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The Keanakamanō Uka hike into the mauna is recommended for upper elementary and above. A hike into the nahele (forest) begins at the top of the campus behind Keōpūolani Uka. The ideal time frame for this hike is between 1 ½ hours (hike only, no service) and 2 ½ hours (if you would like to venture and serve). This hike combined with the Nuʻuanu Lookout hike can be achieved in approximately 3 hours. There are three significant sites to visit: the “piko”, the stream, and the terraces. Typically, the time would be split into moving between the three areas. A short 30 minute hike will lead to a “piko” (rock enclosure) that is currently being cleared and maintained. Nearby, there are several pā pōhaku (rock walls) along Kapālama stream to explore. In another section, maintenance of a series of rock terraces that are covered with invasive trees and vines is underway.
Piko
Piko
The trail leading to the piko is marked with numerous ki. The piko is a grouping of rocks in a circular pattern about a foot high with a distinct entrance. It is an archeological site currently used for healing. Basic maintenance (removal of invasive plants) is encouraged. More research and testing is needed before restoration is done.
Information from personal communication with N. Coelho
Terrace
Terrace
Approximately 2 feet high in a rectangular shape, visitors have speculated that this archeological site could be an agricultural or resting spot for travelers to the area. Numerous invasive trees and vines cover the base. Help is needed for removal of plants to maintain the integrity of the terrace. More research and testing should be done to determine the specific use of the terrace and a plan of restoration should be developed.
Stream
Stream
A short hike along the stream provides you with a sense of how kanaka may have modified the flow for a specific purpose or how it has changed over time. Water only flows during the rainy season. Most times, it is a haven for mosquitos.
Papa ʻEono Place Based Learning Unit
Papa ʻEono Place Based Learning Unit
Setting the tone for the year with Waiwai Kapāplama, a place based unit, helps to ground students in their Hawaiian cultural identity and develop their understanding of reciprocity. Haumāna visit various locations of Kapālama, explore moʻolelo, provide service and share their learning through a unit ending showcase.
Kumu Auliʻi Hopeau and haumāna were inspired by the original composition of Waiwai Kapālama during the summer of 2019. Their ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi assignment was to research at least five facts about the wahi and create their own moʻolelo using these details. Book Creator helped to bring their ideas to life.
Kumu Auliʻi Hopeau and haumāna were inspired by the original composition of Waiwai Kapālama during the summer of 2019. Their ʻōlelo Hawaiʻi assignment was to research at least five facts about the wahi and create their own moʻolelo using these details. Book Creator helped to bring their ideas to life.
Kuahiwi Alapaki
Kuahiwi Alapaki
The 3000 acres of forested hills and valleys between the School for Girls and the summit ridge of the Koʻolau mountains are known as Kuahiwi Alapaki, the "wooded hills of Albert." This area honors the late Albert F. Judd, who served 31 years as a member of the Board of Trustees fo the B.P. Bishop Estate. An enthusiastic promoter of Hawaiian Horticulture and forestry, Mr. Judd planned and supervised the planting of many thousands of trees in Kuahiwi Alapaki between 1924 and 1939.
Among the most popular of the 500 species of tress are those in the fruit area which include macadamia nuts, Malabar chestnuts, star apples, mangoes, guavas, Surinam cherries, avocados, oranges, bananas and limes. The predominating trees on the lower slopes are introduced ironwood, eucalyptus, vinegar trees, silk oak, paper bark and turpentine trees.
Student groups frequently use the network of trails on afternoons or week-ends to explore this wooded area.
Mālama Kapālama Summer School Class 2019
Mālama Kapālama Summer School Class 2019
July 2019 Sports Academy hike and service to the piko and terrace areas.
July 2019 Sports Academy hike and service to the piko and terrace areas.
Cleaning of the piko during Kumu and ʻohana Give Back Day, July 28, 2018. Photo by Christy Mishina.
5th Grade Kumu Mara Bacon-Chang and husband Jeremy Chang cut away branches to expose a possible agricultural terrace. Photo by Christy Mishina.
Boys Make Study of Trails for Map
Boys Make Study of Trails for Map
From Ka Moʻi 2/16/1934
From Ka Moʻi 2/16/1934
Eight boys who are competing for the $25 prize given by the trustees of the Kamehameha Schools for the best map of the Kapālama Heights with trails located so that anyone may easily find his way, went with Mr. Robert H. Lowries, physics and drawing instructor with the boys school on the morning of Sunday February 4, to do a study of the territory to be mapped.
The boys took bag-lunches with them, and after having been given instruction from Mr. Lowrie, they began to "shoot" the trails beginning at the mango grove where the trail crosses a dry stream.
Several of the boys have already reached the first laborerʻs campus, which is about three miles from where they started and are well on to the next camp.
The boys have to "orient" or have the compass on the table with which they work, pointing north and then " shoot" or place the scale in the direction in which the trail runs and then pace off the distance, after which the distance paced in is recorded on a sheet of paper tacked on the table. This is repeated from point to point, and such landmarks that are seen are noted also. Later on, the boys will put the map together and make a map that is to be presented for the contest.
"Some of the boys have done remarkably well," remarked Mr. Lowrie, " and the maps are coming along find."
The boys who went up on Sunday are James Carroll, Archibald Ching, William Toomey, Samuel Kaaua, Henry Ohumukini, Rodney Burgess, Stewart Markham, and Charlie Ahia.
Pā Pōhaku
Pā Pōhaku
In various locations through out Keanakamāno Uka are stacked pōhaku. The purposes for all are not clear, but we look forward to groups that may be interested in researching and sharing with the larger community.
Etiquette When Visiting Nahele
The nahele is a place of aloha. Many hands and hearts have nurtured it and many more will unite in caring for it as time goes on.
To ensure the safety of those that experience the beautiful slopes and valleys of Kapālama:
Please obtain a FUR before hiking into the valley up to the mountain tops.
Contact the security department before and after the hike.
Begin each hike with good thoughts and kind words which are always appreciated.
Please do not deviate from the paths indicated. Doing so may cause you to get lost or endanger your safety.
To ensure that the stone walls and foundations will be intact for generations to come, please do not remove or otherwise attempt to loosen stones. Some of the structures are remnants of ancestral and archaeological sites.
Please do not leave anything behind when you leave the forest. If you happen to see ōpala, please help by taking it with you and discarding it upon departure.
At this time, there is no eating.
Oli, ho'okupu, and rituals of greeting are neither required nor expected at the site. However, should visitors feel moved to offer spontaneous Hawaiian expressions it will be respected and appreciated by all, as is our custom.
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