Kamakahonu: The Battle Of Panaha

A place is Pana if it is memorialized in story, one that took place amongst the common people, and is told and cherished. It is a place that is frequented and loved by the people, but not necessarily sacred.

Wai means “water,” and ‘au means “to swim.”

One must swim in the lake Wai’au to actually see Mauna Kea.

Kalāhuipuaʻa means “the-herd-of-pigs.” Another possible name for the area is Kalāheipuaʻa, meaning “the day for catching pigs.”

The original use of Ulupo heiau is left to speculation. Many rumors have circulated. Some believe it was a sacrificial temple for the deity, Ku. Others believe it was a mapele heiau, an agricultural heiau. In 2005, it was formally dedicated to the latter by John Keola Lake.

Wailuku is named for the battle which took place there. “Luku,” means “massacre.”
Kamakahonu was the place from which King Kamehameha ruled. From there, he sought to bring prosperity to the war-ravaged