Preserving the Foundations of Culture

Kaho‘olawe is a unique place where one quickly becomes aware of the spiritual connection to the ‘āina—the wind, ocean, land, and heavens. When the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission (KIRC) began planning for the restoration of the island, it was understood that cultural awareness would guide the restoration.

The KIRC Culture and Education Program is intended to ensure that experts in Hawaiian culture are on hand to provide cultural assessments prior to and during restoration and ocean management activities, and to perform various protocols, ceremonies, and rituals as appropriate.

Cultural programs are tailored to support the KIRC mission, which is focused on managing the Reserve in trust for a future Native Hawaiian entity to preserve and practice all rights traditionally exercised for cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes.

Integrating Culture and Restoration

Cultural integration is emphasized in all facets of Kaho‘olawe’s restoration. Traditionally, the island was considered a sacred place that was closely associated with Kanaloa, the Hawaiian deity of the ocean. Today it is still considered a sacred and spiritual place as well as a cultural treasure with numerous heiau, ko‘a, and ahu on the island. The entire island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places because of its archeological, cultural, and historic significance.

Kaho‘olawe’s Archeological Importance

Kaho‘olawe is the only major island in the Pacific that has been archaeologically surveyed from coast to coast. There is now a total inventory of nearly 3,000 historic sites and features on the island.

The creation of a comprehensive electronic database of these sites and features provides a unique planning and land management tool. Site maps, descriptions, and photographs are retrievable by grid, site, and geographic area.

The island retains an intact and unique record of all phases of the Hawaiian past from the adze maker’s workshop at Pu‘umoiwi to the fisherman’s camp at Kealaikahiki, from the heiau at Hakioawa to the paniolo bunkhouse at Kuheia. These and other resources will provide education and inspiration for many generations.

Adherence to Cultural Protocols

The KIRC staff maintains the cultural essence of Kaho‘olawe by adhering to the ‘Aha Pawalu, a protocol book written by the Edith Kanaka‘ole Foundation specifically for the KIRC. The book details sixteen chants and nine protocols, basic information that the KIRC staff recognizes and acknowledges as guidelines for proper cultural behavior.

A second book that may be used in the future is the Kalai Maoli Ola, which details specific protocols
for different areas of the island.

Traditional Cultural Practices

Various ceremonies and rites are regularly performed on Kaho‘olawe using traditional cultural practices. The annual planting ceremony takes place every October at the beginning of the wet season, and people from both the KIRC and the Protect Kaho‘olawe ‘Ohana (PKO) come together to give offerings and open the planting season. Cultural practitioners, usually from the PKO, perform seasonal ceremonies for Kane and Kanaloa during the solstices. Proper burial ceremonies are also held when iwi kupuna are found on the island.

Presentations and Outreach

Thousands of high school and college students, as well as the members of various organizations, receive orientations on the history and culture of Kaho‘olawe as part of the KIRC Culture and Education Program. In addition, materials now being prepared in collaboration with the State Department of Education will result in curriculum to assist public and private school teachers in Hawai‘i in including modules on Kaho‘olawe in their Hawaiian studies programs.