Waimea Valley: History Uncovered, Preserved and Protected

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Learning about the history and culture of the area you are planning on relocating to is surely a must!  

Waimea Bay is located on the North Shore on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. During the winter months the waves can get as high as thirty feet where some surfers dare to brave riding the wild surf. During the summer months the water is calm and great for swimming and snorkeling.

Follow the permanent river from the ocean of Waimea Bay into Waimea Valley and there is an astounding amount of history and over 80% of the archaeological sites in this valley have still not been uncovered.

Waimea was given the title of the "Valley of the Priests" around the year 1090 and erected two of the Heiau's or ancient temples (pronounced hay ee ow) around this area. Puu O Mahuka Heiau is on the bluffs of Pupukea and above Waimea (first picture taken from this heiau) and is the largest heiau on the island of Oahu covering 5 acres of land. It is also a national landmark and registered historical site.  Kupopolo Heiau is located off Waimea Beach on the Waialua side of the river.

More on these Heiau's and their history can be read here: HAWAIIAN LEGENDS: Kaena Point, Waimea Valley, and Two Heiau's .......

There is also the  "Hale o Lono" Heiau site which is located further in Waimea Valley along the river and near the Environmental Visitor's Center.

The National Audubon Society (City & County of Honolulu gave them a lease for the Visitor's Center) contracted the Archaeological Consultants of the Pacific (ACP) to do a cultural and archealogical survey of the many historical sites on this land in Waimea Valley.

This assessment of Waimea Valley also calls for the preservation and protection of the land as well as a deep interpretation of the land. With this current assessment they have discovered 78 more sites of interest so far (and this is only a fraction of what has yet to be uncovered) since the first one was done by the Bishop Museum in 1974. There are now Burial Sites that have been uncovered that need to be tended to as well. (Purchasing Hawaii Vacant Land? Ancient Hawaiian Burial Sites and Laws)

Over the years the Waimea Valley land has changed ownership several times and to date there are still negotiations going on for a partnership with the Department of Land and Natural Resources, The City and County, U.S. Army and the Audubon Society...of course with title to the property to be assumed by the Office of Hawaiian Affairs for transfer (eventually) to a Native Hawaiian entity.

Beautiful view from atop the bluff

Ancient history of long ago lore

Tales of battle and war

The purpose so far away

Wandering for years on end

Chasing  a long forgotten wind 

The land, the sea, the people.

If you would like more information on Relocating to Hawaii (and a relocation packet) please call:

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, RA     * Century 21 Liberty Homes*

95-2214 Kipapa Drive, Mililani, HI  96789

Direct Contact:  808-375-1404                                                          

www.hawaiihomesmarket.com 

Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Mililani Hawaii Real Estate Blog 2007© 

*All pictures and content property of Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman