[Pālolo]

pā.lolo: n. Clay; hard, sticky mud; mortar

Pālolo refers to a valley, the neighborhood located within the valley, as well as the stream that runs through the area.  Pālolo is located on the leeward side of O‘ahu and is a largely residential area with many older homes under multi-generational ownership. Pālolo stream is fed by Pukele and Waiomao Streams which originate in the neighboring mountains. The area receives high levels of rainfall and cooler temperatures, especially in the far end of the valley. This area is also home to Ka‘au Crater which has multiple waterfalls and a hiking trail that connects to the Ko‘olau mountains. 

Mauka - Ko‘olau Mountain Range

The ko‘olau’s are one of two volcanic ranges that played a role in the formation of the of the island of O‘ahu. This volcano began rising from the sea floor approximately 3.5 million years ago and was active until about 1.8 million years ago. Ko‘olau also underwent an extensive rejuvenation stage as the volcano was in it’s final stages of activity. The rejuvenation stage of this volcano formed many of the recognizable landmarks seen on the island today, such as Punchbowl and Lēʻahi (formed 400,00-500,000 years ago) as well as Koko Crater and Hanauma Bay (formed 70,000-100,000 years ago).


East - Wilhemina Rise 

This neighborhood is recognized by it’s main road, also named Wilhemina Rise, that goes straight up the steep ridge. This area is home to Mau'umae nature park, a 29 acre park with a loop trail, as well as Mau'umae Trail also known as Pu‘u Lanipo Trail a challenging 11 km hike into the Ko‘olau mountain range.

West - Wa‘ahila Ridge &    St. Louis Heights 

Wa‘ahila Ridge is a popular hiking trail that offers views of the Manoa and Palolo valleys. Native Hawaiian plants and animals such as ‘ohia lehua and apapane can also be observed on the upper portions of the trail. It connects to the Kolowalu Trail which goes into the back of Manoa Valley. St. Louis Heights is a residential neighborhood named after the St. Louis School, which was originally founded in 1846.

Makai - Kaimuki 

An older residential neighborhood, this area is home to many restaurants, bakeries, and small stores. Pu’Uo Kaimuki Park, or Telegraph Hill is also in this area. The park is located on the rim of a small volcanic crater and was used as a vantage point to spot incoming ships and communicate their presence to Honolulu.

The Pālolo valley was originally part of the Waikīkī ahupua‘a and contributed kalo, or taro lo‘i, as well as forest products to other ‘ili within the region. At upper elevations the stream carried the name of it’s ‘ili, Pālolo, but at lower elevations after merging and dividing it carried a different name as it entered the ocean, Kuekaunahi. Originally, Kuekaunahi stream entered the ocean on the eastern end of Waikīkī, near the current intersection of ‘Ōhua Ave. and Kalākaua Ave.

As the wetland of Waikīkī became urbanized, problems with surface water and drainage rapidly arose. In the 1920’s the Ala Wai canal was built in an effort to address this issue. The construction of the canal resulted in the filling in of many ponds and irrigated agriculture fields located in the Waikīkī area as well as the channelization and divergence of the natural paths of the streams that feed the natural wetland. Today, rather than entering the ocean the Pālolo/Kuekaunahi stream joins with Mānoa Stream and is released into the Ala Wai via a drainage canal.

Resources