Visit ‘Iole Stewardship Center
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The ahupua‘a of ‘Iole is well documented by notable historians, Kamakau, Elbert and Mookini, and Pukui, as having strong connections to ali’i nui. The lands provided a place of recreation, respite, training, and farming. Because of the relationship between ali’i and ‘aina there are many historically significant sites.
Unfortunately, many of the sites no longer exist today. As a 21st century ahupua‘a ‘Iole Stewardship Center has prioritized the restoration of as many historic sites as possible to honor that legacy and to integrate the legacy in today’s environment. Today the ahupua‘a leases portions of it lands to cattle ranchers, equitrians, macadamia nut farmers, and the aquaculture venture, Kohala Mountain Fish Company.
Cultural Sites
Heiau, Loko I‘a, Hālau Wa‘a
Three heiau are associated within ‘Iole Ahupua‘a and all three were located makai, ocean side, of the government road. Palapala Ho‘omau Heiau, Mulei‘ula Heiau, and Ohau heiau. A fourth heiau, Hale o Ka‘ili, was located in the adjoining ahupua‘a. All four heiau were connected to Kamehameha.
Two loko i‘a or fishponds are also described in historical contexts at Kauhola and Hala‘ula.
In addition to the heiau and loko i‘a, the kauhale o Walawala, housing complex of Princess Walawala, is part of the cultural site inventory.
Historic Landmarks
Elias Bond Homestead
Kohala Girls School
Loʻi Kalo
“Certain it is that the old water course of Kamehameha the Great had been carefully and skillfully constructed to water the taro patches for as much as a mile down the Iole land. In the old days each taro patch had its own name. Beautiful they still are today, terraced up the hill to the outlet of the watercourse. This runs along up the side of the steep, wooded Wainaia gulch. In Kamehameha’s time it was a shallow ditch carrying off little more that surface flow, in itself abundant, from a number of springs . . . With the removal of forests in the mauka (upland) lands these springs have greatly diminished. The forest used to come much further down.”
