WAIALUA ʻĀINA INVENTORY

Waialua Moku, Oʻahu  -  Kamehameha Schools

Waialua, one of Oʻahu’s six traditional moku (districts), encompasses the majority of the northern portion of the island and has seen changes in its boundaries over time. Originally consisting of 14 ahupuaʻa, the district has undergone alterations, with the addition of Waimea and the transfer of Wahiawā and Waiʻanae Uka in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Waialua Moku stretches from Kaʻena Point to Waimea including the ahupuaʻa of Kaʻena, Keālia, Kawaihāpai, Mokulēʻia, Kamananui, Paʻalaʻa, and Kawailoa. The district is traditionally known for its pleasant weather, well-watered seaward slopes, and fertile lands that were once occupied by loʻi kalo (taro terraces). Renowned for its fishing grounds, broad beaches, and coastal fishponds, Waialua played a significant role in Hawaiian history as an oracle center and residence for kāhuna such as Ka‘ōpulupulu, Lokai, and Pu‘ali. Moreover, encompassing Wailaua were diverse resources such as ʻuala (sweet potato) cultivation, rich marine resources, fishing shrines, heiau (temples), ala (trail) systems, named winds and rains, a network of kahawai (streams) and muliwai (rivers, river mouths). Prominent puʻu (hills, peaks) further contribute to the rich history of settlement within the moku. The moʻolelo of Waialua Moku feature various legendary figures like Maui, Pīkoiaka‘alalā, and Kaanaana, Pele, Hiʻiaka, Kalelealuaka, Kalamainuʻu, ʻAikanaka, Lonoikamakahiki, and Lonokaeho. Themes of moʻo akua, water, drought, salt production, forest resources, female surfers, ruling chiefs, and prophecies are also threaded throughout the moʻolelo of Waialua Moku. The name “Waialua” is linked to twin streams and various legends, including one about the disgraced chief Waia. Despite urbanization and changes brought by the sugar industry, on-going efforts aim to preserve Waialua’s cultural heritage, encompassing place names, ancestral sites, stories, songs, chants, and the community within the moku. The title of this study, “Waialua, ʻāina kū pālua i ka laʻi,” reflects admiration for the tranquil life and pleasant weather of Waialua.

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