How Kamehameha II Broke the Taboos

Kamehameha II made the modern luau possible. He was a snappy dresser, too.

How Kamehameha II Broke the Taboos

by Dorine C., March 2, 2020

Hawaiian King Kamehameha II
Kamehameha II broke the taboos. He was a snappy dresser, too.

Hawaii is an enchanting place to visit, with beautiful weather, gorgeous landscapes, a relaxed vibe, and friendly locals. Lovely music and delicious food are plentiful, both of which are best enjoyed among good company.

But what if we told you that things weren’t always so free-flowing, and there was once an era of very strict rules and prohibitions? Cue dramatic music.

The social-religious system that existed in Hawaii before 1819 would be viewed as extremely harsh in today’s world. So, just how unpleasant about it?

Let’s dive into what exactly the old system entailed and meet the bold man who single-handedly disrupted its course. In the process, he helped create the beautiful Hawaiian luau we know and love today.

This is the story of how King Kamehameha II broke the taboos once and for all.

The Old Laws

Punishments for breaking the rules were swift and not at all fun
Punishments for breaking the rules were swift and not at all fun

The ancient Hawaiian religious and social system was known as kapu (the Hawaiian-language variant of the Polynesian word tabu, or taboo). Kapu included a strict code of conduct, laws, and consequences that were brutally enforced. This system affected all aspects of Hawaiian life including gender roles, politics, religion, and lifestyle.

There were many restrictions imposed on the Hawaiian people under kapu, with many of the most extreme ones being applied to women. The system itself was based on beliefs about mana, or spiritual power. The word “kapu” is usually translated as “forbidden.”

If a rule was broken or an offense was committed it was considered kapu and this was strictly enforced. The offender was often sentenced to death even if the kapu was committed unintentionally. Individuals within the community were assigned the role of ‘ilamuku—law enforcer—and were responsible for tracking down kapu breakers.

People were put to death by clubbing, stoning, strangulation, drowning, or burning. The system and its application were relentless. There was no questioning, trial, or compassion offered for offenders, they were immediately put to death. Often the accused would take their own life before the ‘ilamuku got to them.

Lots of Rules About Food

Various classifications of kapu centered on different relationships within the ancient Hawaiian communities. Ai kapu was the system that dictated what type of contact between men and women was permitted. Ai kapu loosely translates to ‘sacred eating’ and it was strictly prohibited for men and women to eat together at any time.

Legend says that this law was created by Wakea, the sky god. Wakea wanted to sleep with his daughter (the gods had different rules, obviously), so this law was developed so that he could pursue his daughter while his wife was eating. This way his actions would not draw any suspicion. As we said, different rules.

Not only were women prohibited from dining with men, but what they were allowed to eat was regulated as well. The most sacred foods were off-limits to women. This prohibition included 67 of the 70 varieties of pork (who would have imagined there were that many), bananas, coconuts, taro, and certain fish.

As if declaring that women could not eat these delicious foods wasn’t bad enough, they weren’t even allowed to be a part of their preparation or in many cases even touch them. Women were also not permitted to enter the home while their husbands were eating. The system went even further, by prohibiting women from having anything to do with other applications of these foods. For example, they could not make or use coconut rope.

There were also some seemingly random rules applied under this system such as when fisherman were setting their hooks everyone in the community had to remain quiet. There was probably a good reason for this.

Hail to the Chief – Or Else

Chief Sielu Avea
Chief Sielu of Chief’s Luau is a real Chief, but he won’t kill you if your shadow falls on his house

Kapuhili were restrictions (yes, more restrictions) that dictated the type of contact that could be had with ali’i, or chiefs. These rules applied to all people who were considered to have known spiritual power.

Some of the things that were prohibited are not things that anyone would likely want to do anyway. When entering a chief’s area, regular folk were not allowed to come in contact with his hair or fingernail clippings.  They were also not allowed to look directly at him or be in his sight with their head at a higher point than his.

If red or yellow feathers were worn it was considered kapu as these colors were reserved for royalty. When the chiefs or other high-standing community members, ate the people around him (or her: women could also be chiefs) had to kneel. Commoners could also be put to death if their shadow happened to fall on a chief—even on his home.

One had to be on constant guard if one wanted to make it to suppertime!

From a modern perspective, the only real purpose of the kapu system was so that those at the top of the hierarchy could maintain their positions of power. But people believed what they were told: that the gods guided the system and by breaking the kapu, the gods would become angered and would bring their wrath down on the entire community.

When Kamehameha II Broke the Taboos

The kapu system was in effect until 1819 when King Kamehameha II shook things up. He smashed the taboo/kapu codes by sharing a meal with the Queen and his mother (two different women).

Kamehameha II took the throne in 1819 and after only six months in power, he brought the ancient kapu social-religious system to an end. Yup, Kamehameha II broke the taboos over dinner. This shocking act dramatically altered the fabric of Hawaiian culture and changed the everyday lives of ordinary people.

After that night, there was a period known as ai noa, which translates to “free eating.” In this time of taboo-breaking, women were allowed to eat with men and consume previously forbidden food. The priests were no longer permitted to offer human sacrifices to the gods. And the people said, “Whew.”

Kamehameha II and his queen both died of measles contracted during a visit to London in 1824. While his ruling style was certainly different from that of his predecessors, he did bring about much-needed change in Hawaiian society.

The King’s Legacy

Kalua pig is one of the traditional foods found at every luau
It’s just not a luau without a roasted pig

King Kamehameha’s memorable act of dining with women is what paved the way for the beautiful tradition of luau as we know it today.

His successor, King Kamehameha III, felt like he needed to one-up his predecessor, by throwing one of the biggest luaus to date. Over 1800 guests attended, 271 roasted pigs were served, 3,125 salted fish, 2,245 coconuts, and 4,000 taro plants – now that’s a feast!

During early luaus, then called aha’aina, all dishes were enjoyed with one’s hands. Everyone was seated on mats on the ground. Large groups of people would gather around leaf-adorned tables that were decorated with flowers and other beautiful natural elements. Food was always abundant.

Over time the luau has grown to become an important and enjoyable part of Hawaiian life. A luau is a traditional feast and gathering that is accompanied by entertainment. The name “luau” comes from a popular—and delicious—dish at these feasts: a mix of squid or chicken with shredded taro leaves (luau in Hawaiian). Other dishes at a traditional luau include poi, kalua pig, poke, lomi lomi salmon, and haupia.

The gathering always centers around traditional Hawaiian music and of course, the beautiful dance style known as hula. Hula dancing was the main form of entertainment. Samoan Fire knife dancing was later introduced and quickly became popular as well.

Modern Luaus

Nearly every luau offers hula lessons. Just go with it.
Nearly every luau offers hula lessons. Just go with it.

Luaus are happy celebrations filled with color, culture, food, music, and love. The modern luau continues to entertain and bring joy to those who attend and participate. There are two main occasions when Hawaii locals typically host luaus: a child’s first birthday and high school graduation.

Luaus are also now a big draw to tourists and offer visitors the chance to have an authentic experience complete with food, dancing, music, and picturesque surroundings.

Since 1819 the world has become a much more diverse place, and increased travel has brought visitors from all over the globe to Hawaii. As a result, the modern-day luau experience has become somewhat of a melting pot itself.

A luau now represents our multicultural society, and the food and entertainment have evolved to be as diverse as we are. A luau is a must-do when visiting the islands. You’re sure to enjoy yourself during this beautiful celebration of Hawaiian pride.

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