DLNR HISTORIC SITES CALENDAR 1992

Historic Trails of Hawai`i

 

 

While our modern orientation to trials is largely recreational, we should realize that when these historic trails were created, they were the only means of overland transportation. Although the canoe was a principle method of travel in ancient Hawai`i, human survival depended on extensive cross-country networks that enabled gathering of food and water, and harvesting of materials needed for shelter, clothing, medical care, tools, canoe building, religious observances, and much more.

Trails and their surrounding historic sites provide clues to how communities were linked socially, economically, and politically; which areas were important in early settlement, commerce, and religion; where particularly powerful chiefs resided; and where valuable forest or sea resources were once located.

Ancient and historic trails have best survived in remote and rugged surroundings and provide mute testimony to the labors of past trail builders. Respect of their achievements is coupled with awe when one appreciates the tenacity and ingenuity that was required in the absence of modern tools and equipment.

Ancient trails are those developed prior to Western contact. They facilitated trading between upland and coastal villages, and communications between districts, ahupua`a (ancient land divisions), and extended families. Ancient trails were usually narrow, following the natural topography of the land, and sometimes paved with smooth, waterworn stepping stones (`ala or pa`ala). There were strict rules, punishable by death, governing access to the precious resources of the mountains and ocean. Trail use restrictions were according to the laws of the chief ruling over the particular land division(s) in which the trail was located. However, the alaloa (long trails), circumscribing the island, were open to all in times of peace.

Hawaiian historian, Samuel Kamakau, lists a number of Hawaiian words relating to trails. Alanui refers to trails in general. There were many types of alanui. The ala-au is a path going through a stream. The alanui kaka`i pali extends along the crest of a cliff, while the ala pili pali goes along the side of a steep slope. An ala `oki is a shortcut, and the ka`ele wa`a is a short path in a gully. An alanui pupuni is a government road or trail.

Trails were used by ancient runners in pursuit of their assignments. Hawaiian historian, David Malo, tells us that kukini, or swift runners, were an elite class of men selected to undergo rigorous physical and mental training. Such runners were needed in battles, as messengers and spies, and as athletes in the popular sport of foot racing.

The effects of changing modes of travel can be observed today in ancient foot trails meandering across those built later for saddle-pack animals. Four-wheel drive roads can be seen that roughly parallel ancient foot trails, obliterating or incorporating them in places. Some of our modern highways follow earlier historic routes.

Hawai`i’s ancient and historic trails and the events associated with them are a special heritage worthy of protection and further study. The trails link us to our distant and not-so-distant past. If you know of an ancient or historic trail in need of repair, don’t attempt to fix it as these trails are archaeological sites. Instead, notify the nearest DLNR Na Ala Hele office of the problem. The State’s Na Ala Hele Program and the Historic Preservation Division are working together to give Hawai`i’s trails the attention they deserve.

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