Ua Mau(Hosanna) | Kawaiahaʻo Church | Moralez Siblings

Written and Translated by Kä`eo Kawa`a - Moses W. Kaaneikawahaale Keale, more commonly known as Keale Ta Kaula (Keale, the prophet) was one of Ni`ihau's most famous and powerful christian leaders. Born in Kalalau, Kaua`i, about 1828, he was an excellent hunter, not brought up in the new christian religion. One day, as he was hunting, he followed a white goat up a cliff and became stranded on a ledge. A falling rock hit him, causing him to lose his balance and tumble into the river called Makani Kahoa. As he plummeted down the cliff, he called out, "If there really is a God, he will save me and I shall spend the rest of my life serving him". His fall was broken by a pandanus tree and he was pulled from the river by his dog. Another version varies a little, but the facts, the fall and rescue by his dog are the same in this story of his conversion. Keale started his first church in Waimea, Kaua`i and was led to Ni`ihau where he was greatly loved and respected as a kahu and for his gift of prophecy. Many songs were written in his honor and he in turn wrote many prayers and hymns for his church that are still used today.