The Kingdom of Heaven & The Kingdom of Hawaiʻi
Sharing the gospel message through the history of Hawaiʻi.
Moʻolelo Kūʻiʻo Apologetics Series – Volume 2
The Black Box: A Lesson in How to Embellish Hawaiʻi’s Christian History
Moʻolelo Kūʻiʻo is releasing the second book in our Apologetics Series, uncovering the truth behind one of Hawaiʻi’s most persistent modern myths, the so-called “Black Box Bible” said to have been brought ashore by the first missionaries in 1820 .
This work traces how a simple tourist guide reference to a “square box” in 1923–1936 was gradually transformed into a mystical “Black Box” prophecy through embellishments in travelogues, newspaper columns, and even James Michener’s, Hawaii. Despite its popularity in churches and on the internet, no missionary-era sources confirm the existence of a “Black Box.”
Instead, the book shows how folklore, fiction, and cultural reinterpretation blurred into myth, overshadowing the real and powerful story of the gospel’s arrival in Hawaiʻi, the lives of ʻŌpūkahaʻia, Hopu, and the missionary company, and the monumental turning of Hawaiʻi toward Christ. Our team has uncovered the surprising truth.
Io ‘Supreme God of Polynesia’
Mo‘olelo Kū‘i‘o’s report explores the historical origins of the "Cult of Io," a movement some evangelical churches now equate with the Judeo-Christian God. The report argues that linking Hawai‘i’s pre-Christian history to Biblical beliefs misrepresents both Hawaiian culture and historical facts.
Before Christian influence, Hawaiians adhered to the ‘Ai Kapu system, which was later abandoned, leading to widespread evangelism and literacy through the Hawaiian Bible (Baibala Hemolele). A modern narrative claims Hawaiians were a lost tribe of Israelites who originally worshiped Io as the Biblical God. The report disputes this, presenting evidence to counter the claim and inviting readers to review the findings.
The History of Concerts of Prayer
Mo’olelo Kū’i’o partner and lead archivist, Chris Cook, has put together a short booklet on the history of concerts of prayer in the Hawaiian islands. Let this article inspire you to take up the mantle of prayer for the lost in our islands once again. God longs to see the lost come to himself and for the body of Christ to be united in prayer and worship.
Materials for Learning
All of our sources are first edition primary sources, manuscripts, and artifacts. We use these sources to tell and equip people with the true history of Hawai’i during the monarchy period til its illegal overthrow and eventual annexation.
Merchandise
Exciting news! We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Aloha Ke Akua clothing company to offer a fantastic selection of high-quality, comfortable t-shirts. This collaboration goes beyond clothing; it represents our shared values and commitment to spreading the message of God’s kingdom.
“No ka mea, ua aloha nui mai ke Akua i ko ke ao nei, no laila, ua hāʻawi mai ʻo ia i kāna Keiki hiwahiwa, i ʻole e make ka mea manaʻoʻiʻo iā ia, akā, e loaʻa iā ia ke ola mau loa.”
— MOKUNA III:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
— JOHN 3:16