KA ELELE (The Messenger). Honolulu, Oahu, Sept. 24, 1846. Buke 2 (Vol. 2), Pepa (no.) 12.   This is an exceptionally scarce original Hawaiian-language newspaper published during the constitutional era of the Kingdom of Hawaii. Edited under the direction of Rev. Richard Armstrong, Ka Elele ranks among the earliest and most important newspapers printed for Native Hawaiian readers. Appearing at a time when Hawaii possessed one of the world's highest literacy rates, the newspaper served as a principal vehicle for religious instruction, education, community correspondence, and news from throughout the Hawaiian Islands and the Pacific.
This issue contains numerous letters from Hawaiian communities, including Kohala, Kailua, Kipikipi, and Makawao, together with reports concerning Oregon, Fort Vancouver, California, Mexico, Great Britain, and the United States. 
In the world of rare print and Hawaiiana collecting, authentic mid-19th-century Hawaiian language newspapers are considered high-tier historical collectibles. Finding a complete issue outside of institutional archives is extremely uncommon.. Gregory's "Union List of American Newspapers" notes no institution has this date, with only scattered issues held by just 4 institutions.
Eight pages, 6 by 9 inches, archivally rejoined at the spine, the top of the second leaf has some loss affecting the title in the upper margin but not any text, a hint of minor foxing at some margins, generally in good condition.