Eight generations ago, Kamehameha attempted invasions of Kaua’i. Legends say that those warriors who reached Kauai’s shores were slaughtered at Maha’ulepu and interred there. In our parents’ and grandparents’ times, few went to the “kahakai,” the beach, and the “kahakula,”
Eight generations ago, Kamehameha attempted invasions of Kaua’i. Legends say
that those warriors who reached Kauai’s shores were slaughtered at Maha’ulepu
and interred there.
In our parents’ and grandparents’ times, few went to
the “kahakai,” the beach, and the “kahakula,” the seashore. It was said to be
haunted and a place of spirits. Nightmarchers traveled there.
It is a
refuge to our endangered species, the “Honu,” the turtle, “Nene,” the goose,
and our “Ilio-holo-i-ka-ua Moneka,” the monk seal. It is believed to be home to
the protected cave spider and its amphipod prey.
Petroglyphs lay beneath
shifting sands. While its “heiau” (temples) have been desecrated, the mana
remains.
Under stewardship of Grove Farm for over 60 years, the essential
character of Maha’ulepu has been preserved. Environmental protection enacted In
the 1970s restricted the gravel mining operation that threatened the burial
caves and the sinkhole, a “Wahi Kapu,” a protected spiritual place. Vehicles
have been prohibited from driving on the fragile dunes and kept off of the
beach.
Long recognized by kama’aina (residents) and malihini (newcomers) as
a natural treasure, we, Na Kapu 0 Ka ‘Aina, Offspring of the Land, know
Maha’ulepu to be a haven worthy of conservation and protection.
We, Na Kapu
‘0 Ka ‘Aina, ask you to join with Hui Malama Maha’ulepu and the Sierra Club in
efforts to establish Maha’ulepu as a sanctuary and preserve under proper
stewardship.
Kalanikumai Ka Maka ‘0 Na Ali’i
Hanohano
Koloa
