WAIʻANAE ʻĀINA INVENTORY

Waiʻanae Moku, Oʻahu  -  Kamehameha Schools

The moku of Waiʻanae, situated on the western side of Oʻahu, is bordered by Waialua to the northeast and ʻEwa to the southeast. Composed of eight ahupuaʻa, its expanse extends from the Keawaʻula side of Kaʻena Point to the ridge of Manawahua in Nānākuli. Stretching over Kolekole Pass, the moku reaches Puʻu Kaʻaumakua, where it intersects with the Koʻolau Mountain Range. The summit of Kaʻala, Oʻahu's tallest point, serves as the central piko of Waiʻanae. Despite the intense heat, the district showcases a unique landscape with ridges, valleys, streams, and springs. The air on the leeward side is generally warmer, but the famous, coo,,l and pleasant trade-wind breeze, Kaiāulu, sweeps through Waiʻanae. The people of Waiʻanae have cultivated an intimate understanding and relationship with their land, and the moku is renowned for its bountiful coastline and abundance of fish. Despite the heat, water resources like streams and springs add to the district's potential as a major contributor to food production on Oʻahu. The residents’ ingenuity, resourcefulness, and resilience are evident in their care for fisheries, ensuring access to food and fostering wealthy communities. Moʻolelo (stories) in the Waiʻanae Moku include the demigods Māui and Kamapuaʻa; the akua and deities Kāne, Haumea, Hiʻiaka, and Kainoa; Puhinalo (the eel man); Ke Anuenue (goddess of the rain); the shark gods and deities Kamohoaliʻi, Nanaue, and Pōhakuola; Kaʻopulupulu (the prophet); and the aliʻi (chiefs) Olopana, Kawelo, Halemano, Kūaliʻi, Keakaoku, Kauluhinalo, Keaweulaokalani, Kapunohuula, Pau, Hua-i-ka-laʻilaʻi, and Hua-nui-ka-laʻilaʻi.