Salt-making in the Ahupua‘a of Ka‘ūpūlehu

Saturday, October 24, 2009
8:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m
Picnic lunch provided.

Ka‘ūpūlehu is one of twenty-three ahupua‘a (land division, uplands to sea) within the North Kona district that was traditionally and affectionately referred to as Kekaha wai ‘ole o na Kona (Waterless Kekaha of the Kona district) by its native residents.

Ka‘ūpūlehu—an area greatly desired by the ali‘i (chiefs/chiefesses) for its abundant resources. Salt making and fishing practices made the lands and oceans of Kekaha famous. ‘Ōpelu and aku fishing, perfected by fishermen of the area, and the abundance of sea salt on the coast, provided ample sustenance for the entire North Kona district.

Mo‘olelo wahi pana (stories of sacred sites) recount that Ka‘ūpūlehu was once called Ka‘ulupūlehu which means “the roasting of the breadfruit.” The place name commemorates the story of how volcano goddess Pele visited the area and came upon two girls, Pāhinahina and Kolomu‘o, roasting ‘ulu or breadfruit. Pāhinahina shared her ‘ulu with Pele, while Kolomu‘o did not. That night Hualālai volcano erupted and the village in which the girls lived was destroyed—except for Pāhinahina’s house which was spared.

On this huaka‘i (excursion) to the ma kai (towards the sea) lands of Ka‘ūpūlehu, we will visit sites of historical and legendary significance, such as Kolomu‘o, named for the girl who did not share her ‘ulu with Pele. We will see the sites where salt makers gathered salt and fisherman fished. Weather permitting, we will visit the kaheka (natural basins where the sea washes in and salt forms) and perhaps gather the pa‘akai (salt) for ourselves. We will visit petroglyphs of canoe sails which emphasize the important relationship between Hawaiians and the sea.

Ku‘ulei Keakealani, a lineal descendant of the three most Northern ahupua‘a of Kekaha, leads the huaka‘i. An educator, Ku‘ulei was born and raised in Pu‘uanahulu, and spent the past fifteen years in both the public and private education sectors. Ka‘ūpūlehu provides her with the opportunity to expand her teaching. For Ku‘ulei, the entire ahupua‘a is the best “classroom” that exists. Ku‘ulei will share stories of the landscape, allowing us to learn about the rich cultural history of the area, and thereby develop and build a relationship with the ‘āina (land).

Participants must be able to hike a moderate distance over a variety of terrain, such as sand and ‘a‘a and pahoehoe lava. Hiking shoes are recommended. Be prepared for hot and/or windy conditions.

Click here to download the registration form, then mail or fax completed forms to:
The Kohala Center
P.O. Box 437462
Kamuela, Hawai‘i 96743
Fax 808-885-6707

For more information, contact us at info@kohalacenter.org or at 808-887-6411.