DLNR HISTORIC SITES CALENDAR 1994

Hawai`i's Cultural Landscapes

 

 

In Hawai`i cultural landscapes take a variety of forms. Most reflect the dominant economic and social order of particular periods in Hawai`i’s pre-history and history. Landscapes which developed during the longest period of human influence, that resulting from Hawaiian occupation, may still be observed. As evident in Nu`alolo`aina on Kaua`i, the organization of plots once cultivated in taro or sweet potato are reflected in the pattern of walled terraces or boundaries, Stone platforms and walled enclosures mark the distribution of former residences, work areas and religious sites near the shore or along agricultural fields. Particularly prominent examples of Hawaiian land use are the broad valley floors whose wetlands were transformed and expanded into intricate systems of pond fields, ditches, and fishponds. In areas such as Hanalei on Kaua`i, Ke`anae on Maui and Waipi`o on Hawai`i, farmers still cultivate taro in these irrigated fields.

The sugar industry and ranching became major forces in Hawai`i’s economy, particularly after 1850. The significant attributes and components of landscapes once controlled by the sugar plantations can still be seen over large expanses of the Hilo-Hamakua coast or along the southern slopes of Kaua`i. Characteristic patterns occur repeatedly in the distribution and architecture of laborer camps; churches and cemeteries; networks of cane haul roads, flumes, irrigation ditches, bridges and railroad remnants; and clusters of stores and plantation offices located near mills. Many large ranches, such as the Parker and Greenwell ranches on Hawai`i Island or `Ulupalakua Ranch on Maui still maintain uninterrupted acres of pasture. Equally distinctive and unique are the landscapes dedicated to pineapple on Maui, Moloka`i and O`ahu, and coffee production on the Kona slopes of Hawai`i.

In addition to considering these typical, agriculturally-based landscapes, three other important types of Hawaiian landscapes need recognition. First and foremost, the prominence of the ocean requires acknowledgment, and, in many cases, the definition of a landscape should be extended, as a continuum, from the land, across the shoreline, over the reef and out to the open sea. This incorporates, within the context of different coastal and ocean environments, historic sites such as fishermen’s trails, fishponds, canoe landings, traditionally names surfs and specific off-shore fishing grounds (ko`a) once tended by Hawaiian fishermen. This is illustrated by the numerous fishponds lining the leeward, fringing reef of Moloka`i and tangible features along the shore, such as the mooring holes at South Point, Hawai`i Island, which allude to a long history of exceptionally rich off-shore fishing.

The second consideration affirms the native Hawaiian perception of the landscape which assigns significance to many landmarks through chants, legends, myths or oral traditions. In the telling, these recitations often cover an entire landscape as the listener is led through a sequence of named places and the full significance of the chant or the story can not be properly represented by a single location. Individual components of such landscapes could include named mountain peaks, boulders, winds, currents and homes of deities and spirits, such as those taking the form of sharks or mo`o (lizard-like spirits). Numerous chants celebrating the rains and mists of Mt. Wai`ale`ale on Kaua`i, the landmarks of Hana on Maui, the mythical significance of Mokapu and the multiple traditions of Kualoa on O`ahu, all illustrate these perceptions. Madame Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of the volcano, however, is probably the most prominent player in this realm as she is credited with creating most of the islands’ lava landscapes and many other notable land forms.

The third attribute of Hawai`i’s landscapes reflects a growing emphasis on protecting a wide range of natural and cultural resources so that traditional Hawaiian customs and practices can be re-established or revitalized. Of particular concern are the natural resources that were once gathered for food, medicine, ornamentation and construction materials. Many believe they will lose the option to use these resources if the appropriate biological communities and environments are not protected. Similar protection and access concerns apply to religious sites, ancient trails and burial grounds, such as those at Waihe`e, Maui. Again, this need for preservation lends itself to a landscape perspective as these resources occur in a variety of environments, starting from the mountains and continuing out to sea.

Unlike most historic sites, cultural landscapes are frequently in flux, particularly when crops, types of fishing or lifestyles become economically unfeasible. Plant communities are dynamic, as plants grow to maturity, die and are replaced by similar or successional vegetation communities. A major consideration in preserving landscapes is not necessarily to maintain all the components and attributes, but to accommodate changes without altering the general character of that landscape. If the organization of use and a substantial number of prominent components can be maintained or replaced in kind, then the general appearance of a landscape will remain unchanged. Examples of such changes can be readily found. Hanalei Valley on Kaua`i saw a shift from centuries of taro production to that of rice grown for export. In recent years, taro again has become the dominant crop. Despite these changes, the valley remains in wet-land agriculture and is characterized by a patchwork of pond fields fed by irrigation ditches. Lana`i is similarly undergoing a profound shift from pineapple production to pasture lands. Yet the landscape remains open, conforming to the level, natural terrain of the Palawai Basin, and green against the red soil. Other landscapes, such as the island of Kaho`olawe, will change as they undergo cultural revitalization with access and jurisdiction becoming possible.

 excerpt from introduction

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