Sites around Koloa
Historical Sites Hawaiian Kuhio Shrine (My note: Out Lawai road on the right just before the Beach House) Prince Kuhio's name was Jonah Kalaniana'ole. The father of Jonah was David Kahalepouli Pi'ikoi and his mother Kinoiki Kekaulike. There were two other brothers: the eldest was Edward Keli'iahonui (1869-1887); David Kawanananakoa (1868-1908) and Jonah was the youngest of the three. He was descendant of the chiefs of Kaua'i, a direct line from Kaeokulani and Kaumuali'i on his father's side and Alapa'i from his mother's line. He was called Ke Ali'i Maka'ainana" the Citizen Prince. In 1924 the Order of Kamehameha wanted to restore Kuhio's birthplace as a monument to his memory. The McBryde Plantation donated the land and the Kaumuali'i Chapter of the Order of Kamehameha cleared and restored the site. Funds to do so were granted by the Territorial Legislature and the Bust and Plaque of Jonah Kuhio was made by Julius Rosenstein of Boston and New York. The land was finally dedicated on June 18, 1928. Every 26th of March which was the birthdate of Jonah Kuhio, the celebrations are held to recognize Kuhio's accomplishments. There are several sites that are related to Kuhio's ancestry. Ho'ai is the place name for the area which houses the sites which are associated with Prince. [Kikuchi 1963] The land and the sites are a chief's compound: Fishpond and shrine. The fishpond once had its seawall at the ocean. Its walls are now under the county road. This road severed the pond and its present size is only a half to a third of what it once was. The shrine was one on which offerings were made to insure its productivity. The ponds produce served the chiefly family. Men's House, sleeping house. The large structure back of the flagpole and memorial is a men's house. In this case it was superby constructed and contains areas for the private worship by the men of the household. Toward the sea and west of the men's house is a large flat rock paved platform. This was the house platform for the families of the household. It is here that Jonah Kuhio was born. Before Hurricane 'Iniki there stood another U-shaped stone structure which was high, long and narrow. The function of this structure is not known but it looks like a canoe shed. A cookhouse function was suggested but none of these could be proven. Pig enclosure. Besides the numerous walls, a large enclosure with a space at its base was noted. Other similar enclosures with a hole at its base were said to be pig pens. Here the mother pig was penned while the smaller pigs could enter and exit at will. This was destroyed after Hurricane 'Iniki. Ring of wall and stone seats. This ring was said to be the amphitheater of the chief. However, the path around this semicircle is the older County Road and has nothing to do with the ancient function of the site. Ka'ulu area. The area inland and west of Ho'ai is called Ka'ulu. Here were found irrigation ditches, which ran on the top of the pahoehoe land. The ditch was very unusual as it also ran on top of and served as the back wall of several stone house platforms. The ditch served the entire area by providing water for the taro fields that were once in the area. The ditch started at Waikomo Stream where the present Kukui'ula store is located and ran down to Ho'ai and then westward to the taro fields. Kamalo'ula heiau Inland and slightly east of the Ho'ai site is located a depression where a pool of water naturally collects. This pool has on its inland edge a temple called Kamaloula after the place name for the area. Its function is not known but it is likely a ho'o'ulu'ai or agricultural class temple. [Lahainaluna Ms 43, Kikuchi 1963] Salt Pans. [50-30-10-0076] On the older coastal road at Koloa, there were numerous salt pans, some divisions are made by a single row of flat stones on edge, others by rounded stones in line, still others by a double row of stones with dirt or sand filled in between for a sort of a walk." [Bennett 1933:117]. Other salt pans were noted at Kane-milo-hai and at Pau-a-Laka adjacent to the road [Kikuchi 1963:66,67] Kawelo: Temple of Maulili Maulili temple was located inland of Koloa landing "...after the battle of Wahiawa, Aikanaka's men carried the body of Kawelo to Koloa where 'Aikanaka had built a heiau. There they laid the body and covered it with banana leaves Kawelo regains his life, he is helped by a guard. Kawelo then kills Aikanaka and the soldiers in the temple. His helper, the guard, was made chief of Koloa." [Rice 1923:66] Ka-ho'o-le'i-na-pe'a This is the traditional spot where the kite of Kawelo cuts the kite of Kauahoa and his kite crashed into the ground. This is the area outside of Koloa town on the right of Koloa Rd. leading to Lawa'i and before the turnoff to Omao. Archaeological Complex The entire area back of the coastal road from Weliweli to the main inland road bordered by Waikomo stream, nearly 800 acres in extent, was a large complex of adjoining archaeological sites and features. Much of the area has been destroyed to make way for the golf course although several clusters of sites were preserved in the golf course area. The construction of Kiahuna Resort, the Kiahuna shopping center, Sheraton Hotel, and other commercial ventures all contributed to the eradication of the remains. The area was once filled with a large complex of habitation sites, gardens, irrigated fields, ditches, walls etc. The blossoming of the area is probably due to the arrival of the Whaling Fleet at Koloa Landing and these ships needed provisions. This extensive use of the land was partially seen going westward across to the Ho'ai coastal and inland area. [Hammatt] Caves There are numerous underground lava tube caves in the Koloa ahupua'a. The reason is that this was the last area of volcanism on the island of Kauai and therefore the landscape if relatively young (1,000,000 to 500,000 years ago). Many of these caves contain evidences of prehistoric use by the Hawaiians. Others are dangerous as they contain an environment of a high concentration of carbon dioxide. Within these dark and damp areas live the endemic blind spiders of Koloa. Therefore, these caves are to be protected and will not be located in this report. Kaluahonu, Koloa Kaluahonu Cave is close by the Waita reservoir. The plantation used to dump human waste and rubbish from all the camps into this very large cave. [p.697-698,Katherine Bukoski Viveiros, Koloa: An Oral History of a Kauai Community,Vol.11. SSRI 1988]. Makauahi Sinkhole A collapsed limestone cave on the border of Pa'a/ Mahaulepu ahapua'a. Probable 18th century fishing camp, and one time cenotic lake. Unusual in that it is lithified sandstone quartzite and not volcanic in formation. Fishponds [50-30-10-0077] [Ho'oleinapua'a pond] Just inland from the shore road at the east [sic] side of the Weliweli, Koloa." Kikuchi discovered this pond again when he inspected the County of Kauai map for the area. The map showed four ponds with detailed construction. The pond was covered after 1933 and has recently been re-excavated by the County. By coincidence the pond today is where the older prehistoric one stood. One of these ponds is of an oval shape 185 yards in circumference. It is encircled with a raised wall of dirt the edges faced with large stones. This raised portion is about 12 feet wide and built up 2 feet high most of the way around. Within this pond is a small circular wall of stones 2 feet wide, 2 feet high and about 15 feet in diameter. A built-up path leads out to this circle. This pond is one of a series of four all similar in size and construction. There are no internal divisions, nor any great depth to these ponds." [Bennett 1933:118] Holua Slide [Pu'u-o-Hewa][50-30-10-0091] The slide consists of two grooved lines in the soil of Pu'u-o-Hewa. Both lines cross each other to form an X. The slope is nearly 70 degrees. There are no signs of any stone within the slides area. Uniquely the slide was on earthen floor. [Bennett 1933:122, Kikuchi 1963:61] Luahine-alapi'i [ Hapa Road] The old trail going from the shore to the inland areas of Koloa was called Luahine-alapi'i. Kane-i-olouma heiau. This temple was also constructed by chief Kiha-keoholupalupa. Its remnants are to be found in the County park [Manokalanipo] leading to Po'ipu Beach Park. Kiha-houna heiau [ 50-30-10-0080] Kiha-houna, is a heiau for the gods Hulukoki, Kane, Kamohoali'i and Kuhaimoana. This was a walled temple 130 feet by 90 feet with a seawall. The temple was terraced toward the south and toward the west. In 1982 Hurricane Iwa destroyed 80 percent of the templ. The temple was rebuilt under Kikuchi's supervision. In 1992, Hurricane Iniki totally destroyed the heiau. The chief Kiha-keoho-lupalupa had this temple built. [ Lahainaluna School Ms 43; Kikuchi 1963:67] Asian Historical Sites Koloa Hongwangji The people who were Buddhist had no temple in Koloa. They met at people's homes for religious services and called themselves: jugonichi Ko" or the" 15th Day Group" In 1909 they numbered 66. Their priest was Rev. Miyazaki who also served Lihue Hongwanji. In 1909 Tadashi Hanadani approached Koloa Sugar Plantation for a lease on the property. The lease was approved and the temple was dedicated on Oct. 16,1910. The total cost of construction was $3,855.77 In 1938 (March 6,) the YBA hall was constructed. (My note: All of this was across from Big Save) [Kaua'i Times Oct. 16, 1985 A-5] The YBA hall destroyed by fire on April 1, 1994 [ Garden Island April 1, 1994 6A] Jodo Shu Mission The present temple was built in 1910. In order to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Koloa Jodo Shu Mission, four master carpenters were enlisted from Miya-Daiku, Aichi Prefecture. They were Yoshiyuki Ishikawa, Ikuo Ishikawa, Hideyuki Ishikawa and Fumio Aoki. The minister Rev. Kodo Tanaka organized the work. About 5 years ago [1980] Rev. Tanaka's friend a master painter from Nagano Prefecture offered to paint the ceiling of the temple. This artist was Shuho Koiwai. European Historical Sites Koloa landing "Koloa landing was the third most important port in the Hawaiian Islands, next to Honolulu and Lahaina, Maui. This was a favorite winter anchorage for whaling vessels. As many as fifty ships were anchored here at the same time and maintained a brisk trade in sugar, molasses, syrup, sweet potatoes, squash, onions, cattle, turkeys and other food stuffs." [Hadley, Williams 1956:13] Koloa was a favorite place for the whaling ships to obtain fresh supplies on Kauai. This district was especially noted for its superior sweet potatoes and ship captains were usually able to acquire as much as they needed. There were also fresh vegetables and an abundance of firewood available along with fresh water that could be secured near the landing. In addition, barrels of salt beef were procured along with cattle and pigs on hoof to be slaughtered later when the whaling vessels reached the arctic region and hung on the rigging to freeze. This port of Koloa did a considerable amount of trade during the whaling days. An estimate in 1857 stated that 10,000 barrels of sweet potato were grown each year at Koloa and that the crop furnished nearly all the potatoes sent to California from Hawaii. One year in the 1800s, Koloa shipped 10,000 pounds of yams-all grown in Koloa-to the mainland from Koloa Landing. Sugar and molasses also later became chiefly articles of export. For years Koloa was the only port of entry on Kauai for goods from other countries and a customhouse officer was stationed here. [The Garden Island Sunday. Oct. 8, 1995. B-1 Archival source: KHS papers Vol. 1, pg. 293-300.] Koloa Union Church and “Brown Hall” In 1834, the Rev. Peter Gulick was assigned to start a mission station at Koloa. The Gulick family lived near Maulili Pool. In 1837 the first chapel was built which stood until 1859. Through the efforts of Dr. James W. Smith, a medical missionary, a new edifice was built which lasted the congregation for over 70 years. In 1923 the Koloa Union Church was formed and in 1929 the Hawaiian Church of Koloa leased the existing buildings and land to the Koloa Union Church for 25 years. Mr. George N. Wilcox had the buildings completely repaired and built another chapel alongside for the Hawaiian-speaking congregation. When the 25-year lease expired, the Koloa Union Church moved next door to a fellowship hall. Plans were approved in 1959 to build a new church and multi-purpose building. The new church complex was dedicated in July of 1961." On August 11, 1929 the corner stone was laid for the erection of the 'Brown Hall.' The Hawaiian Congregation utilized their new structure for their worship services, with ministers supplied through the Hawaiian Board of Missions as they had done beginning in 1870. The first pastor of the new building was Rev. Earnest K. Richardson who remained in this position from 1929 through 1933. Due to his tenure, the building was later referred formerly as 'Richardson Hall.' The building was used for all church activities from formal church services to social activities of members. With enrollment increasing, a decision to build another building was dismissed and the current building extended. The back of the church was added to and an addition to the side. All of the construction was completed and a special celebration occurred on May 14, 1941. The kitchen was later added to allow for access and ease to coordinate activities with the church. On May 1, 1944, the affiliation with the Hawaiian Evangelical Association of Hawaii was severed and the church was for the first time independent. Many visiting pastors from different organizations ministered thereby affiliating the church facility with certain organizations such as the Southern Baptist Association, The Missionary Church of Fort Wayne, Indiana with whom an affiliation remained till 1952. In 1953, under the leadership of Rev. Michael F. Black, the church began their Pentecostal movement and in 1953 accepted the affiliation. In 1954, the lease for the adjacent ' White Church' ended and the move to the original church occurred." [Edited from a report by Eleanor A. Anderson taken from Koamalu" prepared by Henry K. Blake at the 100th Anniversary Celebration of the Church on July 28, 1935 and Historical Papers" pre-1918 written by Re. Solomon Kaulili and Henry Blake.] In 1992 Hurricane Iniki heavily damaged both the " White Church" and "Brown Hall". Dr. James Smith House [TMK 2-8-10:31] This was the home of one of Koloa's first missionary-doctors. Koloa Missionary Church [TMK 2-8-10:64] Koloa Missionary Church was the home of the Smith Family of Missionaries. This later became a school. Waterhouse Family Cemetery Just before Koloa Missionary Church on side street on the same side of the street. Old Sugar Mill. The site of the original Sugar Mill is dated from 1841-1842 and is situated in Koloa Town. This is the third mill built by the Ladd and Company, a group of New Englanders with missionary connections who arrived with the intent to establish a mercantile trading house. Monument to Sugar Workers Located in Koloa town, this large circular monument was sculptured by Jan Fisher of La'ie, Oahu. The monument was built for the 150th anniversary of the sugar industry in Hawaii. The monument has seven figures representing the Hawaiian, Caucasian, Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Portuguese sugar workers. Later an additional figure was added which represented the Puerto Rican workers. [ Garden Island Oct. 30, 1985] Kahalewai Building [TMK 2-8-7:16] Building was almost destroyed in the Hurricane of 1992. The facade of the building is to be rebuilt. St. Raphael's Church In December 21, 1841, Father Walsh presided over the first Catholic mass known to be held on Kauai. Father Walsh established St. Raphael's at Koloa and remained there until 1859.In the St. Raphael's Church District there are 8 structures: Church A two-story building, originally constructed in 1855-1856 measured 30 by 45 feet. The structure was of rubble rock cemented by a mortar made from local coral. The site had a Gothic style belfry but in 1933 the belfry was removed and the present adobe tower was erected. [Informant: Iki Moir]. Rectory. In 1856 the rectory was constructed. It is a two-story, building of masonry. Chapel. The present chapel is a reconstruction of the original 1844 lava rock chapel. In 1941 in cleaning the grounds of the church area the ruins of an earlier church was found. The original structure was 15 by 45 feet and only two of its walls remained. Rather then to rebuild a smaller 15 feet square chapel was incorporated into the original wall and a steep gabled roof added. The Koloa Sugar Company donated iron gates. Grotto to Our lady of Lourdes. Fr. Libert Boehnaems built this grotto in the late nineteen century. The grotto was made from nearby lava rubble and its forms an arched niche, which contains the statue of Mary. Parish hall of 1939. This hall stands on the site of the rectory of 1850 which was destroyed by a fire around 1900. The present structure was built on the foundation of the old house. Parish Hall of 1970. This is a modern Parish hall, single story, concrete block design which was demolished during the Hurricane of 1992.[Iwa] Rectory of 1970. A modest single story concrete block structure. Cemetery ‘Covered by cactus and keawe[sic] (kiawe), its existence unknown for decades, the ruins of the first stone chapel built at Koloa by Father Arsenius Robert Walsh 100 years ago was discovered recently when in the process of clearing the 17 acres about St. Raphael's Church in preparation for the centennial celebration which takes place this weekend. Before these ruins were uncovered, the people had been under the impression that their present church was the first built by Father Walsh. Bishop Louis Maigret, Vicas Apostolic of the Hawaii catholic Mission, consecrated the “new” St. Raphael’s on Oct. 24th, 1856. With dimensions 30 x 45 ft, the chapel was designed in Roman architectural style, with walls three ft thick and windows recessed about halfway into the walls’. [Stone Chapel: St Raphael's Church: Koloa. The Garden Island. Oct. 21, 1941] Po'ipu Beach Park Old Lady Kini's land is where Po'ipu beach park is now located. [p.513, Edene Vidinha, Koloa:An Oral History of a Kauai Community Vol. II,SSRI 1988] Cemetery Cemetery owned by the Bacles. Wm and Mary Bacle are probably buried there. The cemetery is part of the Po'ipu beach park. [p.719 Katherine Bukoski Viveiros, Koloa: An Oral History of a Kauai Community Vol. 11, SSRI 1988) Mr. Wm Keaumaikai Bacle is buried there. p.513, Edene Naleimaile Vidinha, SSRIU 1988]. |