Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 38, Number 11, 1 November 2021 — Ka Wahi Pana o Luluku [ARTICLE]

Ka Wahi Pana o Luluku

By Julie U'ilani Au and Ardena Sanoe Saarinen Luluku is an 'ili aina (smaller land division) in the ahupua'a (larger land division) of Kāne'ohe. Kāne'ohe is home to some of the most extensive and eomplex terraee systems found throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The Luluku Stream originates mauka beneath the easeading waterfalls of the Ko'olau mountain peak known as Pu'u Keahiakahoe. It is one of the mountain range's highest peaks and separates Moanalua Valley from Kāne'ohe. Here, the māno wai (headwaters) of Luluku Stream begin the journey makai, weaving its way into Hi'ilaniwai and Kamo'oali'i streams. Heading further makai, these blended waters join with Kāne'ohe Stream eventually finding their eolleetive way into Waikalua Loko I'a (fishpond), and finally to Kāne'ohe Bay. Although some translations of Luluku al-

lude to destruetion and devastation, one of the most important resources that this aina offers is its wai (fresh water), considered to be a life-giv-ing resource. The waters that feed the ancient terrace systems in Luluku and throughout Kāne'ohe are complex and powerful. They are also responsible for the tremendous amount of food production occuring in this region. Due to its complex terraces and stream system, Kāne'ohe has always been known as one of the most productive ahupua'a for planting and growing kalo and is historically noted for being an area in a high state of cultivation. The lo'i kalo and terraces found in Kāne'ohe, including those found in Luluku, were so extensive that it was unnecessary to terrace the interior slopes as it was done in other ahupua'a by Kānaka kahiko (traditional Hawaiians). SEE KA WAHI PANA 0 LULUKU ON PAGE 20

KA WAHI PANA 0 LULUKU Continued from page 19 The 'ili of Luluku is a wahi pana (storied plaee) that is at the heart of many traditions and mo'olelo. The inoa aina (plaee names) themselves help preserve these stories for generations to eome and also provide a weahh of information on either the characteristics of the land or the people these places are named for. One such mo'olelo describes how Pu'u Keahiakahoe (Fire Hill of Kahoe) acquired its name, and provides details revealing that Luluku was known to have abundantly producing lo'i as well as for cultivating foods such as kalo and hanana that have continued into modern times. Another mo'olelo reveals that beneath Pu'u Keahiakahoe, three

streams eome together to form the chief water supply of Kāne'ohe. These streams are Hi'ilaniwai, Kahuaiki and Māmalahoa. According to the mo'olelo, they are eaeh considered to be wives of Kāne - one of the four main Hawaiian gods. Tradition says that Kāne (God of fresh water) could not meet with any of his wives separately or they would heeome jealous and would divert the course of their water causing the people to suffer. The plaee where all streams converge is where they ean enjoy eaeh other's company and decide how to best supply the people helow with water. ■ Julie U'ilani Au is the Hoa Noi'i a Unuhi - Research and Translation Specialist for 'Aina Momona. Ardena Sanoe Saarinen is the 'Aho Kuahui o Hālawa-Luluku - Interim HLID Project Coordinator.