History

Maunalua of Days Past

Photo by Ray Jerome Baker, Bishop Museum

Hawaiian place names of the Maunalua Bay region such as Kuli`ou`ou (knee sounding – referring to a knee drum) and Wailupe (kite water – where kites were flown) paint a picture of an area enjoyed by people. Mo`olelo, Hawaiian stories, talk of areas visited by Pele and Kamapua`a, legendary figures of Hawaiian folklore. Several mo`o (water spirits) lived in the area, guarding over sites and bringing blessings of the abundance of fish.

Early residents of the region engaged in fishing, gathering, and subsistence agriculture. Fishing shrines (ko`a) dedicated to ‘ama’ama (mullet) and akule (scad) suggest that these were the major catch in the area. The bay was also known for various types of weke (goatfish) and he`e (octopus). There were several Hawaiian fishponds, most famously at Wailupe and Niu, in which fish were cultivated for consumption in a sustainable manner. An inland fishpond, Keahupua O Maunalua, now called Kuapā, was one of the largest fishponds on O`ahu. The coastal plains were famous for sweet potatoes. These resources were managed carefully by konohiki (land stewards) appointed by ali`i (chiefs). The konohiki could impose various seasonal and other restrictions, exercising his or her responsibility to protect the resources.

Bishop Museum photo

The 1880s brought an influx of foreigners, particularly Americans and Portuguese. Maunalua became a prime cattle grazing area and in Kuli`ou`ou, the ranches and dairy farms produced the most milk in the Pacific.

Up until the 1950s Maunalua continued to be important for farming and well known for its abundant fisheries. Rapid development starting in the 1950s created the suburban character of this region. Today, most of the valleys and ridges are clothed with residences overlooking Maunalua Bay.

While the piggeries and rows of crops are mostly gone, farmers in Kamilo Nui Valley still produce vegetables and flowers sold across the island. A drive to these farms harkens back to a time when a thin dirt road was the main artery through the Maunalua region.

For more information on the cultural history of the Maunalua region, please see the website put together by Hui Maunalua called "Exploring the History of Maunalua."