Near Pāhoa in Hawaii County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
Hawaiians learned to survive on this harsh volcanic land
Hawaiians, native to these ahupua'a (land divisions), lived a sustainable lifestyle through conservation and trade. They survived by living off the land and the sea. Although the mountains and the ocean provided ample pigs, fish, and other foods, this lava-covered lowland offered minimal soil and fresh water. This made the cultivation of the 'uala (sweet potato), a staple of the Hawaiian diet, difficult.
The mahi'ai (native farmers) created pits and carefully stacked rocks in the sheltered corners of the lava flow to cradle the valuable soil and moisture required to grow the 'uala. These simple sweet potato mounds became their gardens. The mahi'ai nurtured many gardens and controlled the number of 'uala that could be collected from them. The lives of the community depended upon this diligence, knowledge, and ingenuity.
Erected by National Park Service, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Anthropology & Archaeology.
Location. 19° 17.476′ N, 155° 7.54′ W. Marker is near Pāhoa, Hawaii, in Hawaii County. Marker can be reached from Chain of Craters Road (at milepost 16.3) near Hilina Pali Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pahoa HI 96778, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. The spirit of Pu'uloa now surrounds you (approx. ¼ mile away); These simple impressions embody the essence of Pu'uloa (approx. ¼ mile away); Preserved within Pu'uloa are the stories and memories of the Native Hawaiian people (approx. 0.3 miles away); Nature's Untamed Forces Unite to Sculpt Sea Arches (approx. 1.8 miles away); Mokumanamana is a place of spiritual and geologic transition (approx. 1.8 miles away); The islands of Hawai'i begin here (approx. 1.8 miles away); Vast coral reefs create a world of abundance (approx. 1.8 miles away); Mauna Ulu (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pāhoa.
More about this marker. This marker is located on the Puna Coastal Trail.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 3, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 204 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 3, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.