Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 29, Number 2, 1 February 2012 — Conquering environmental challenges [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

Conquering environmental challenges

\u'uanu (eool terrace) was a bountiful valley for hundreds of years. Taro lands extended seaward from the midpoint of the valley. And, the upper valley was lush and green all the way to the summit of Ko'olau Range, its dramatically steep cliff, the Nu'uanu Pali, and the pali trail that descended into the Ko'olau side. According to the Handys and Kawena Pukui, Nu'uanu was not as

important traditionally or prehistorically as Oahu's Ko'olau region; however, it was far richer in mythieal and legendary lore than any other locality on O'ahu. In 1935, botanists exploredmany small valleys in upper Nu 'uanu that open into the main valley on either side of the stream. They found mueh evidence of ancient terraces on the steep slopes of several valleys below the falls, as well as on small flat areas beside the streams. All this was indication of the extensive taro cultivation in ancient times. Below Nu'uanu Stream in the Dowsett tract area, more former terraces were evident. And, the extensive, flat and gently sloping areas between Nu'uanu and Waolani streams, from Waolani to Kapālama, were terraced kalo

farms as well. Petroglyphs of animal and human figures were found carved into rocks at various loeations in Nu'uanu. The first temples (heiau) were erected in Nu'uanu by Wākea and his companions. Menehune, who were brought from Kahiki by Kāne and Kanaloa, lived in Nu'uanu as well. Maikoha, another who lived in Nu'uanu, was the one who disappeared into the ground and beeame the first wauke plant. And, Mo'oinanea, the Queen of Reptiles (mo'o), chose Nu'uanu for her home, after leading the migration of her people from Kahiki. The mo'o landed first on 0'ahu's North Shore, before swarming overland into Nu'uanu. The mo'o spread quickly throughout the islands and became inveterate en-

emies of the Pele elan. Hi'iaka, Pele's youngest sister, had many desperate battles with mo'o during her travels through O'ahu. Wherever there was a pool or natural pond, a female mo'o made a home and guarded it, jealously. Several mischievous mo'o lived near Nu'uanu Pali, one of whom often assumed the form of Kū'Ilioloa, a ghostly great dog, who was feared by those traversing the Pali trail. Can you imagine that our Hawaiian ancestors routinely scaled up and down the Pali trail? From the Ko'olau side, the perpendicular climb to the summit started at the large rock, Kaho'owahapōhaku. Flowers and fruit were often left there as offerings to the akua wahine (goddess), who could grant safe passage. Continuing on, the

climbers would reach a spring, Kawaikilokanaka that was well known for the clarity of reflections a person saw in it. The climb eontinued to a large rock, Kaipuolono, whieh was important for predicting whether the climb would be successful. If one slipped while leaning his chest on this rock, he would fall and die. Continuing on, the climber reached the joining plaee in the cliff named Kāpili, the nuku (nukuanu) and finally, beyond that, Kaholoakeāhole, eompleting the divisions of the pali. This description doesn't include the forces of nature that could interfere with such an arduous assent or descent. Such are the hairraising gusts of wind and torrents of rain of the Nu'uanu Pali that remain a challenge to automobile travelers today. Our Hawaiian ancestors were so brave, very physically fit and strong! ■

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By Claire Ku'uleilani Hughes, Dr. PH„ R.D.