Legend of Ko`olau Free Performance

MACC News Release

Molokai residents will get a unique view into a facet of Hawaii history on Monday, Nov. 11with a free performance of “The Legend of Ko`olau.” The play by local author Gary T. Kubota is being offered on island by the Maui Arts & Cultural Center (MACC).

“The Legend Of Ko`olau”  is a one-man play, acted by Ed Ka`ahea and directed by Keo Woolford, telling the story of a Hawaiian man who became an “outlaw” while  trying to protect his family’s right to live on the land in Kauai after the loss of Hawaiian sovereignty in 1893.  The enforcement of leprosy laws at that time would have consigned  Kaluaiko`olau and his son to the “Living Grave” settlement at Kalaupapa, but Ko`olau’s wife  Pi`ilani was resolved  to keep the family together. Ko`olau had been a cowboy and fought against the militia, and he was an excellent marksman. These factors – as well as the vast wilderness of Kauai’s Kalalau Valley – contribute to his cause.

“The Legend of Ko`olau” is a tale of love and survival – don’t miss this riveting slice of Hawaiian history with the performance on Monday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m. at Hale Kulana `Oiwi, free of charge.

For more information about the play and social media links, visit mauiarts.org (“shows” tab) or   legendofkoolau.com.