The name “Holaniku” at Keahole Point
Holaniku — is a hot mythical place said to have everything needed for mankind to survive.
“The lizard then said to Aukelenuiaiku: “Go and bring me two ape’ leaves.” When Aukelenuiaiku returned with the ape leaves he placed them in front of the lizard. The lizard then vomited onto the two leaves until they were covered over, and then it said to Aukelenuiaiku : “My grandson, look on these two leaves.” Aukele-nuiaiku obeyed and looked on. The lizard then continued: “Here are two lands on these two ape leaves, a large land and a small land; a warm and hot land, and a cold land. These two lands,” however, Holaniku and Holanimoe, are very beautiful lands and they possess everything necessary for the comfort of mankind; they possess food, fish, sugar-cane, potatoes, bananas, awa, breadfruit and all other things good to eat. Where I direct you there you must go.” (From Fornander)
http://www.archive.org/stream/memoirsofbernice04bern/memoirsofbernice04bern_djvu.txt
It’s also the name of the oldest island in the NWHI chain.
http://www.hawaiianatolls.org/research/NOWRAMP2002/journals/holaniku.php
It’s also the ancient name of a star.
Hō.lani
1. n. Name of a mythical place. Stars observed by priests were Hōlani-ali?i and Hōlani-kū.
Holaniku and renewable energy go hand in hand as the name is about a mythical place with renewable resources. It gives tribute to Hawaiian cosmonogy, which also includes Maui’s capturing of the sun. Further, the name connects Hawai`i Island, the youngest in the Hawaiian Chain to honor the oldest (Holaniku) and the Hawaiian life cycle and breathe new life into the name.
A very special mahalo to Trisha Kehaulani Watson, PhD for taking care of the research and cultural assistances in the selection of the project name.