Ka Moolelo O Kaneiolouma or The Story of Kanei'olouma

Ka Moolelo O Kaneiolouma or The Story of Kanei'olouma. . , General Orientation , Ke Kuhua 'o Kanei'olouma (The Kanei'olouma Complex) is a cultural site containing the remnants of an ancient Hawaiian multi-purpose complex here at Po'ipu, Koloa, Kaua'i. This 13-acre complex, designated by the County of Kaua'i and Ni'ihau, as the Po'ipu Beach Ma Uka ("Inland") Preserve, contains enclosed sections or chambers for habitation, cultivation, sporting or assembly, and religious gathering purposes, and it dates to the mid-1400s., Wahi Pana and Heiau , Kanei'olouma is a wahi pana, a site that has stories and a specific name attached with historical significance. Parts of the complex are heiau: sacred gathering sites for religious worship, while other parts provide infrastructure for habitation. Kanei'olouma is a historic landmark for the residents of Kaua'i - a symbol of the complexity of a highly structured, centuries-old Polynesian society established here on Kaua'i. The complex, with its intricate system of walls and terraces, demonstrates the architectural and engineering feats achieved by the people who called this place home for hundreds of years. , Chambers and Arenas , The complex also consists of remnants of long-term dwelling sites, fishponds (an engineering feat unique to the Hawaiian Islands), taro patches, above-ground aqueducts and ground-level irrigation ditches, and religious shrines, altars, and platforms for idols. These structures have been left relatively undisturbed since their construction. In the vicinity are the sites where epic battles were fought and profound and lasting peace negotiated-events preserved in story, oratory, and chants. , The largest section of the complex contains a significant chamber or arena, situated in a natural amphitheater where mahakini related events-sporting events associated with the winter season-were held. The arena also contains a natural spring and has sectioned-off viewing areas around the perimeter., Hui Malama o Kanei'olouma , Members of the group Hui Malama o Kanei'olouma have been the caretakers of the grounds of the Kanei'olouma Complex during the first decade of the 21st century. The group has an enduring vision and mission to protect, restore, interpret, and share Kanei'olouma as a public cultural preserve and resource. Cultural experts are recruited from various Hawaiian disciplines to work together assisting in this endeavor., Under a stewardship agreement signed in August of 2010, the COunty of Kaua'i granted formal custodianship of Kanei'olouma to Hui Malama o Kanei'olouma. Confirming the importance of the restoration and preservation of Kanei'olouma for all of Kaua'i, the project was included in Mayor Bernard Carvalho's Holo Holo 2020 vision., Hui Malama o Kanei'olohuma was established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit stewardship organization in 2009. Please see the website: kaneiolouma.org , Mahalo nui loa, "This particular place, Kanei'olouma is a very special spiritual sacred place here on our island...As mayor I made a committment to this place to preserve it and to encourage others on our island to come and support this effort." - Mayor Bernard Carvalho, 2010 , What you have is more important than a heiau...", "Let this great work begin at Koloa,"< ,

Map Legend, 1. Ke Kalewa - Ali'i viewing area , 2. Ke Anaina - Spectator viewing area , 3. Ka Pa Hale - Housesites , 4. Ka Puna 'o Wai'ohai - Wai'ohai Spring , 5. Ka Loko I'a - Fishponds , 6. Hale o l'a - Hale o l'a Fishpond , 7. Ka Pa Hula - Hula Platform , 8. Kihaohuna Heiau , 9. Nukumoi - Nukumoi Islet , 10. Ho'oleinakapua'a - Ho'oleinakapua'a Bay , 11. Po'opoku - Po'opoku Point , 12. Ka Palena o Koloa me Weliweli - Koloa-Weliweli ahupua'a border , 13. Po'ipu - Po'ipu Bay , 14. Ka Lo'i Kalo - Taro Patch , 15. Ka Pa Hale - Housesites , 16. Kani Kolea - Kani Kolea section , 17. Ka Puna - Spring

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"If you don't have the past in a culture, you'll never have a future.", Kane'iolouma delegation with Kaua'i Mayor Bernard Carvalha attends 200th Annual Ho'oku'ikahi Commeration of peace between the Kaua'i Kingdom of King Kaumuali'i and the Kamehameha Kingdom at Pu'ukoholo Heiau in Kawaihae, Hawai'i in 2010., "People really need to go back to the heiau; it's fundamental to who we are as a culture." - Billy Kaohelauli'i, Po'o