Editing Lono (section)

==Other Lonos (different cultures and beliefs)==
Better known to the Hawaiian mythology is an earlier Lono-i-ka-makahiki from the [[ʻUmi]] line of ruling Hawaii Island [[aliʻi]] (i.e., chiefs, royalty). This Lono was born and raised near the graves of [[Keaweʻīkekahialiʻiokamoku|Keawe]] and his descendants, which were near the place of Captain Cook's monument. This Lono may have cultivated the arts of warfare and puns as well as riddle games and spear-dodging games for the Makahiki.<ref name="Beckwith"/>

However, it is unlikely either late ruling chiefs on the ʻUmi line was the mythological Lono who departed to Kahiki. Both chiefs were born in Hawaii, and no legend tells of either of them sailing away with a promise to return. A more plausible candidate for the god Lono is the legendary Laʻa-mai-Kahiki (i.e., the "Sacred-one-from-[[Tahiti]]), who purportedly lived several centuries earlier.

Laʻa came as a younger member of the Moikeha family of North Tahiti, older members of whom had settled earlier in the Hawaiian archipelago. He brought with him a small hand-drum, and a flute for the [[hula]]. Upon his arrival, the locals heard his flute and the rhythm of the new drumbeat, believing it was the god [[Kupulupulu]].

Kupulupulu was worshiped as god of the hula, who also took the form of the flowering [[Metrosideros polymorpha|lehua]] tree as well as the god of native fauna that sustained early Polynesian settlers. Especially on Oahu, this Laʻa-mai-kahiki took wives in various districts. Oahu Island was the stronghold of Lono's worship, where many families claimed descent from La'a. He seems to have sailed back to Tahiti at least once before his final departure. This traveler of a great Tahitian family, who appeared like a god, enriched the New Year festivals with games and drama, ultimately influencing the Hawaiians into believing he was a god.<ref name="Beckwith" />