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Photo source: Souza, Na Karanne (Naliʻi). “Ahupuaʻa ʻO Kāneʻohe Bay.” ArcGIS StoryMaps, 1 July 2021, https://storymaps.arcgis.com/stories/08b1e3ecb52d4b98b5d5b149e7476ee2

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The ahupuaʻa system, an ingenious land management practice of Native Hawaiians, provides a model of living in harmony with nature. The ahupuaʻa of Kāneʻohe, located on the windward side of Oʻahu, highlights this balance through its history, ecosystems, and modern restoration efforts. At its heart lies Heʻeia, a place of deep cultural, ecological, and historical significance.

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Ahupuaʻa were traditional land divisions stretching from mauka to makai, designed to ensure sustainable use of resources across ecosystems. Kāneʻohe's ahupuaʻa surrounds the Koʻolau mountain range, the Heʻeia wetlands, and Kāneʻohe Bay. These areas worked in harmony to provide water, food and materials for the community, creating a self-sustaining environment.

The Heʻeia ahupuaʻa stands out for its exceptional natural and cultural resources. Its wetlands, traditional fishponds and loʻi kalo were integral to food production and remain vital to ongoing restoration efforts.

Photo Source: Kāneʻohe Ahupuaʻa: Koʻolaupoko, Oʻahu

https://avakonohiki.weebly.com/k257ne699ohe--m333kapu.html

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Photo Source: Maly, Kepa, and Onaona Maly. Hakipuʻu. Images of Old Hawaiʻi, 2012., imagesofoldhawaii.com/he%CA%BBeia/.

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Heʻeia is one of the most well-preserved examples of a functioning ahupuaʻa system. Its loko iʻa, or traditional fishponds, exemplifies Native Hawaiian ingenuity. Built over 800 years ago, this stone-walled fishpond uses brackish water to cultivate fish sustainably. These structures reflect a deep understanding of marine ecosystems and remain a focal point of cultural revitalization today.

The Heʻeia wetlands are equally remarkable. Once degraded by invasive species and urban development, the area is undergoing extensive restoration. Managed by organizations like Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi and The Nature Conservancy, the wetlands are being cleared of invasive plants and replanted with native species like ʻaeʻae and ʻākulikuli. These efforts enhance biodiversity, improve water quality, and revive traditional agricultural practices.

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Photo Source: Leong, Lavonne. “From the Mountain to the Sea: Saving the Heeia Ahupuaa.” Honolulu Magazine, 22 Mar. 2022, www.honolulumagazine.com/from-the-mountain-to-the-sea-saving-the-heeia-ahupuaa/.  

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Heʻeia’s connection to Kāneʻohe Bay underscores the ahupuaʻa's reliance on interconnected ecosystems. Kāneʻohe Bay, the largest sheltered bay in Hawaiʻi, is home to diverse marine life, including limu, fish and coral reefs. These resources were central to the diet and culture of Native Hawaiians.

Marine red algae, such as limu kohu and limu pālahalaha, thrived in Heʻeia’s nutrient-rich waters. Isabella Aiona Abbott's research highlights the importance of these species, which were sustainably harvested for generations. Efforts to restore the bay, such as controlling invasive algae and reviving native corals, align with traditional values of mālama ʻāina.

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Photo Source: “Hawaii: Reviving Wetlands in Heʻeia.” The Nature Conservancy, www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/heeia/  Accessed 16 Nov. 2024. 

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Restoration Efforts: A Community-Driven Approach

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Restoration Efforts: A Community-Driven Approach

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The Heʻeia ahupuaʻa is a hub for modern restoration projects that integrate traditional knowledge with contemporary science. Notable initiatives include:

Heʻeia Fishpond Restoration: Paepae o Heʻeia, a nonprofit organization, leads efforts to rebuild the fishpond’s walls, remove invasive species, and revive traditional aquaculture. This work not only supports sustainability but also serves as a living classroom for the community.

Heʻeia National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR): Designated in 2017, this federally recognized reserve focuses on research, education, and stewardship. It protects Heʻeia’s wetlands, streams, and coastal areas while fostering collaboration between scientists, cultural practitioners, and the local community.

Wetland Revitalization: Kākoʻo ʻŌiwi’s work to restore the wetlands includes planting native crops like kalo and sweet potato and creating economic opportunities for the community through sustainable agriculture.

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Photo Source: “Hawaiʻi Island’s Unique Ahupuaʻa and Diverse Districts - Volcano Heritage Cottages.” Volcano Heritage Cottages - Just Another WordPress Site, 10 Dec. 2021, volcanoheritagecottages.com/2021/12/10/hawaii-islands-unique-ahupuaa-and-diverse-districts/. 

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Kaiholena, in the leeward region of Kohala on Hawaiʻi Island, offers a glimpse into the ingenuity and spirituality of ancient Hawaiian land stewardship. This ahupuaʻa, with its dry yet fertile landscapes, deep cultural significance, and ongoing conservation efforts, is a testament to the sustainability and innovation of Native Hawaiian communities.

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In Kaiholena, the landscape ranges from the dry uplands of Kohala to the fertile coastal plains. Despite its arid climate, the region supported a thriving community, thanks to carefully engineered agricultural practices and an intimate understanding of natural systems.

The Kohala region, where Kaiholena is located, is home to one of the oldest systems of field agriculture in the Hawaiian Islands. Extensive dryland farming systems, documented by archaeologists such as Julie Field and Patrick Kirch, reveal how early Hawaiians cultivated crops like ʻuala and ʻulu in challenging environments. These systems allowed the community to thrive while preserving the land for future generations.

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Kaiholena is more than a physical place; it is a wahi pana, or storied place, deeply tied to Hawaiian spirituality and history. The valley is considered a sacred site, home to burial caves, ancient trails and temples. Oral traditions and historical accounts highlight Kaiholena as a place where aliʻi and commoners honored their ancestors and maintained a spiritual connection to the ʻāina.

In her writings, Keala Ching describes Kaiholena as a "magical valley of ancestors," a place filled with mana where the legacy of the kūpuna endures. Preservation efforts by organizations like the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust and the Ala Kahakai Trail Association aim to protect these sacred sites, ensuring that the cultural heritage of Kaiholena is honored and shared with future generations.

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Kaiholena’s inhabitants demonstrated remarkable agricultural ingenuity. The dryland field systems in Kohala were designed to maximize water retention and soil fertility, using stone alignments and terraces to direct rainwater efficiently. This sustainable approach allowed the community to cultivate enough food to support a growing population while maintaining ecological balance.

Recent studies, such as those by Michael Graves and Julie Field, have revealed that the intensification of agriculture in regions like Kaiholena coincided with the rise of sociopolitical hierarchies in ancient Hawaiʻi. The ability to produce surplus food likely supported the development of complex societies and the consolidation of power by the aliʻi.

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Heʻeia and Kaiholena’s Lessons for the Future

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Heʻeia and Kaiholena’s Lessons for the Future

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The Heʻeia ahupuaʻa illustrates the enduring relevance of Hawaiian land management systems. By restoring its natural and cultural resources, Heʻeia demonstrates how ancient wisdom can address modern challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss and food insecurity. Heʻeia’s story inspires a broader understanding of sustainability, one that values the mutuality of land, water and people. As efforts continue, Heʻeia stands as a model for communities worldwide, reminding us of the profound impact of mālama ʻāina.

Kaiholena exemplifies the resilience and ingenuity of Hawaiian culture. Its story serves as a reminder of the importance of living in harmony with the land and honoring ancestral knowledge. As restoration efforts continue, Kaiholena offers a blueprint for sustainable living that resonates far beyond Hawaiʻi’s shores. The sacred lands of Kaiholena, with their rich history and ecological significance, inspire a renewed commitment to preserving the environment and the cultural heritage it sustains. Whether through innovative agriculture, community stewardship or the spiritual connection to place, Kaiholena remains a beacon of aloha ʻāina.