HomeMy WebLinkAboutGeneral Plan Chapter 6
6
HISTORIC SITES
6.1 INTRODUCTION AND ANALYSIS
The heritage of a community is documented by its history. The physical evidence of such
a documentation is often contained in archaeological and historic sites that support the
written or traditional legacy.
The identity of a community evolves from the past. One way of understanding the present
is through historic perspective, as cultural values are basically derived from past genera-
tions.
According to the State Department of Land and Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation
Division (SHPD), an estimated 11,500 archeological and historic sites have been identi-
fied on the island of Hawaii. However, only 5 per cent of the island has been surveyed.
The other 95 per cent of the island contains an undeterminable number of historic and ar-
cheological sites. The abundance of historic sites can be attributed to the fact that much of
the early history of the Hawaiian Islands had its setting on the Big Island. Archeological
data indicates that Polynesian voyagers may have settled here as early as 600 A.D. Fur-
thermore, significant historic figures such as King Kamehameha I conquered and ruled the
Hawaiian Islands from the Big Island. The Historic Sites element also encompasses the
recent past such as the coming of the various ethnic groups that have blended to create to-
day's Hawaii.
There is continuing concern for the historic and archaeological sites of the County of Ha-
waii on the part of residents, governmental agencies, and private developers. As the early
history of Hawaii was kept through oral tradition, the reconstruction of this period is large-
ly based on the physical evidence and data recovered from archaeological and historic
sites. It is realized that once destroyed, historic sites and the information they contain can-
not be replaced. Many landowners are becoming aware that Hawaiian artifacts used in
daily living are being removed from their lands for or by collectors. Consequently, sites
have been despoiled and information regarding the function of the site itself and the arti-
facts have been destroyed.
The SHPD is charged with a variety of tasks within the State's historic preservation pro-
gram. The SHPD maintains an inventory of known historic sites and promotes surveys to
identify and document new sites. The SHPD also has a program element to place signifi-
cant sites on the Hawaii Register of Historic Places and coordinates the nomination of
sites to the National Register of Historic Places. SHPD also administers the Burial Sites
••Hawaii County General Plan 6-1••••
§6.2: Goals
Program. This program manages those burial sites that are over 50 years old. Approx-
imately 98 per cent of the burial cases handled by the SHPD relate to native Hawaiian
skeletal remains. Anyone who wishes to relocate, or preserve in place previously
identified Hawaiian burials over 50 years old must obtain the approval of the appropri-
ate Island Burial Council, that meets monthly on its respective islands. Any skeletal
remains accidentally discovered must be reported to the SHPD and County police. If
burial remains are estimated to be less than 50 years old, they fall under the jurisdic-
tion of the police. Other programs, such as the Hawaiian Heritage Corridor Program,
seek to preserve historic sites by enabling non-profit organizations in the various
County districts preserve historic sites and buildings along a transportation corridor or
the Department of Land and Natural Resources Ala Kahakai trail that will connect var-
ious historic sites and parks along the shoreline. Information regarding historic sites
may be obtained by contacting the SHPD.
Archaeological investigations continue to be conducted on the island, adding to the list
of known sites. These investigations, as well as cultural and historical research, are
important in identifying significant cultural resources and helping to provide the basis
for their protection and management. However, as indicated by the large number of
estimated sites on the island, it is also important to establish criteria for determining
what is significant.
The Public Access Shoreline Hawaii (PASH) decision of 1995 allows native Hawai-
ians the right to conduct their cultural traditions and practices upon lands where those
activities had been conducted in the past.
6.2 GOALS
(a) Protect, restore, and enhance the sites, buildings, and objects of significant histori-
cal and cultural importance to Hawaii.
(b) Appropriate access to significant historic sites, buildings, and objects of public
interest should be made available.
(c) Enhance the understanding of man’s place on the landscape by understanding the
system of ahupuaa.
6.3 POLICIES
(a) Agencies and organizations, either public or private, pursuing knowledge about
historic sites should keep the public apprised of projects.
(b) Amend appropriate ordinances to incorporate the stewardship and protection of
historic sites, buildings and objects.
(c) Require both public and private developers of land to provide historical and
archaeological surveys and cultural assessments, where appropriate, prior to the
••6-2 • Hawaii County General Plan •••
§6.4: Standards
clearing or development of land when there are indications that the land under
consideration has historical significance.
(d) Public access to significant historic sites and objects shall be acquired, where
appropriate.
(e) Embark on a program of restoring significant historic sites on County lands.
Assure the protection and restoration of sites on other public lands through a joint
effort with the State.
(f) Encourage the restoration of significant sites on private lands.
(g) Collect and distribute historic sites information of public interest and keep an
inventory of sites.
(h) Aid in the development of a program of public education concerning historic sites.
(i) Signs explaining historic sites, buildings and objects shall be in keeping with the
character of the area or the cultural aspects of the feature.
(j) Develop a continuing program to evaluate the significance of historic sites.
(k) Develop policies to protect Hawaiian rights as identified under judicial decisions.
(l) Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.
(m) All new historic sites placed on the State or Federal Register after the adoption of
the general plan shall be included in the General Plan.
(n) Consider requiring Cultural Assessments for certain developments as part of the
rezoning process.
(o) Recognize the importance of certain natural features in Hawaiian culture by incor-
porating the concept of “cultural landscapes” in land use planning.
6.4 STANDARDS
(a) The evaluation of the importance of specific historic sites is necessary for future
action. The following standards establish a framework for evaluating sites.
(b) Importance in the life or activities of a major historic person.
(c) Associated with a major group or organization in the history of the island or com-
munity.
(d) Associated with a major historic event (cultural, economic, military, social, or
political).
(e) Associated with a major recurring event in the history of the community (such as
annual celebrations).
(f) Associated with a past or continuing institution that has contributed substantially
to the life of the community.
(g) Unique example of a particular style or period.
(h) One of the few of its age remaining. HISTORIC SITES
••Hawaii County General Plan 6-3••••
§6.5: Districts
(i) Original materials and/or workmanship that can be valued in themselves.
(j) Sites with a preponderance of original materials in context and complexes rather
than single isolated sites unless they are of great significance.
(k) Sites of traditional and cultural significance.
6.5 DISTRICTS
The following is a historical profile of the districts. The brief historical sketches of
each district are intended to bring into focus the relationship of the district to the island
as a whole. The list of sites that are included for the districts are those that have been
officially placed on either the Hawaii Register or the National Register of Historic
Places. It is important to understand that the listing of sites and their evaluation is an
on-going process. Many other sites for the districts have been identified and may be
equally significant but the process of evaluation and placement on a register has not
been completed. New sites are constantly being discovered and these must be evaluat-
ed in conjunction with those already known.
6.5.1 Puna
6.5.1.1 Profile
Historically, the district of Puna did not have much political influence. However,
Puna is closely associated with the volcano goddess Pele. For the most part, Puna fol-
lowed the course of the adjacent districts of Ka'u and Hilo. No strong family lines
evolved in the district for power over any of the other districts, and the lands of Puna
almost always went to the ruler of Ka'u or Hilo.
The most significant historical feature known in Puna was the Waha'ula Heiau, located
in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in 1997 by the
ongoing eruption of Kilauea. This was the first luakini heiau (temples presided over
by the high chiefs) to be built by the priest Pa'ao, circa 1275 A.D., and the last in use
until its destruction was ordered by Liholiho in 1820.
Table 6-1. Historic Sites, District of Puna
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Johnson Summer Home/Hale
Ohia Cottages
1-1-05:19,
42
Keaau x
Hale Ohia Tract Historic Dis-
trict
1-1-05: 24-
26; 29-33
Volcano x
Star of the Sea Catholic
Church, Kalapana Painted
Church
1-2-06:81 Kaimu x x
Ala Loa 1-2-09:3 Kehena x
••• Hawaii County General Plan •••
6-4
§6.5.2: North And South Hilo
Table 6-1. Historic Sites, District of Puna (Continued)
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Keauohana Ahupua`a Archeo-
logical District
1-2-09:3 Kehena x
Opihikao Evangelical Church
Residence
1-3-04:18 Opihikao x
King's Highway 1-3-07:26 Malama Ki x
MacKenzie Petroglyphs 1-3-07:26,
1-3-08:1
Malama Ki x
Mountain View Theater 1-8-02:1 Olaa x
6.5.1.2 Course of Action
(a) Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.
6.5.2 North And South Hilo
6.5.2.1 Profile
In Hawaiian tradition, the district of Hilo played an important role. A cave behind
Rainbow Falls was the home of Hina, the beautiful woman who bore the demigod
Maui for the islands' traditional founder, Hawaii Loa. Pele herself shaped the area of
Hilo by sending fingers of lava down the slopes of Mauna Loa. Kamehameha I spent
part of his youth in the district and moved and overturned the Naha Stone, an omen of
his later rise to power.
In 1778, the first written reports of Hilo were made by Captain James Cook, who said
that heavy seas prevented his landing at "Aheedoo." One of the explorers who came
after Capt. Cook was Lord Byron, who first charted Hilo Bay. For years, the bay was
known as Byron's Bay and the entrance to the harbor, Blonde Reef, was named after
his ship.
Following the explorers were fur traders and other seamen who found the islands an
ideal location for wintering and obtaining provisions. By 1791 the exploitation of san-
dalwood began and Hilo's reputation as a port had emerged.
At the end of the sandalwood era, Christian missionaries arrived, led by William Ellis.
In 1822, Ellis searched for a suitable location for a mission station. At the same time,
Hilo was the starting point of pilgrimages to the volcano and a market place for people
from Ka'u to Hamakua. The main settlement of Hilo was initially located at the mouth
of the Wailoa River in Waiakea. Until the arrival of David Belden Lyman and Titus
Coan in 1832, the mission's effect was not significant. By the end of 1837, however,
two-thirds of the population of the area had relocated themselves to Hilo to join Coan's
"Great Revival," leaving villages around Hilo deserted. When the mission eventually
••Hawaii County General Plan 6-5•••• HISTORIC SITES
§6.5.2: North And South Hilo
moved to the top of Haili Street from Waiakea, the new Christians followed. This es-
tablished the present location of Hilo town.
Close to the end of Coan's revival, new explorers interested in commerce came to Hi-
lo. The whaling industry had a great effect on the local population, luring Hawaiians
away from home with a promise of adventure and money. The whaling industry de-
clined after 1868 when petroleum was discovered in far-off Pennsylvania. The great
tsunami and earthquake also occurred in this year.
The sugar industry began to develop in the early 1800's. However, it was not until the
Reciprocity Treaty of 1875 with the United States that the industry firmly established
itself. The treaty assured that no duty would be imposed on Hawaiian sugar imported
into the United States. Thus, by the turn of the century, new sugar mills were estab-
lished, labor was being imported from Asia and Europe, and Hilo became a thriving
economic center. The present population reflects the various groups who have made
their homes in the area.
Most historic sites of North and South Hilo have been either destroyed by agriculture,
urban growth, and natural changes in landforms. Those sites that have been protected
should remain as the area grows. Other sites, particularly historic buildings, should be
the focus of these districts. These buildings, although not of ancient vintage, reflect
the historic growth of the area.
Table 6-2. Historic Sites, Districts of North and South Hilo
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Burials 2-1-13:1 Waiakea x
Burials 2-1-13:1 Waiakea x
Burials 2-1-13:1 Waiakea x
Burials 2-1-13:1 Waiakea x
Kamehameha Hall 2-1-21:43 Ponahawai x x
United Community Church 2-2-20:2 Ponahawai x
Volcano Block 2-3-03:9 Punahoa x x
United States Post Office and
Office Building
2-3-05:3 Piihonua x
Hilo Masonic Lodge 2-3-05:7 Punahoa x x
District Court House and
Police Station
2-3-06:4 Punahoa x x
Palace Theater 2-3-07:21 Punahoa x x
S. Hata Building 2-3-08:16 Punahoa x x
Michael Victor House 2-3-14:2 Punahoa x
W.H. Shipman House 2-3-15:4, 5 Piihonua x x
Rev. D.B. Lyman House 2-3-16:24 Punahoa x x
Ludloff Residence 2-3-28:22 Punahoa x
••• Hawaii County General Plan •••
6-6
§6.5.3: Hamakua
Table 6-2. Historic Sites, Districts of North and South Hilo (Continued)
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Masao Kubo Residence 2-3-28:44 Punahoa x
A.J. Williamson Residence 2-6-06:11 Kalalau x x
H. Tanimoto Residence
(Honomu Theater)
2-8-14:15 Honomu x
Yamamoto Store 2-9-03:18 Wailea x
6.5.2.2 Courses of Action
(a) Support the development of Kalakaua Park and its surrounding area as the
Kalakaua Park Heritage Area and the restoration of its historic significance to
Hilo.
(b) Identify historic sites within the South Hilo District for inclusion within the
Hawaiian Heritage Corridor Program.
6.5.3 Hamakua
6.5.3.1 Profile
Most of the early history of the Hamakua district centers on Waipio Valley. The val-
ley was settled early and was the home of several strong rulers as early as the 13th cen-
tury. Among the chiefs of Waipio were Liloa and his son Umi. The traditions
regarding Liloa indicates he was the first to rule over the entire island and his rule was
one of peaceful diplomacy.
In 1823, the Rev. Ellis counted 265 houses in the valley and estimated the population
at 1,325. The number of residents has declined steadily since Ellis' estimate. The
same is true of the once populated Waimanu Valley.
Hawaiians also lived in the smaller valleys and gulches along the Hamakua coast and
were known to cultivate taro.
In relatively recent historical times, there have been Asian and European influences in
Hamakua, due primarily to the sugar industry. These influences have erased much of
the physical evidence of the earlier culture, but have also introduced a different per-
spective on historic sites.
Table 6-3. Historic Sites, District of Hamakua
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
East Hamakua Protestant
Church
4-4-06:1 Keahua x
Pa`auhau Plantation House 4-4-06:22 Pa`auhau x HISTORIC SITES
••Hawaii County General Plan 6-7••••
§6.5.4: North And South Kohala
Table 6-3. Historic Sites, District of Hamakua (Continued)
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Mauna Kea Adze Quarry 4-4-15:1, 9,
10
Kaohe x x
Chee Ying Society Clubhouse 4-5-09:9 Nienie x x
Honokaa Plantation Manager's
Residence
4-8-06:13 Kanahonua x
6.5.3.2 Course of Action
(a) Coordinate with the community to identify historical sites and buildings for inclu-
sion in a heritage corridor program.
6.5.4 North And South Kohala
6.5.4.1 Profile
Historically, the present districts of North and South Kohala were considered to be a
single unit. Kohala is the birthplace of Kamehameha I. Mo'okini Heiau at Upolu
Point is said to have been built by the priest Pa'ao in the 12th century. Other important
historic events occurred in the district, particularly at Kawaihae. Kamehameha I
gained complete control of the entire island after the death of chief Keoua of Ka`u at
the Pu'ukohola Heiau.
It was at Kawaihae that John Young and Isaac Davis in the service of Kamehameha I
cleared foreign arrivals who came to Hawaii. They persuaded Capt. George Vancou-
ver to leave cattle in the area and Richard J. Cleveland to leave horses.
In 1820, the brig Thaddeus, carrying a group of Christian missionaries, made its first
anchorage at the village of Kawaihae. John Young is credited with the decision to al-
low the missionaries to disembark at Kailua.
John Palmer Parker was influential in shaping the character of Kohala. He started
ranching in Kawaihae and hunted the large number of cattle that had turned wild under
the kapu or protection placed on them by Kamehameha I. Parker eventually moved to
Waimea where he expanded his operation into what is today one of the oldest and larg-
est privately owned ranches in the United States.
In 1832, the missionary Lorenzo Lyons arrived in Kawaihae. He established his sta-
tion at Waimea and his parish included the districts of Kohala and Hamakua. Ten
years later, Reverend Elias Bond took over the mission duties in North Kohala and es-
tablished an excellent English school.
Although the character of Kohala has changed through history, the district's relative
isolation has preserved many pre-contact sites. The leeward North Kohala coast still
••• Hawaii County General Plan •••
6-8
§6.5.4: North And South Kohala
contains many remnants of coastal fishing villages that were occupied from the pre-
historic period through the early 1900s. Likewise, remnants of the large agricultural
complexes that supported the population are still found in both North and South Koha-
la. Mo'okini and Pu'ukohola Heiau still stand as monuments to the past, as do John
Young's house site and the early Christian churches.
North Kohala
Table 6-4. Historic Sites, District of North Kohala
Site Tax Map Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Bond District 5-3-05:4, 5, 17,
19, 20, 26, 27
Iole x x
Tong Wo Society Building 5-3-08:20 Halawa x x
Kohala District Courthouse 5-4-05:1 Honopueo x x
Nanbu Hotel/Holy's Bakery 5-4-05:22 Honopue x
Union Mill Manager's Residence 5-4-10:58, 59 Puehuehu-Laaumama x
Mo`okini Heiau 5-5-05:20 Puuepa x x
Kohala Pilgrim Church 5-5-15:25 Pahoa x
James M. Hind Residence 5-5-15:35 Hawi x x
Hashimoto House 5-5-15:38 Hawi x
Hawi Plantation Manager's Res-
idence
5-5-15:41 Hawi x
Heiau in Kukuipahu 5-6-01:75 Kukuipahu x x
Habitation Complex 5-7-01:21 Paoo x
Vault Complex 5-7-01:21 Paoo x
Makeanehu Complex 5-8-01:12 Makeanehu x
Habitation and Burial 5-8-01:12 Makeanehu x
Possible Heiau 5-8-01:13 Kehena x
Lapakahi Complex (District w/
multiple sites)
Various Lapakahi x
6.5.4.2 Courses of Action (North Kohala)
(a) Coordinate with the communities and residents of North Kohala to identify his-
toric sites and buildings for protection and preservation.
(b) Encourage the preservation of historic buildings and promote new development,
that matches the style of historic commercial buildings in the area.
(c) Recognize the natural beauty and history of the area as a major economic and
social asset to be protected and perpetuated as part of the uniqueness of the island. HISTORIC SITES
••Hawaii County General Plan 6-9••••
§6.5.5: North And South Kona
South Kohala
Table 6-5. Historic Sites, District of South Kohala
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Pu`ukohola Heiau National
Historic Park (District w/ multi-
ple sites)
6-2-02:9,
10,16
Kawaihae x
`Imiola 6-5-04:4 Waikoloa x x
Old Lindsey House 6-5-06:42 Lalamilo x
Ala Loa Foot Trail (Southern-
most Kohala and Northern-
most Kona Districts)
Portions of
6-8-01:32,
35;6-8-
22:32;6-9-
01:15;6-9-
07;7-1-03:22
Various x
Kiholo-Puako Trail Various Various x x
Puako Petroglyph Archeologi-
cal District
6-9-01:15 Lalamilo x x
6.5.4.3 Course of Action (South Kohala)
(a) Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.
6.5.5 North And South Kona
6.5.5.1 Profile
The Kona districts have been very significant in the history of Hawaii. Before the ar-
rival of Captain Cook, a large population was settled in villages along the coast. Vari-
ous rulers lived in the area and have left evidence of the complex religious, social, and
political systems that evolved in Hawaii. In North Kona, the major complexes are lo-
cated at Kailua, Holualoa, and Kahaluu. In South Kona, they are located at
Kealakekua and Honaunau.
When Captain Cook arrived at Kealakekua Bay in January 1779, he reported that the
area was flourishing. It is well known that he was accepted as the god Lono and visit-
ed heiau and village sites at Napoopoo. Following Captain Cook's death, no foreign
ships stopped in Kona for several years. In 1792, Captain George Vancouver arrived
in Kona and left orange trees, grapevines, other plants, and cattle for King Kamehame-
ha I and his chiefs.
In 1812, Kamehameha I established his permanent residence and capital in Kailua-Ko-
na. The royal family remained in Kona until the capital was moved to Honolulu. The
districts prospered during the sandalwood and whaling eras, with Kealakekua serving
as the main port. In 1820, the first missionary station on the island was established in
Kailua.
••• Hawaii County General Plan •••
6-10
§6.5.5: North And South Kona
Although Kona has experienced rapid change since Captain Cook's arrival, it still con-
tains many undisturbed historical sites. Most of these sites are of traditionally Hawai-
ian origin and can reveal information important in reconstructing Hawaii's early
history.
North Kona
Table 6-6. Historic Sites, District of North Kona
Site Tax MapKey Ahupuaa or Region Hawaii Register National Register
Francis Ii Brown Beach Resi-
dence
7-1-03:3,
12, 13
Puuanahulu x x
Bobcat Trail Habitation Cave 7-1-04:6 Puuanahulu x
Shelter and Pen 7-3-43:3 Ooma x
Wawaloi Habitation 7-3-43:3 Ooma x
Habitation Cluster 7-3-43:3 Ooma x
Kalaoa Permanent House Site
10,205
Portion of
7-3-43:42
Ooma x x
Honokohau Settle-
ment/Kaloko-Honokohau
National Historic Park
7-3-09:2; 7-
4-08:3, 10,
25
Kaloko, Honokohau x
Haleokane Heiau 7-4-08:3 Kealakehe x
Habitation Site 7-4-08:3 Kealakehe x
Lanihau Papamu 7-5-05:7 Lanihau x
House and Burials 7-5-05:7 Lanihau x
Kamakahonu (Residence of
King Kamehameha I)
7-5-06:24,
32
Lanihau x x
Moku`aikaua Church 7-5-07:18 Keopu x x
Hulihe`e Palace 7-5-07:20 Keopu x x
Pua`a 2 Agricultural Fields
Archeological District
Portion of
7-5-14:23
Puaa x x
Hale Halawai o Holualoa 7-6-16:13 Holualoa x x
Keolonahihi Complex/Kamoa
Point Complex (District w/ mul-
tiple sites)
7-7-04:12,
28, 31, 51,
52, various
Holualoa x x
Ahu-a-`Umi Heiau 7-8-01:3 Keauhou x
Kahaluu Historic District (Dis-
trict w/ multiple sites)
7-8-10:2, 4,
35
Kahalu`u x
Keauhou Holua Slide 7-8-10:30 Keauhou x
Kuamo`o Burials 7-8-10:66 Keauhou x
Kamehameha III Birthplace
(Kauikeaouli Stone)
7-8-12:17 Keauhou x x
6.5.5.2 Course of Action (North Kona)
(a) Establish suitable visual buffers for the Keakealaniwahine and Keolanahihi com-
plexes as a condition of rezoning or Special Management Area permits, for nearby
properties.
••Hawaii County General Plan 6-11 •••• HISTORIC SITES
§6.5.6: Ka'u
South Kona
Table 6-7. Historic Sites, District of South Kona
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Greenwell Store 8-1-04:50 Onouli x x
Christ Church Episcopal 8-1-05: 8 Kealakekua x
Kahikolu Church 8-2-07:6 Kahauloa x x
Daifukuji Soto Zen Mission 8-2-10:20 Kalamaumi x x
Uchida Coffee Farm Portion of
8-2-15:13
Kaawalo x x
Kealakekua Bay Historical Dis-
trict (District w/ multiple sites)
8-2 Vari-
ous; 8-3
Various
Various x
Saint Benedict's Catholic
Church
8-4-06:6 Honaunau x x
Pu`uhonua o Honaunau
National Historical Park (Dis-
trict w/ multiple sites)
8-4-11:7 Honaunau, Keokea x
Burial Cave 8-9-03:1 Honomalino x
North Honomalino Complex 8-9-03:1 Honomalino x
Okoe Bay Complex 8-9-03:1 Kaulana, Mauna x
Kaulanamaluna Upland Com-
plex
8-9-06:2 Kaulanamaluna x
Ahole Holua Complex 8-9-06:3 Kapua x
6.5.5.3 Courses of Action (South Kona)
(a) Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.
(b) Adopt the Heritage Corridor Plan, which includes lands from Holualoa to
Honanau.
(c) Establish buffers on undeveloped lands around Kealakekua Bay to assure preser-
vation of the region’s unique environment and cultural resources.
6.5.6 Ka'u
6.5.6.1 Profile
The district of Ka'u has historically been a relatively independent district, isolated
from the rest of the island. Historical data indicates that Ka’u was probably settled
very early by the Polynesian voyagers. As population increased, the rest of the island
was inhabited. Most of the early settlement in Ka'u consisted of small fishing villages.
In 1791, Kamehameha I became ruler of the entire island after the death of Keoua, the
chief of Ka`u at the dedication of Pu'ukohola Heiau at Kawaihae.
••• Hawaii County General Plan •••
6-12
§6.5.6: Ka'u
Ka'u later became the stopping point for seagoing travelers on their way to Hilo. In
the 1860's, Mark Twain lived in Waiohinu and wrote extensively about his stay in
Ka'u. While living in Waiohinu he declared Hawaii to be "the loveliest fleet of is-
lands."
Table 6-8. Historic Sites, District of Ka’u
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Manuka Bay Petroglyphs 9-1-01:3 Manuka x x
Platform and Mounds 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Kuleana Complex 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Koa 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
South Manuka Bay Complex 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Platform and Shelters 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Lava Tube Complex 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Kaiakekua Complex 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Keawaiki Complex 9-1-01:3 Kaupua`a x
Manuka Bay Holua Slide 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Heiau and Trail 9-1-01:3 Manuka x
Kipuka Malua Complex 9-1-01:3, 6 Manuka x
Shrine and Heiau 9-1-01:3, 7 Manuka x
Habitation Complex 9-1-01:7 Manuka x
South Point Complex 9-3-01:1, 3,
7, 11
Kamaoa x
Mahana Archeological District Portion of
9-3-01:2
Kamaoa x
Kapalaoa Archeological Dis-
trict
Portion of
9-3-01:2
Kamaoa x
Ki`i Petroglyphs 9-5-06:1 Waiohinu x x
Kilauea Crater 9-9-01:1 Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park
x
1790 Footprints 9-9-01:1, 2 Kapapala Forest
Reserve
x
`Ainapo Trail (Menzies Trail) 9-9-01:3 Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park
x
Wilkes Campsite 9-9-01:3 Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park
x
Ainahou Ranch House 9-9-01:6 Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park
x x
Whitney Seismograph Vault
No. 29
9-9-01:23 Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park
x
Old Volcano House No. 42 9-9-01:23 Hawaii Volcanoes
National Park
x HISTORIC SITES
••Hawaii County General Plan 6-13••••
§6.5.6: Ka'u
Table 6-8. Historic Sites, District of Ka’u (Continued)
Site
Tax Map
Key Ahupuaa or Region
Hawaii
Register
National
Register
Mauna Loa Trail Various Various x
Puna-Ka`u Historic District,
Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park (District w/ multiple sites)
Various Various x
6.5.6.2 Course of Action
(a) Support the establishment of Hawaiian Heritage Corridors.
••• Hawaii County General Plan •••
6-14