Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Popoia

Just off shore of the Kailua ahupua'a in Kailua Bay is Popoia island. Also, known as Flat island, Popoia measures 3.7 acres in size and has a maximum elevation of 10 feet above sea level. It is owned by the State of Hawaii and is designated as a seabird sanctuary.

Popoia means rotted fish. It was named Popoia because of fish bones left at this place (Sites of Oahu , pp. 238). Ko'a (shrine) for moi was previously located in the center of the island. The 1946 title wave ruined the ko'a. Ko'a was used up until the 1920's by informants father with appropriate pule (prayer) - (Sites of Oahu, pp. 238, informant Louis Mahoe).