Waimea Ahupua'a of Oahu by

Kama Pua'a

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 19:25:23 UTC

This is high chief Kama Pua'a. During the eleventh century, he was gifted all land that started with the word "Wai" from Kahuna Nui (high priest) Kahiki‘ula. This included the land of Waimea on the island of Oahu.

Waimea on Map of Oahu

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 19:42:06 UTC

Waimea is located in North Shore, Oahu.

Ancient Waimea Valley

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 19:44:57 UTC

Waimea Valley was the highest possible order of cultural resources for Oahu. The word Waimea means "sacred water". Prior to the eleventh century, there is little known about the Kānaka, or people, of the ahupua'a of Waimea. However, with little information known, the valley could have been settled much earlier.

Hale O Lono (House of Lono)

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 19:52:18 UTC

Hale O Lono was a heiau that was originally built around 1470 AD. A heiau is known as a religious place of worship. Lono is corresponded with peace, fertility, agriculture, rainfall, and music in Hawaiian. During the winter season, which is from November through February, Lono is related with presiding God. During this time, there were offerings to the Lono from each ahupua'a. Such offerings included taro, sweet potatoes, chickens, clothing, and anything else with value.

Ku'ula Shrine

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 19:56:12 UTC

This shrine is dedicated to the fishing God, Ku'ula. Fishing is an important part of everyday life in Hawaiian tradition. Here, many prayers and ceremonies were offered to ensure successful catches. The first, best, or largest catch was presented here as an offering to ensure safety and success in future fishing experiences.

Moku of Ko'olauloa

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 20:10:10 UTC

The ahupua'a of Waimea is located in the Moku of Ko'olauloa.

Hewahewa

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 20:23:30 UTC

When King Kamehameha took over the island of O'ahu in 1795, he gifted Waimea Valley to his Kahuna Nui, Hewahewa. He was the last Kahuna to chair the heiau's in this valley. Hewahewa died in 1837 and was buried in Waimea Valley.

"Valley of the Priests"

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-26 20:28:20 UTC

Waimea Valley was once known as the "Valley of the Priests".

Loko i'a

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-27 05:32:47 UTC

Waimea Valley was greatly known for their loko i'a (fish ponds). This was caused by water where streams met the sea. There were walls which created a gate system that fish could swim into. Once the fish were too large to escape into the gate, they were caught.

Contributions to Ahupua'a System

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-27 05:39:26 UTC

Waimea Valley led down to the Kai region, also known as the seaside region. This meant that they provided food and other various resources from the ocean. This included i'a (fish), he'e (octopus), pūpū (shells), limu (seaweed), and pa'akai (salt).

Waimea Valley Today

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-27 05:57:23 UTC

Today, Waimea still has the same mission they have had for generations in the past. "Preserve and perpetuate the human, cultural and natural resources of Waimea for generations through education and stewardship”. Their main goal is to restore and protect the significant and religious sites located here.

Ahupua'a System

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-27 06:03:27 UTC

Enjoy this video of a Waimea Valley worker explaining how the ahupua'a system worked in ancient Hawaiian days!

History of Waimea from KHON2

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-27 06:49:59 UTC

Click here to watch a quick history lesson about Waimea from KHON2 News!

Waimea in the 1900's

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-27 07:00:06 UTC

In the early 1900's, Waimea was mostly used for ranching and farming. However, the Valley area was occupied by the U.S. military. In the 60's and 70's, Waimea began to operate as Waimea Falls Ranch and Stables.

Reclaiming Land to Natives

kayamane2_2 — 2024-04-27 07:04:35 UTC

In 2003, Waimea Valley was finally back in the hands of a Native Hawaiian governing entity! They are now owned and managed by Hi'ipaka LLC which is a non profit company that was created to care for the Valley.