5.1 Final Project Oahu - Kaila Uyehara by Kaila Uyehara

Kāneʻohe, Oahu

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 08:12:05 UTC

From the beginning of time, Kāneʻohe, O'ahu was known for its agricultural area due to its abundance of rainfall. Kāneʻohe in Hawaiian means "bamboo man." The story behind it is that there was a local woman who compared her husband's mistreatment to the sharp edge of bamboo. This city is home to the largest residential community on the windward side of O'ahu.

Kāneʻohe Today

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 08:24:09 UTC

Today, there is not much evidence of agriculture however, Kāneʻohe is now home to the Ho'omaluhia Botanical Garden and the He'eia Kea Boat Harbor. It is also the largest residential area on the windward side next to Kailua, Oahu (Britannica, 2023)

First Polynesian Settlements

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 08:44:06 UTC

Kāneʻohe Bay was first inhabited by Polynesians in the 1770s. They used the land greatly to grow an abundance of crops such as taro, bananas, and breadfruit. The people also brought animals to farm and built canoes to sail out into the ocean (Hawaii Guide, n.d.).

Formation of the Ahupua'a of Kaneohe

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 08:53:41 UTC

In the 17th century, the Ahupua'a of He'eia became a traditional land division that went around the entire bay including the mountains surrounding the area (TFD Supplies, n.d.)

The Ahupua'a

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 09:05:34 UTC

The Ahupua'a in Oahu was formed by the ali'i to organize the resources and distribute them equally amongst the kanaka maoli. Resources such as water, land, crops, game, and other ways to survive would be distributed unequally if it weren't for the ali'i. Due to this system, the people were able to function harmoniously and help each other survive and live a healthy lifestyle (Kaneohe - Ko'olaupoko, n.d.).

The Ko'olau Mountain Range

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 09:11:43 UTC

The Ko'olau Mountain Range can be seen as you drive towards the windward side of Oahu past Kaneohe. The low-hanging clouds and vibrant greens make it one of the most significant landmarks on O'ahu. This landmark can be hiked, and photographed, among many other things. In ancient times, it was a popular place for agriculture and shelter (Paiva, 2021).

Division of the Land

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 09:14:52 UTC

The flat land ahupua'a of Kaneohe was divided between the hills to the ocean so that an equal amount of resources could be distributed. The division would come up on the right side of the He'eia region. The streams and rivers were shared among the inhabitants of these two boundaries and it helped the people gather fish, freshwater, and plants to eat (Kaneohe - Ko'olaupoko, n.d.).

Hi‘ilaniwai

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 09:18:04 UTC

The Hi‘ilaniwai stream and waterfall is one of the most beautiful bodies of water that runs through the Kaneohe Bay ahupua'a. Hi‘ilaniwai in Hawaiian translates to "carrying heavenly waters." A lot of the appreciation in Hawai'i surrounds the nature and beautiful landmarks on the islands. They are to be appreciated as well as respected by not leaving trash in or around these areas. This landmark was also used for religious purposes back in the ancient times (Ko'olaupoko, n.d.).

Kaneohe Beach Park

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 09:23:45 UTC

The history behind the Kaneohe Beach Park is a significant one. Many centuries ago, Chief La'a placed a peace accord there where the ali'i lined all of their canoes along the shoreline and were draped in traditional attire. This was following the death of 'Olopana and Chief La'a had begun his reign (Fox, 2021).

High Elevation and How it Helped the Kanaka

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 09:28:48 UTC

The high elevation in Kaneohe created a perfect growing ground for thick trees. These trees were then used to build sturdy homes for the kanaka. Their homes withstood the strong winds and long periods of rain that this region experienced. The ahupua'a were divided and best utilized for the resources that encapsulated the areas (Kesel, n.d.)

Sources

kailauyehara1 — 2023-11-28 09:29:47 UTC

Fox, C. T., & Allen, K. (2021, November 22). This little-known Oʻahu Beach has an important history. Hawaii Magazine. https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/this-little-known-oahu-beach-has-an-important-history/

Kaneohe - Ko‘olaupoko hawaiian Civic Club. Koolaupoko. (n.d.). https://www.koolaupoko-hcc.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/Kaneohe.pdf

Kesel, L. (2019, November 14). Atop the ko’olau. Halekulani Living. https://livingarchives.halekulani.com/culture/atop-the-koolau/

The ko’olau range: Made by a volcano millions of years old. Shaka Guide. (n.d.). https://www.shakaguide.com/article/oahu/koolau-mountain-range#:~:text=The%20Koolau%20Range%2C%20as%20you,of%20well%20over%2010%2C000%20feet.

Paiva, D., Center, R. H., & Fox, C. T. (2021, January 5). A hiker’s journey over Oahu’s Koolau Mountain trails. Hawaii Magazine. https://www.hawaiimagazine.com/a-hikers-journey-over-oahus-koolau-mountain-trails/

TFD Supplies. (n.d.). 7 pieces of history near Kaneohe, HI. https://www.tfdsupplies.com/blogs/local-historical-events/7-pieces-of-history-near-kaneohe-hi

University of Hawaiʻi at mānoa | take me to Manoa. Ahupua’a Place Names. (n.d.). https://manoa.hawaii.edu/coe/kulia/publications/lessons/ahupuaa_place_names.pdf