North Kohala Coastline near Kauhola Point
One of the reasons I love living on the Big Island of Hawaii so much is the fact that there are so many diverse areas to explore. As a member of E Mau Na Ala Hele, today I had the rare opportunity to walk back in time with mo`olelo (traditional stories) and kama`Äina knowledge shared by Kohala native and Hawaiian historian, Fred Keakaokalani Cachola.
Our journey took us from Kapaaiki Pt. to Kauhola Pt. From ancient times, this area has served hundred of thousands of native Hawaiians and others from the plantation era to the present as a scenic, relaxed recreation area.
Fred Keakaokalani Cachola explains the historical significance of the Kapaau area
Our group gathered at the Kohala Civic Center (by the King Kamehameha statue) to begin our eventful day. Our special guest and guide explained to us the immense cultural and historical significance of the area we were about to explore. He grew up in this area himself and has spent many years studying and living for the recreational enjoyment and spiritual inspiration that these sacred grounds offer to us all.
We heard the stories of how King Kamehameha the Great was prophesied to unite the Hawaiian Islands as we walked the very ground that the young King did in his youth. I was fascinated with his descriptions of the place names of Kohala associated with Naeole’s flight with the infant Kamehameha from Kokoiki to Awini.
Scenic North Kohala Coastline
Uncle Fred told us about usage of this area during WWII as a training ground for the marines. He would watch the troops training for landings in the strong winds and rugged terrain to prepare them for their missions oversees.
He and his friends followed the marine vehicles to the coast, and were enthralled watching their maneuvers for hours. His eyes lit up when he told how the marines generously offered them sea rations at the end of the day. What treasured memories of his boyhood days he was able to share with us!
What a beautiful area to enjoy for a lifetime! If this area intrigues you further, check out two land parcels for sale in the area (MLS# 230836) with 21 acres and (MLS# 230835) with 14 acres.
Beth Thoma Robinson R(B)
April 11, 2011
Martha, how lucky you could walk this historic Coastline with Fred, who is such an incredible resource to our Kohala community. (He told us at the Wed North Kohala Access Group meeting about your group’s visit!) The Kauhola Point “Lighthouse” parcel you photographed was a listing of mine…until the owners and I agreed that they should resume their talks with Trust for Public Lands. With funding already approved from the State Legacy Land funds, this beautiful stretch of coastline and piece of history will always be available for hiking, fishing, surfing and simply being.
Beth Thoma Robinson R(B)
April 11, 2011
Martha, how lucky you could walk this historic Coastline with Fred, who is such an incredible resource to our Kohala community. (He told us at the Wed North Kohala Access Group meeting about your group’s visit!) The Kauhola Point “Lighthouse” parcel you photographed was a listing of mine…until the owners and I agreed that they should resume their talks with Trust for Public Lands. With funding already approved from the State Legacy Land funds, this beautiful stretch of coastline and piece of history will always be available for hiking, fishing, surfing and simply being.
Martha Tumbleson, R(S)
April 11, 2011
@Beth – It was a glorious day with Fred. What an amazingly knowledgeable and fascinating man he is! How lucky you are to know him. He told us about the movement to convert the Kohala coastline into a conservation area to protect for many generations to come. I’m sure this effort will come with it’s challenges, but a worthwhile project indeed!
Martha Tumbleson, R(S)
April 11, 2011
@Beth – It was a glorious day with Fred. What an amazingly knowledgeable and fascinating man he is! How lucky you are to know him. He told us about the movement to convert the Kohala coastline into a conservation area to protect for many generations to come. I’m sure this effort will come with it’s challenges, but a worthwhile project indeed!
Linda Swanson, RB
April 11, 2011
Great post Martha. I love to know about new places to hike. I have done a bit of hiking in the Kohala area and the rugged coast line is truly intriguing and lovely. Showing folks what is truly a gift to us all on this island is great. Keep hiking and let us all know about it.
Linda Swanson, R(B)
Linda Swanson, RB
April 11, 2011
Great post Martha. I love to know about new places to hike. I have done a bit of hiking in the Kohala area and the rugged coast line is truly intriguing and lovely. Showing folks what is truly a gift to us all on this island is great. Keep hiking and let us all know about it.
Linda Swanson, R(B)
Sharon Brown
April 12, 2011
Martha, what a wonderful post. As a former board member of the Hawaii Island Land Trust, I wonder if HILT might be another avenue for the owners of the Kauhola Point “Lighthouse” parcel to investigate in the preservation of this very special parcel.
Sharon Brown
April 12, 2011
Martha, what a wonderful post. As a former board member of the Hawaii Island Land Trust, I wonder if HILT might be another avenue for the owners of the Kauhola Point “Lighthouse” parcel to investigate in the preservation of this very special parcel.