The Ahupua'a 'O Kahana State Park is tucked into a sandy cove on Oahu's East Coast.
We ventured out on the Kapa Ele'ele Trail. From the park's website (at this link),
This trail consists of a 1.2 mile loop on the mountain slope along the western side of Kahana Bay. This trail offers stunning views of Kahana Bay, Huilua Fishpond and passes two important cultural sites related to fishing in the bay, Kapa‘ele‘ele Ko‘a (fishing shrine) and Keaniani Kilo (lookout).
A ko‘a is a shrine dedicated to fishing. Hawaiians made offerings here to ensure bountiful harvests of the akule fish (Bigeye scad). The offering was often the first fish caught. The akule is an important food fish that schools in Kahana Bay in large numbers. This ko‘a is a rectangular alignment of boulders that is open toward the sea.
This spot served as a lookout (kilo) for fishermen. From here, the kilo i‘a (fish watcher) could spy schools of akule fish which would sparkle as the sun reflected off of them like a mirror (aniani). He would then direct a group of waiting fishermen in canoes via a set of signals using a pole with a flag of white kapa. The catch was then divided equally between all participants. Additionally, a malihini (guest) share was set aside for any passers by or visitors who were watching, an early example of what is today known as the "Aloha spirit".
The catch was then divided equally between all participants. Additionally, a malihini (guest) share was set aside for any passers by or visitors who were watching, an early example of what is today known as the "Aloha spirit".
We ended our hike on the beach! One randomly selected commenter from this week's blogs wins a book choice from my convention stash. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, March 23, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winner on Sunday, March 24.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
Wow... great photos. Not a big hiking fan but I would love going there!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat this excursion must have been. The pictures are just gorgeous - thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWell, you're certainly going to take some amazing memories of Hawaii when you leave there. These pictures are absolutely stunning. The views take my breath away.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful as always - I'm going to be missing your pics of Hawaii!
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to end a hike on the beach! Looks like a very nice place to visit when on the east coast.
ReplyDeleteThose pictures reminds me of why I enjoy hiking so much. Only instead of a beach it's often a lake we enjoy in the mountains. It always feels so refreshing. I would like to come across a ko‘a. A shrine in a forest, how fanastic!
ReplyDeleteAmazing views and pictures. So wish I was there.
ReplyDeleteThe views are breathtaking.
ReplyDeleteIt looks so incredibly lush and exotic.
ReplyDeletenice views
ReplyDeleteGreat pics of the mountains, looks similar to some of the sights in British Columbia. Mountains and water, what more do you want.
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, hope to visit soon
ReplyDeleteKmh
Your Aloha Adventures are going to be sorely missed when you move.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all the time and sharing of photos and stories you've given to the rest of us.
You sure are making some great memories with all the picture you're taking. You're great grandchildren will thank you for all the pictures you've taken. I know I love seeing all the pictures my grandparents took and left to me.
ReplyDeleteWe tried this trail on 2016-October-28th. We started along the old railroad right of way, found the sign pointing to the left and then could not find a way through the bush. We found three dead ends, one of which featured an ancient stone wall, but all of these were just a few yards beyond the turn left sign, so we never got to see the fishing shrine or the lookout. We had had to back track out the way we entered. The mud was amazing and there was quite a boot washing session later in the day.
ReplyDelete