CULTURE
Rooted in Hawaiian culture and sense of place, Kū‘ono Marketplace at Kāhala is a prospering community gathering space filled with activities, shops, and eateries.
THE HISTORY OF WAI‘ALAE
Refreshing is The Spring Water of Wai‘alae
The area known today as Wai‘alae was historically two distinct ahupua‘a, Wai‘alae Nui and Wai‘alae Iki. The coastal section of these two ahupua‘a is commonly referred to as Kāhala, a shortened form of the longer name Kānewai Kāhala. The name Kānewai Kāhala hints at the role of the god Kāne in creating freshwater springs throughout the Islands.
In times past, abundant springs in Wai‘alae Nui, Wai‘alae Iki and neighboring valleys, were a source of life and vitality for the people of the area. One interpretation of the name Wai‘alae is “the water of the ‘alae bird.” The area is thought to have been named after a spring not far from Kalaniana‘ole Highway, reserved for Hawaiian royalty. The name Kāhala refers to the amberjack fish and the abundant shoreline resources and rich offshore fishery.
Life Giving Water
One mo‘olelo from this area recounts the travels of King Kamehameha III, Kauikeaouli, (pictured) around O‘ahu. As he and his retinue traveled through Wai‘alae, the King inquired of an elderly couple who lived there where he might get a drink of water. Unbeknownst to Kauikeaouli, this couple was related to the traditional keepers of the spring, and they were now its caretakers. The couple shared with him that the only reason they stayed in the area was to ensure that if the King ever stopped there, they would be able to carry out their duty and take him to the spring. The pōhuehue vines and stone slab hiding the spring were removed, and the spring was revealed. The King and his party were refreshed. They thanked the couple and went along their way.
WOODEN WAVE FOR KŪ‘ONO MARKETPLACE
This vibrant mural at the edge of Kū‘ono Marketplace was created by Matthew and Roxanne Ortiz, also known together as as the artist duo Wooden Wave. It depicts the origins of Wai‘alae as a name and highlights its significance as a water source vital to ali‘i (chiefs). The mural includes symbols of the flowing water, abundant life, and the lush environment of Waiʻalae. The pōhuehue vine as well as the lei hulu (feather lei) serve as a nod to the mo‘olelo, linking the natural beauty of the area to its rich historical narrative.
