www.localism.com featured post
By: Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman, Century 21 Liberty Homes, Mililani, HI 96789
There seems to be a story for every piece of land in Hawaii so let's start with Kaena Point (picture left taken from Sharks Cove) on the island of Oahu. Travel to Kaena Point from the North Shore and past Mokuleia; but alas! There is no thorough fare from this point to the other side except for a small pathway which can only be crossed by foot. (Unless you want to take a chance and fall of the cliff -this pathway is the only way around) The other side goes as far as (look at these pictures!) Yokohama Bay on the Waianae (north west side of Oahu). A huge boulder is nearby and is called the "Rock of Kauai" (Kauai is one of our other islands and also known as "The Garden Isle")
A baby boy born on Kauai on a stormy night and this boy was filled with strength as a rainbow appeared above the home where he was born. He was named Haupu and his home faced Oahu. One night while sleeping he woke in a daze with a dream filled mind of warriors paddling from Oahu to wage war on Kauai. Haupu ran to the side of a cliff, picked up a HUGE boulder and with his mighty strength heaved the boulder in the channel towards Oahu between the two islands.
Now, "Kaena" was an Oahu chief and on this very night he organized a fishing expedition. A very large crowd of men showed up with their best fishing nets and set them strategically in the center of certain spots so all they had to do was yell and the fish would swarm right into the nets. When they started yelling they never saw the boulder coming as it descended on the party. Canoes were smashed and Chief Kaena lost his life along with many of his men. The boulder hit with such force that when it hit it shoved a huge amount of sand towards the shore to create this point of land and the boulder so large that it stuck up above the water.
So the story goes that the Point of Kaena was named after their fallen Chief Kaena and the boulder named the Rock of Kauai. Me? I'll stick to the roads. I have been to the end of both sides but I think I'll just stick to what's safe.
Waimea Valley, Kupopolo and Puu o Mahuka Heiau's
Waimea "The Valley of the Priests" is appropriately named and gained it's title around the year 1090 when Kamapuaa (Ruler of Oahu and raised to Demigod status as the pig deity) awarded the land to high priest Lono a wohi. From that time until Western contact and the overturn of the Hawaiian religion the land belonged to the high priests of the Paao line.
The high priest erected in and around the valley two large heiau's (pronounced: hay ee ow's...or in English: Temples)
Heiau Kupopolo was built during the reign of Kahahana and in one legend he asks his priest (Kaopulupulu) to ask the gods if they approve of him and whether the island of Kauai would surrender if he invaded their shores. It was built on the beach of Waimea Bay but when High Priest Kaopulupulu used it he received no answer from Kauai. (they believed that thoughts are little gods and travel in space and fly freely as soaring birds)
Kahahana then had Puu O Mahuka Heiau built high in the mountains overlooking Waimea Bay (famous legendary big wave surfing spot on the North Shore) all the way to Kaeana Point on the North Shore. This is the largest heiau on my island of Oahu covering over 5 acres of land.
It is said that this was a powerful place for the Kahuna (priest, expert, teacher, and/or adviser) and one of the two places the wives of the ancient chiefs gave birth. It is also said that it was a place for human sacrifice and the heiau shows great workmanship especially around all the paths. Puu O Mahuka Heiau is a national landmark and a registered state historical site.
When Priest Kaopulupulu sent out thought waves to the Chief Kekaulike of Kaui the answer returned quickly. Kauai wanted peace.
Just so you can kind of get a view of Oahu's North Shore.....
Skydiving on the North Shore at Dillingham Field, Mokuleia, Oahu, Hawaii (you can see Kaena Point!)
More stories on Legends:
Hawaiian Legends - Nightmarchers, Menehune, and the Tiki Gods
HAWAIIAN Spirits and Superstitions
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Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocating to Hawaii, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents. Website: www.hawaiihomesmarket.com
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A Hawaii Real Estate, Hawaii Relocations, Hawaii VA Home Transaction Specialist. More passionate posts throughout this blog for Hawaii Real Estate and Relocations Info. Listening to YOUR needs first.
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Hello Sally! I like posts like this. But then almost everyone knows I lean more towards history or current event type posts rather than real estate theory.
Danny: WooHoo! That's when I found my "other" voice! (localism)...the other one is loud and clear I think...haha. Thanks!
Sally,
I just love the stories that you tell of the islands! It is so cool!
Aloha,
Lucky :)
Sally - Another Woo Hoo story. I thought that when you reached the end of the road you could go on by four wheel, but eventually would have to stop because it's government land. Am I mixed up? My husband and I did try to go a little way once, but the road turned into terrain that didn't have any resemblance to a road. When we returned tje rental car they couldn't figure out how we put soooooo many miles on it. We loved taking every back road we could find. We "discovered" places that only the locals know. Great memories.
Lucky; That's why you'll have to come see for yourself!
Marlene: They blocked it off with big cement barriers last I heard. People used to go in with their vehicles but the environmental people got involved and saying everyone is endangering the different plant species around there. (The north side....is definitely by foot...the south side you can go a few miles and then starts getting pretty bad) And I am not one to go trapsing around except if I can go in a car. I don't even go hiking anymore. Not the brave youngster I used to be. It's a wonder you didn't damage your vehicle or did you go all the way around? There is a military air force satellite thing on the south side.
Sally - I LOVE you Hawaii posts. You could write a book with all the great stuff you have included. Bookmarked for re-reading. Some day I will get there! :)
Jeff
You must spend a lot of time reading about Hawaiian history...no real history hear except swamps and hurricanes!
I am so jealous! My husband was stationed on Oahu and lived there for 5 years; we spent our honeymoon there. What an amazing place to live and work!
Jeff: Thanks for coming by again. I'm glad you like this stuff....I think I could put each one into chapter, huh?
Neal: I think of something I loved..or been...and then get an idea and read, read, read. A lot of the history I didn't know so I get to learn as well. The Puu O Mahuka Heia is a place where we always used to go to hang out.
Cheryl: I know you do! Glad you're interested and some may help for that day you come!
Jennifer: And re-visit! The next time you'll remember all you've read and go see these places!
Sally - you are so good about providing wonderful information to the public and other professionals - thank you!
Thesa: It sure is a lot of work too! I literally have to read and read and grasp a little here and there. The main thing is what I told Neal. I think of something i used to do etc. and then start researching.
You take that first photo??? Sweet...
I took some decent ones this morning while "out and about" in our lovely county. I post them.
Jeff: Changed the first one..it was a Hawaii Share site...Found one on my pc although it is farther away...that's okay...can see how steep cliffed Kaena Point is. Did you like the story at least?
Hah! You're funny - of course!
Jeff: Okay..funny. Glad you did...ha!
Sally~
As I read your first few words..." ...There seems to be a story for every piece of land in Hawaii ..." I aleady knew I was in for a treat!.
Sally, you are becoming quite the historian and telling of legends. I really look forward to these posts.
Sally.... I agree with Randy. And I am semi jealous because you have so much to talk about that is around you. Overall, I just love the stories and the history. Sure, I have Ben Franklin and the Declaration of Independence.... but stories as yours are very intriguing.
Randy: Go join the group and bring your old/new posts in! Thanks!
janeAnne: You are always so kind....and You too! You have some wonderful stuff to add to the group!
Jeff: I just write what comes to mind. Hawaii has some old history. Thanks.
Your posts are always so interesting to read. After reading them you feel as though you have learned something. Thanks for sharing.
Sally - I agree with Jeff - There is only so much we can say about our area - Jeff has more than I do. But you - the stories and history you share is beautiful! Thanks! I plan to bring my whole family there next Christmas, for 10 days. My husband, all four children, 2 son-in-laws and three grandchildren. Can not wait to see your home.
Bob and Carol: You folks are always coming by to support me...I really appreciate it.
Paula: And you be sure to see the historic sites! You will definitely feel the history going through any of them!
WOW, no wonder you have the Woo Hoo Sally name, That was an extraordinary experience -Especially watching the video. That convinced me to buy a video camera. I feel dizzy , I had an experience I never thought I would have. Before I watched the video I was going to say that the post was something of an on line tour of of the islands. After watching the video I feel absolutely nauseous, I was on top of the screen and felt like I was actually there, wondering when it would be over, the flight down that is . All I can say is that of all the things I have seen on AR, this tops it. Totally awesome experience. Thank You. I am quitting blogging as I could never come up to this level. Just kidding, but I probably should consider that, either that or I need to get a lot better than just writing my babble for the consumers. Congrats on the feature, it deserves more than a featured rating.
William
WooHoo! Congrats on the Feature Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman!!! Intriguing stuff...to say the least. I need to travel down that way very, very, soon.
Sally,
How many times have I told you, you are sooo lucky! Its a treat every time I read one of your localism posts! Outstanding! :)
William: Thank you kind sir.....by all means PLEASE do not stop blogging because you have some great ones as well!
Jason: Please call me Sally or WooHoo or something....and please do! That would be interesting!
Suzanne: Well come experience it with us!
Sally I really love these posts. I'm learning so much about Hawaii. It really is a very interesting place. Keep them coming.
I love the Islands.:) I want to visit there again someday
Boy what I wouldn't do to come and visit you! I've never been that fascinated with it before. I'm not a big beach fan, much prefer the more active vacations, but you are making it come alive!!!!
BB: Well, that's why you two gotta save and come over here! (You and me both....are learning...takes a lot of time and research ...because I can only start with an idea or places I've been....the rest is history)
Scott: Then come on over!
Chris: Believe me, I'm not a beach fan...although the scenery is beautiful!
Sally-These legends are great! You make me want to move between the food, the history and the natural beauty, oh yeah, you and Randy. Hawaii is so amazing to me. Thank you for sharing....you are my own history teacher!
That is a great story. The pictures are beautiful. It must be an amazing place to live and work.
Sally - yet another fabulous history of Hawaii. I enjoy your stories so much - and your explanation of Hawaiian words - we need some more of those.
When I was last in Honolulu I remember driving about half an hour very early one morning to watch the sunrise in a great "sunrise place". Where would that be? You could photograph that place and write about it. As I recall it was past the great surfing beaches.
Midori: Hey, are you coming soon?
Christy: I'm amazed as well. it's nice to wake up with a peek at Hawaii out my door!
Sharon: I will do so in the near future...I need more pictures...I'm using them as quickly as I'm taking them!
Sally - it's amazing how quickly we run through our great photos.
Sharon: That's the price to blog away....haha!
Great information. We are looking forward to traveling to Hawaii after our children have all grown up. Keep writing as we enjoy learning about different places.
Girl I would love to! To me Hawaii seems so familiar and home. That is a my dream paradise. While I love the beauty of Daytona Beach and we are so blessed with still the natural surroundings. It could never be what you have......heritage.....legends....food.....natural beauty....and let's not forget you and Randy!
Tim/Pam: You will see a bunch more....already have a bunch in!
Midori: That's right! Home is where the heart is...family is, and good company is...woohoo!