In the district of Ka‘u, spread across the Kama‘oa Plain, live the Children of the Gourd. This magical tale delves into the past to reveal how the people of this region came to be named.

During the old days of Hawai‘i, a young man and woman fell in love. Though both were descended from chiefs, their relationship was looked down upon. And so, the young couple ran away together, accompanied by many who cared for them. They crossed the Kama‘oa Plain, along the flank of Mauna Loa, where they settled near the shore and thrived. Then tragedy struck, and the new community was threatened.

Follow in the footsteps of the chief as he makes his way from Kama‘oa to Kapu‘a, guided by a magical green vine. What he finds at the end of his journey solidifies the future of his people.

Caren Ke‘ala Loebel-Fried beautifully depicts the love story between the two ali‘i and the miracle that comes to pass after a tragic death. The 36 pages are fully illustrated in hand-colored block prints, accompanied by Hawaiian language text, and followed by cultural information about the gourd, its uses and significance in ancient Ka‘u.

Adapted and illustrated by Caren Ke‘ala Loebel-Fried, a storyteller and second-generation carver who learned the ancient art of block printing from her mother. Her inspiration comes from the legends and natural world of Hawai‘i, and her illustrations and stories have appeared in many books and magazines.

Translator Kaliko Beamer-Trapp has been involved in the revitalization of the Hawaiian language for over 15 years, and was formally adopted into the Beamer family by Nona Beamer in 1995. He currently lives in Hilo, Hawai‘i.