Makahiki Games at Maunalua Beach Park

Many thanks to Mahi Genson La Pierre for providing education and Hawaiian games at Maunalua Beach Park on Saturday, Dec. 15 in honor of and celebrating the Makahiki season.

A handfull of us gathered in the morning and had a good time rolling "ulu maika" stones, sliding "moa pahe'e" darts and throwing Hawaiian spears. Gladly, none of us participants was designated for sacrifice. A coconut husk secured to a coconut tree was used as a target for the spears.

Some pictures are shown to the left of the finely crafted game pieces in which Mahi had made some of himself. Also, of the games being played.

Mahalo nui loa again to Mahi for the fun morning.

Koko Marina Center - Ahupua'a o Maunalua

In the 1950's and early 1960's on the land on and around where Koko Marina Shopping Center now stands were several commercial establishments.

These establishments included a small "mom & pop" type store called Woodlawn Market that was situated approximately where Foodland is now located. Next to Woodlawn Market was a tavern or road house where brawls and fights were reportedly quite common. There was a saimin stand that was converted into a snack shop called the Pink Poodle also next to Woodlawn Market. A Union Oil Station stood near where the church is on Lunalilo Home Road across from the current Unocal station.

In the early 1960's, Henry Kaiser also had his executive and administrative offices along with some experimental structures on the land where homes are now situated along the highway west of First Hawaiian Bank.

Lastly, radio and television personality Lucky Luck had a tavern where the Mormon Church is now located. At that time, people would bring crabs and fish they caught in Maunalua Bay and Lucky would prepare it for them in his tavern.

Lucky Luck was a neighbor of mine in Niu Valley for a brief period of time when I was a kid. I remember hanging out at his house a few times (he had a swimming pool) and having the pleasure of meeting him. He was quite a jovial fellow.

Seaweed Super Sucker in Action off Ahupua'a 'o Kuliou'ou

On Wednesday, Nov. 7th - Eric Co, Kanekoa Kukea-Shultz, Jeff Sayre, Ramona Sayre & Linda Onomoto took the Super-Sucker out on the reef flats off Paiko Lagoon for some action. I was able to meet them when they came in later in the afternoon at Kuliou'ou Beach Park to help sift through the approx. 5 bags of limu that was sucked up.

There was approx. 72 lbs total of limu total sucked up from a 5 square meter area. Approx. 711/2 lbs of this limu was the invasive type and 1/2 lb was native limu. The native limu and small animals that were found in the bags of limu were put back into the ocean.

Eric - please throw in any comments you might have regarding (what I think was) the first outing of the machine in this area, on how the machine worked or the ratio of invasive limu to native limu found. See pictures above of super sucker machine and limu being sifted.

Wailupe Fishpond - Ahupua'a 'o Wailupe

Remaining on the subject of fishponds. Another fishpond in Maunalua Bay was Wailupe fishpond. This fishpond was adjacent to Wailupe Beach Park and located across from the Wailupe fire station. This area is now known as Wailupe Circle.

The pond was 41 acres in size and had a wall approx. 2500 feet long. The west side or Wailupe Beach Park side of the pond evidently had a sandy area. There were four inlets or outlets to the pond (makaha) on this side. The wall of the pond consisted of water worn basalt rock which was 12 feet wide. The inside of the pond consisted of sand and silt. McAllister - Arch. of Oahu; Sterling & Summers - Sites of Oahu pp. 274-275.

Wailupe fishpond was a larger pond than Niu's Kupapa pond. The channel and anchorage that exists to this day around Wailupe Peninsula was dredged in 1947 by Hawaiian Dredging and the material was pumped into the old Wailupe fishpond so that homes could be built on the fill land a few years later.

Paiko Lagoon Field Trip - Ahupua'a 'o Kuliou'ou

This last Saturday, Oct. 13 - a group of us from Malama Maunalua led by Alyssa Miller and Christina Ryder of Ducks Unlimited ventured into Paiko Lagoon Wildlife Sanctuary for a sightseeing tour and a discussion of the flora & fauna of the area. We also were able to clean litter from the area and pull-up some of the invasive seaweed growing in the lagoon.

Alyssa had described some of the previous work that has been done in the area including removal of some of the invasive plants and trees. There removal provides space and less competition for some of the native plants to grow in the region such as the Pohuehue vine and Milo trees which are trying to keep steadfast on the beach area. Also, how Paiko Peninsula has been historically very unstable with sands constantly shifting over time.

Christina mentioned that the lagoon is very productive in regards to providing safe grounds for pua or offspring of certain fish such as oio, mullet, aholehole & kaku (barracuda). Baby mullet were seen jumping and swimming in schools throughout the area.

Not many birds were seen in the lagoon while we were there except for some Kolea (Pacific Golden Plover) & possibly a couple of 'Ulili (Wandering Tattler) off at a distance. No Ae'o (Hawaiian Stilt) or "Auku'u (Black Crowned Night Heron) were seen; although, I often do see them in the lagoon and in other areas in Maunalua such as the canals in the valleys leading to Kuapa pond. "Ulili are common to see on the beach and mud flats off Kuli'ou'ou Beach Park.

Mostly invasive seaweed was found in the lagoon such as the Gracilaria (Gorilla Ogo), Avrainvillea (Leather Mudweed) and the Acanthophora (Prickly Seaweed). Where the mudweed was growing it was quite soft & muddy. Your feet sink into the sediment making it difficult to walk at times. Although, mostly all of the seaweed I observed was invasive - I did see a small pocket of Limu Palahalaha. Another green seaweed was growing in small areas in which I cannot remember the name other than it has "tax" in part of its scientific name. The leaves look like small palm fronds. I don't know if this particular seaweed is an invasive or native seaweed. It was growing right at the inlet into the lagoon. There is some Limu 'Ele'ele growing on rocks outside the lagoon; however, I didn't see any inside the lagoon.

The Avrainvillea seaweed which is growing thickly on the flats outside the lagoon I had heard is not liked by fish. From my observations in this area, this seems to be true. I never see much fish in the area where it is growing other than a periodic barracuda.

Paiko Lagoon is a beautiful place and very unique to this area now. I view it as sort of a last vestige of what was once common in this area before Kuapa pond was dredged and developed by Henry Kaiser.

Kupapa Fishpond - Ahupua'a 'o Niu

Where Niu Iki Circle is now adjacent to Kalanianaole Highway and opposite (makai) of Niu Shopping Center was once an ancient Hawaiian fish pond called Kupapa.

The pond was filled in and used for agricultural purposes before house were built in that location. The wall of the pond was originally 3 feet high and 8 feet in width forming a semicircle approx. 2000 feet long. The pond area was several acres in size - McAllister (Archeology of Oahu) & Sterling & Summers p. 273 (Sites of Oahu ).

Does anyone have any information or knowledge regarding the old Kupapa pond area prior to houses being built on it in approx. the 1960's.

Ahupua'a 'o Maunalua

On Saturday, Oct. 6 - It was good fun taking a leisurely walk up the private road atop 642 foot high Koko Head originally called "Mo'okua 'o Kaneapua" and "Kuamo'okane" with other members of Malama Maunalua. The group was led by Alissa Miller and Anne Rosa.

Both Alissa and Anne gave interesting insights about the surroundings of the area as they focused on Maunalua and Hanauma Bays.

Anne pointed out interesting cultural & historical aspects of the area such as the wind of Hanauma which is called 'Ihi'ihilauakea. Also, a crater of the same name is located in Koko Head to the west of Hanauma where a very rare native fern grows. She mentioned how Hanauma was used as a launching point for Hawaiian sailing canoes heading out to sea. The bay providing a safe, sheltered habitat and an abundance of seafood while waiting for ideal conditions to launch.

Alissa informed us about Maunalua Bay and what some of Malama Maunalua's current & upcoming projects are for Maunalua Bay. Also, the importance of continued monitoring of Maunalua Bay by Makai Watch members. The view of both bays was quite impressive from our vantage points.

Mahi La Pierre had told us the mo'olelo of Kuamo'okane at a previous Malama Maunalua Makai Watch meeting. In brief, Kuamo'okane is the back of Kaneapua (Kuamo'okane). A version of the story can be told on a future posting.

Ahupua'a 'o Niu - The Old Niu Valley Pier

In Maunalua Bay, in the ahupua'a of Niu in the Kona district of Oahu - up until sometime (approx.) in the late 1970's or early 1980's there was an old pier that extended out in front of Niu Valley (just Diamond Head side of Niu Peninsula or Niu Iki Circle (once an ancient fish pond named Kupapa). The old wood plank pier extended out approx. a 1/4 mile over the reef flat or about 2/3rds of the way to the breakers from the beach.

There was a platform on the very end of the pier (maybe about 10 ft x 10 ft) with a metal ladder. The pier was used when I was a kid for playing, fishing, flying kites off the end of and for a shorter paddle out surfing. We had some great games of king of the pier there. King of the pier consisted of pushing others kids, who wanted to play, off the end of the pier into the water and the last one standing on the pier was the winner (I was usually one of the first to get thrown off and don't ever remember winning the lucky title of king of the pier).

Does anyone know when the pier was originally built and for what purpose? Did it have something to do with the cattle & dairy ranches that were in this area before residential development? The pier was in disrepair when we played and walked on it as kids. Some of the planks were very springy.

Also, in Maunalua Bay - old rusting metal piles are in the water to this day off Paiko peninsula in front of the neighboring ahupua'a of Kuliou'ou. What structure or function were these piles originally a part of? There is no channel adjacent to the piles; however, there is a channel running parallel to the shore in front of Kuliou'ou Beach Park (appor. 50 yards off-shore). The piles are on the reef flat directly outside Kuliou'ou stream outlet adjacent to Kuliou'ou Beach Park.

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).

'Apuakehau Stream

Before the Ala Wai canal was built in the 1920's, mauka streams draining from the ahupua'a areas of Palolo, Manoa and Makiki filled swampy land, ponds and rice fields in what we now known as Moili'ili, McCully and the Waikiki area mauka of Kalakaua Ave.

These marsh lands drained into three streams that extended makai through the Waikiki area. The stream on the east edge of Waikiki was near what is now Kapahulu Ave. This stream was called Ku'ekaunahi. The stream on the west edge of Waikiki drained into the sea where Ft. Derussy is today and was called Pi'inaio. The middle stream running dead center through Waikiki was called 'Apuakehau. 'Apuakehau entered the ocean where the Outrigger Hotel is today on Kalakaua Ave. (between the Moana Hotel and the Royal Hawaiian Hotel). Kaiualani Ave. covers the original path of 'Apuakehau stream.

The ancient and famous surfing spot called Kalehuawehe was located just outside the mouth of the stream (probably about where Canoe's surfing spot is located today). 'Apuakehau stream formed a muliwai (lagoon) just before it entered the ocean.

On the west bank of 'Apuakehau stream approximately where the Royal Hawaiian Hotel is today was the royal coconut grove at Helumoa. If you walk through the beautiful gardens of the Royal Hawaiian Hotel - some of the tall coconut trees standing there today are remnants of that grove.

The famous chief of O'ahu in the 1500's, Kakuhihewa lived at Ulukou on the east bank of 'Apuakehau stream which is now where the Moana Hotel stands.

'Apuakehau nor any of the other steams mentioned above exist anymore. At least as they once did on the surface of the land. However, we are reminded that the spirit of 'Apuakehau is not dead - it flows below ground and during heavy rains the Outrigger hotels basement parking garage reportedly often floods with water. The water originates from drains in the garage floor. This is the water of 'Apuakehau which still runs below ground under the buildings and streets that now cover Waikiki. See Down Wind Productions website for interesting facts, comments and pictures about Waikiki and 'Apuakehau stream.

Maniniholo Dry Cave

In the Kaiwiku'i mountain ridge in the Ha'ena ahupua'a of Kaua'i there is a large cave at the base of the ridge called Maniniholo. Maniniholo was the name of the head fisherman at a time when the menehune were leaving Kaua'i.

Maniniholo and is workers once gathered an abundance of seafood from the reefs and bay at Ha'ena for a feast. They did this to honor the menehune before their departure from the island.

Since there was such a great amount of food gathered, some of the food remained after the feast. During the night, the remaining food disappeared.

Maniniholo realized that the e'epa had taken the food after seeing them in the lava cracks in the sides of the cliff above the beach. He and his workers dug into the cliff and killed the e'epa (Wichman, Kaua'i - Ancient Place Names & Their Stories - p. 127-128).

The Maniniholo dry cave is located adjacent to the main road and is across from Ha'ena Beach Park.

Kanoenoe Plain

Central Oahu is loaded with many ancient place names that are no longer commonly called by these names. One of these names is Kanoenoe plain. This area falls within the ahupua'a of Waipio in the Ewa district.

Kanoenoe plain is the area which is now covered by the Central Oahu Regional Park. This is a newer park of good size that was completed within the last couple of years. It is located just south of Kipapa Gulch and west of the Waipio Gentry residential development. Before the park, the land was covered by pineapples and before that, possibly sugar cane.

Some of the place names of the old central Oahu area are included in a poem that was as follows:

The icy wind of Lihu'e plied its spurs,
Pulling up the bridle of Hale'au'au,
Speeding headlong over Kalena
And running over the plain of Kanoenoe.

Na Wahi Pana O Ewa
Ka Loea Kalaiaina, July, 22, 1899 Newspaper
Sterling & Summers, Sites of Oahu p. 21

Kamilonui

Kamilonui Valley which lies in the ahupua'a of Maunalua in the Kona district of Oahu is one of the last valleys of significant size in all of Honolulu which remains undeveloped.

The land is used primarily for agricultural purposes at this time. The valley is under threat of development even though farmers leases extend for approx. 15 more years. See letter I wrote to the Honolulu Advertiser Editor in 2005 which addresses the valley and the adjacent heiau called Pahua.

Rock shelters and burial caves were once used in the valley (Sites of Hawaii, p. 264). One of the larger caves above the old Kaiwi road which use to extend to the back of the valley (along the east side) is visible half way up the ridge on the northeast side of the valley.

Although, Kamilonui valley was once included in the larger Maunalua ahupua'a, the valley has nearly all of the elements of a traditional ahupua'a. The base of the valley lacks a large seafront area; however, it does contact the tip of Kuapa pond which is connected to the sea. This valley would be an ideal location to put into practice traditional dryland cultivation and to serve as a model of a traditional ahupua'a system extending from mauka (low mountain peak of Ko'olau mountains above the valley) to makai (mauka tip of Kuapa pond).

There is a stream in the valley that extends to the mauka tip of Kuapa pond that has water flowing through it with aquatic life. The flow does become heavy during rainy weather with the lower portion of the valley adjacent to stream prone to flooding.

Could this valley not serve as a model ahupua'a in which other areas (ahupua'a) developed or not, could learn from? Also, the use, management and cultivation of a dryland type ahupua'a could be observed and studied in contrast to a wetter type ahupua'a such as for example - Kahana valley. Pictures of Kamilonui valley, Pahua heiau and cave on east side ridge of valley are shown above.