I am a resident of Waimalu in the moku of Ewa with a fascination of history, and being a Hawaiian it's gotta be Hawaiian history for now! I'm no expert in the field and don't even wish to make a statement about beliefs or motives. I just want to share something that might appeal to you and hopefully things from the past will not be lost and covered by the fast present day life style! I do go on these "discovery rides" on my bike most of the time! So expect to also see some bike posts as well! Mahalo for looking! Let's get started!
A while ago via internet, I came across some information about some structures in Kalaeloa that seemed to look a little different then the normal lava rock stacking at most traditional ancient Hawaiian sites. I contacted Shad Kane, the care taker of Kalaeloa Heritage Park to set up a tour if possible and he replied that I could come that same day. A very down to earth guy and He's also the Chair of the Ewa moku on the Committee on the Preservation of Historic Sites and Cultural Properties in the OCHCC. When we arrived he greeted us at a gate on the side of the road and took us around the area they have already cleared. He was even sporting a fresh cut on his forehead from a branch that knocked him in the head while doing so!
A coral walkway leading from Makai to Mauka. The upright stones seem to be markers to keep travelers on the path and away from sink holes.
Some ancient Ti tree that Shad says was already there growing when this place was rediscovered. It grows to its maximum and then breaks off, then another branch continues again. Who knows exactly how long this has been going. Since Ti trees don't seed and plant themselves, we are inclined to think that this was purposely planted here for use
A watering hole which was the key to living in this otherwise arid part of the island. Shad told me this one may have dried up while still inhabited because it now contained burials in it.
This is a nameless heiau that may have served the spiritual needs of the inhabitants at the time. The actual Heiau is underground. Shad says once inside you can stand up straight and it even leads to another opening a few steps outside of the enclosure
A closer look into the underground Heiau. This one here also contains burials.
What appears to be a living structure complete with a flat comfy looking place to sit.
Shad did great in explaining things and theories they have already formulated from observing the use of land. He suggests that the structures seem to look more Tahitian from the way they stacked the coral stones and said the marked path may have lead all of the way to Westlock! Making it one of the older sites in the area!As that area was one of the first inhabited. From the time I was there they looked like they had a long way to go as far as clearing the site, documentation, and preservation. Go give him a call and maybe even volunteer to help out! Mahalo for looking! Take a look at my instagram @pohukaina_cave for some places I've already been and have yet to go in depth on here!
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