share in the bill of mortality
from other causes, the late epidemic took off one
in five. Many of the inhabitants are professors of
religion and the quiet and harmony, for which this
village is remarkable, as well their selfdenia,
and pecuniary sacrifices, both for the support of
religion among themselves, and for its spread to
other parts the world, is pleasing evidence that
their professions are sincere. Previous to the late
distressing epidemic, they had completed the walls
of fine stone meeting house, and had got ready
h., tbo III 4
with sickness, and the most terrible flood of rain
ever witnessed, occurred at the time and destroyed
the house. Not discouraged by this, they soon
commenced another. In this they were more sue
cessful, and have Just now completed church ed
fce 60 feet by 30, of stone lad up in lime mortar
1t is shingled lathed, and plastered has windows
of "a panes each, together with neat pulpit and
gallery. For such handful of men the work has
been gigantic one, and has been effected only by
perseverance which should shield them from the
imputation of want of enterprise SO commonly made
of Hawaiians. The timbers for the building were
dragged by hand great distance, over deep guches
and almost perpendicular precipices, an Herculean
labor in which men, women and children shared.
The lime stone was all brought the distance of
miles in whale boats over rough part of the sea,
and procuring the wood for burning it was an
equally laborious task. The foreign materials were
all cash, and some of them at high prices. And
the same is true of the and carpenters work.
Notwithstanding the burden of this building upon
them, they contributed over 500 tor the spread of
the gospel abroad, during the year 1851; beside
doing more than their share towards my support.
They are now in debt for the building some $50
dollars. But hope to be out of debt before night
The object of my visit is to be present at an aha
alma, one design of which is to raise money to
discharge the debt. The valley is filled with
guests from every part of the island, and Lahana.
AS prelude to the enjoyment of the feast there
are to be religious services in the new house.
After service, the people are to be called upon to
contribute as each one feels disposed. The ladies
it seems are to walk in procession In three bands
each dressed in its own uniform. One, numbering
60. all from I.ahaina, and followed by several of
the other sex, and dressed in green sacks, yellow
skirts, white stockings polished shoes, and beauti-
fuIIv trimmed bonnets, are this moment passing by
in single file and measured step, while the two
other companies, in whose costume the white pre-
yails are making their way in the same order from
another part of the village. And now as they will
all soon be seated and prepared for the meeting,
will lay aside my pen for the present. and give you
the sequel after it has transpired.
The exercises in the new meeting house are
through, and rarely have ever witnessed more
interesting occasion Of the kind. The house was
fun while hundreds were standing without; all
were neatly atired and cheerfulness smiled through
the assembly. Excellent attention was paid to q
short discourse, adapted to the occasion; after
which an appeal for aid in discharging the debt
was made to the congregation. Upon this the
guests from Lahaina rose, en- mass ana stepped
forward one BY one and cast IN then offerings sor