| More Cultural Notes / Hawaiiana |
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Kaaawa translates to "the wrasse fish" in Hawaiian. A wrasse is a spinny-finned
saltwater fish commonly caught for food.Kualoa translates to "long back". In ancient Hawaiian times, Kualoa was considered to be one of the most sacred locations on Oahu and training grounds for the children of the most powerful of ali'i (chiefs). Fishponds in the area are said to have been constructed by Menehunes (legendary race of small, magical people who were active only at night). Men who were condemned to die were said to find refuge if they could reach this area. References: Pukui, Mary K., et al. Place Names of Hawaii, 2nd ed, University of Hawai'i Press, 1974 |
| History of Kualoa Ranch and Lands |
The lands of Kaaawa Valley, including Kualoa and Hakipuu and all fishing rights
offshore including Mokolii (Chinaman's Hat), were transferred into private hands
on November 20, 1850. Kamehameha III, king of Hawaii, sold that 622-acre tract to
Dr. Gerrit Parmele Judd (1803 - 1873) for $1,300. Judd, a missionary doctor who
had arrived in Hawaii in 1837, was a personal advisor to Kamehameha III.(3)
When the S.G. Wilder Plantation failed, Dr. Judd purchased its blocks of land in
Hakipuu, Kualoa, and Kaaawa for about $15,000 and increased the size of the
estate dramatically to what it is today.
In 1921, Mrs. Julie Judd Swanzy (a.k.a. F.M. Swanzy) donated a five-acre portion
of the Judd estate for use as a playground and park.(3) This strip of shoreline,
directly along the makai (ocean) side of Kamehameha Highway, stands in the shadow
of the Kahekili Trail's cliffs. The park, still open and used today, bears her
name (Swanzy Beach Park).Since 1850 the agricultural land has remained within the control of the Judd Family and its descendants. In 1927, the Kualoa Ranch, Ltd. was born. (4) Today, Kualoa Ranch, Inc. continues to own and operate the area as an active cattle ranch and eco-tourism site. 3 - Pukui, Mary K., et al. Place Names of Hawaii, 2nd ed, University of Hawai'i Press, 1974 4 - Ii, John Papa, Fragments of Hawaiian History, Vol. 5, p. 82, Bernice Pauhi Bishop Museum, 1959 |
| Property/Access - More Details |
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The following is a breakdown of land parcels this trail either crosses into, borders with,
or remains in extremely close vicinity. Remember that a) trails often meander in and out
of bordering land parcels - they are not perfect, and b) parcel boundaries, fee ownership,
land leases, and policies of both toward hikers are subject to change. In any case, act as
prudent, responsible hikers and heed the law of the land. Kaaawa Valley - basin plus Moo Kapu o Haloa Cliffs below Puu Kanehoalani Fee Owner: Kualoa Ranch, Inc. Lessee: None TMK (zone): 51004001 (agriculture) Ridges inc. Manamana & Ohulehule, rem. of Moo Kapu o Haloa Cliffs Fee Owner: Kualoa Ranch, Inc. Lessee: None TMK (zone): 51007001 (conservation) Hakipuu Valley & Kualoa side of Moo Kapu o Haloa Cliffs Fee Owner: Kualoa Ranch, Inc. Lessee: none TMK (zone): 49006001 (conservation) Verified with City & County of Honolulu public records March 28, 2004. It is your responsibility to obtain permission from proper landowners. |