The Kaha`iali`i Ohana

Pu`u Ku`ili is rich in local history.  The Cinder Cone and Cultural sites prohibits the alteration, movement, climbing or otherwise of any lava rock formations or stones in accordance with the Hawai`i Revised Statues for historic preservation violations (HRS 6E-11).  

Native Hawaiians believed nā oiwi (the bones) to be the primary physical embodiment of a person. Following death, only nā oiwi were considered sacred, for within the bones resided the person's mana (spiritual essence). Mana was greatly valued, and Native Hawaiians spent their lives maintaining and enhancing their mana. Thus, supreme care was accorded to iwi following death. Ancestral bones were guarded, respected, venerated, and even deified. It is believed that the 'uhane (spirit) of a person hovered near iwi. Desecration of  iwi resulted in an insult to the 'uhane and trauma and harm to living descendants. In the Hawaiian language, the word kanu means to plant or to cultivate, and to bury, as with a deceased person. The burial of the deceased was considered a planting by traditional Native Hawaiians and was followed by physical and spiritual growth. 

The Hawaiian belief maintains that it is the kuleana (responsibility) of the living to care for and to protect 'ohana (family) burial sites and to pass on this knowledge and responsibility to the next generation. These practices assure that living Native Hawaiians will always provide perpetual care and protection to their ancestors, thereby maintaining the integrity of the family. 

There are a significant number of culturally sensitive ancient and historic features of lineal descendants located within Awake`e that could be easily missed to visiting guests and we ask that out of respect, stones, and all other items located within the area remain untouched.  

We recommend staying on the path if you are not familiar with our shoreline to avoid any unnecessary site disturbance.