About Kahalu‘u Bay's Culture and History
The ahupua‘a of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou are sacred to Hawaiians. By sharing the history of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou, as well as the life stories of kūpuna who lived there, we are able to continue the heritage of our Hawaiian culture. Kūpuna guide us to restore the beach and bay at Kahalu‘u in a rightful and respectful way—the pono way for our children.
Through video recordings, we are able to document and share this important historical and cultural information. These recordings feature kūpuna Mitchell Fujisaka and Allen Wall sharing their stories with Cultural Historian Kepa Maly. Maly gives additional background on the ahupua‘a gleaned from old Hawaiian language newspapers.
These videos were put together with the support of the Preserve America Grant, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The grant awarded by NOAA recognizes efforts to preserve the special significance of the ahupua‘a of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou.
Watch Videos:
Cultural Historian Kepa Maly talks about the history of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou on the Island of Hawai‘i.
Long-time resident kūpuna Mitchell Fujisaka of Kahalu‘u, Kona on the Island of Hawai‘i tells stories of his childhood and traditional fishing practices.
Uncle Allen Wall, a long-time resident and rancher from Kona area of the Island of Hawai‘i, recalls stories from his past.
The grant was also used to produce a cultural brochure on the ahupua‘a of Kahalu‘u and Keauhou. The brochure, Ho‘iho‘i kūlana wahi pana (Restoring Sacred Places), shares the special cultural significance and the wealth of little known sites that are both sacred and life giving. The brochure was produced in part through the Preserve America Grant and through a partnership with the Outrigger Keauhou Resort, The Kohala Center, and National Marine Sanctuaries Program-Pacific Islands Region. Download the brochure.