Makena Genealogy_19-0812

Methodology

• The cultural genealogy is based on Tomorrow’s Ahupua‘a, emphasizing the relationship between ‘āina (land) and kānaka (man), reflecting traditional Hawaiian land management models.

• The connection between these elements is rooted in the Kumulipo, an essential Hawaiian cosmogonic genealogy.

• The goal of the methodology is to restore the balance between ‘āina and kānaka in the context of modern life.

Introduction

• This report examines the genealogy of Mākena Golf and Beach Club across two significant periods: Yesterday (pre-contact, focusing on cultural practices and stories) and Today (exploring post-contact changes in land ownership and use).

Yesterday

The Moku of Honua‘ula

• Honua‘ula is a district on the southwestern side of Maui comprising 20 ahupua‘a, and the project site encompasses four: Pāpa‘anui, Kā‘eo, Maluaka, and Mo‘oiki.

• Historically, Honua‘ula was characterized by smaller Hawaiian settlements thanks to its rich fishing grounds, even though it was not a major population center.

The ‘Āina of Mākena Golf and Beach Club

• The origins of the Hawaiian people trace back to the union of the god Wākea and his daughter Ho‘ohōkūkalani. After the tragic death of their first son, the first kalo plant grew from his burial, establishing a cultural reverence for kalo among Hawaiians.

• The concept of Mālama ‘āina (caring for the land) informs daily life, emphasizing the interdependence of people and land, which was central in the Hawaiian worldview.

• ‘Āina translates to “that which feeds,” reflecting the reciprocal relationship between land and people.

The Moku of Honua‘ula

• The moku (districts) of Maui divide land into functional units, such as the ahupua‘a, which provide access to both land and sea resources.

• Each ahupua‘a generally stretches from the mountains to the sea, ensuring that people could utilize the diverse resources of both environments.

‘Āina and Kānaka

• The deep-seated relationship between ‘āina and kānaka is manifested in Hawaiian traditions, stories, names, chants, and practices.

Mo‘olelo (Stories)

• Mo‘olelo serve as repositories of cultural history and insight, though many were lost to time, transitioning from an oral tradition to a written one.

• An origin story recounts the births of the Hawaiian islands through divine unions, highlighting Maui’s significance.

The Birth of Maui

• According to a mele, the islands were birthed from the union of Papa and Wakea, illustrating the mythological foundations of Maui.

Historical Context of Honua‘ula

• Honua‘ula literally means “red land,” although this is inconsistent with its terrain characterized by black lava fields. This name relates to tales of Mo‘ikeha, a chief from Tahiti.

• The story of Molokini, a notable islet off Honua‘ula, recounts mythological origins tied to local lore, emphasizing the interconnectedness of geography and spirituality.

Wind and Rain in Honua‘ula

• Honua‘ula is depicted as where the winds die down, drawing from mo‘olelo that preserve the names and characteristics of local winds and rains, integral to cultural practices.

‘Ōlelo No‘eau (Proverbs)

• ‘Ōlelo no‘eau provide insight into the nature of the land and its people, preserving historical characteristics and cultural values.

Ancient Life in the Ahupua‘a

Farming and Fishing Traditions

• The traditional Hawaiian economy was grounded in mahi ‘ai (farming) and lawai‘a (fishing), emphasizing the sustainability of resource management and community interdependence.

• Maka‘āinana (

Methodology

The cultural genealogy is based on Tomorrow’s Ahupua‘a, emphasizing the interconnectedness of ‘āina (land) and kānaka (man). This approach reflects traditional Hawaiian land management models by restoring balance between these elements, rooted in the Kumulipo, an essential Hawaiian cosmogonic genealogy. The goal of the methodology is to provide an understanding of how traditional practices can inform contemporary land management and community relationships.

Papā and Wakea

In Hawaiian mythology, Papā is often identified as the earth mother, while Wakea is the sky father. Their union is significant as it is believed to have birthed the Hawaiian islands and various forms of life. Their offspring are not just limited to physical entities but also embody the values and practices that shape Hawaiian identity and culture. The births of islands from this divine pairing are foundational stories that illustrate the deep connections residents share with their land.

Mo‘ikeha

Mo‘ikeha is a prominent figure in Hawaiian traditions, known as a chief from Tahiti. His narratives highlight connections between Hawaiians and their ancestral lands. Mo‘ikeha’s story is entwined with themes of migration, leadership, and the significance of geographical landmarks within cultural stories, such as the legend of Molokini. His legacy emphasizes the importance of navigation, both in the physical sense of traversing the sea and metaphorically in guiding communities through life.

The report highlights that Honua‘ula, like the Kumulipo, embodies profound connections between land, people, and the creation narrative. Honua‘ula translates to "red land," but its geography features black lava fields, linking it to the mythological tales like that of Mo‘ikeha, a chief from Tahiti. Just as the Kumulipo serves as a cosmogonic genealogy mapping the origins of life and emphasizing the relationship between ‘āina and kānaka, the stories of Honua‘ula express similar themes of creation, identity, and the interdependence of community and environment. Both narratives illustrate the cultural significance of the land and the continuity of Hawaiian traditions that shape community relationships, thus reinforcing the shared values of sustainability and reverence for nature.

Honua‘ula and Migration

Honua‘ula ties into Hawaiian migration stories primarily through Mo‘ikeha, an important figure in Hawaiian history.

• Mo‘ikeha: He is known for leading his people from Tahiti to Hawaii. His adventures embody themes of journey and discovery. The tales of his travels highlight the importance of connecting to land and ancestry, as he navigated the seas to find new homes for his people.

• Comparison to Pele: Like Mo‘ikeha, Pele, the goddess of volcanoes, is also connected to migration. Her stories describe her journey from the Marquesas Islands to Hawaii, where she created the islands through her volcanic activity. Both Mo‘ikeha and Pele illustrate how migration is a crucial part of Hawaiian identity, linking the people to their ancestry and land.

• Cultural Significance: The stories of these figures remind Hawaiians of their history and how their ancestors traveled long distances to settle in new places. This migration is not just about movement; it reflects the deep relationships people have with their land and their cultural heritage.

Honua‘ula is connected to language history because it holds many stories and cultural narratives that have been shared over generations. The place names and proverbs related to Honua‘ula help to keep the Hawaiian language alive and reflect the beliefs, values, and history of the people who live there. Through these stories and language, we can see how Hawaiian culture and identity are tied to the land and its significance in their lives.

Honua‘ula is significant in Hawaiian language history for several reasons:

• Cultural Narratives: The area is filled with stories (mo‘olelo) that explain the origins and history of the land and its people. These stories are often shared orally and have been passed down through generations, helping to preserve the Hawaiian language.

• Place Names: Honua‘ula contains many Hawaiian place names that carry meanings and historical significance, linking the landscape to cultural identity. Each name has a story that deepens the understanding of the area’s significance.

• Proverbs (‘Ōlelo No‘eau): The sayings and proverbs related to Honua‘ula provide wisdom and insights about life, nature, and the community. They serve as reminders of cultural values and knowledge that are rooted in the land.

• Language Preservation: Through these narratives, place names, and proverbs, the Hawaiian language is kept alive. By encouraging the use of the language and storytelling, the cultural heritage connected to Honua‘ula remains vibrant and relevant today.

Overall, Honua‘ula embodies the relationship between language, culture, and land, demonstrating how intertwined they are in defining Hawaiian identity.

Yes, Honua‘ula is connected to the Hawaiian Renaissance because it plays a significant role in preserving and revitalizing Hawaiian culture, language, and traditions. The Hawaiian Renaissance was a movement during the late 20th century aimed at restoring Hawaiian cultural identity and practices after years of colonial influence. Honua‘ula, with its rich history, cultural narratives, and connection to the ‘āina (land), embodies many elements that were celebrated and revived during this period. Efforts to honor and understand the significance of places like Honua‘ula contribute to the broader goals of the Hawaiian Renaissance by ensuring that native traditions, stories, and language continue to thrive in modern times.

Honua‘ula is connected to the Hawaiian Renaissance in several key ways:

• Cultural Significance: Honua‘ula holds a rich history and many cultural stories that reflect Hawaiian identity. During the Hawaiian Renaissance, there has been a focus on celebrating and understanding such significant places.

• Language and Traditions: The area contributes to the preservation of the Hawaiian language and cultural practices. The stories, place names, and proverbs related to Honua‘ula highlight the importance of language in maintaining cultural identity.

• Revitalization Efforts: The movement aimed to restore Hawaiian traditions that had been diminished or lost due to colonial influence. Honua‘ula serves as a reminder of native practices and beliefs that are vital for cultural revival.

• Connection to Land: The emphasis on the relationship between people and land in Honua‘ula aligns with the goals of the Hawaiian Renaissance, which seeks to strengthen the ties between the community and their ancestral lands.

Yes, Honua‘ula is connected with genealogy, particularly through its links to important cultural narratives and figures in Hawaiian history. The region has deep connections to the genealogy (or family histories) of the Hawaiian people, reflecting the relationships between ancestors, land, and cultural identity. For example, stories about figures like Mo‘ikeha and the divine unions of Papā and Wakea are foundational to the genealogy that ties individuals to their heritage and the land of Honua‘ula. This genealogy underscores the importance of understanding one’s lineage and the role it plays in the broader narrative of Hawaiian culture and identity.

Yes, Honua‘ula is connected with sacredness in the context of Hawaiian culture. The land is intertwined with numerous cultural narratives, mo‘olelo (stories), and traditional practices that embody spiritual significance. The relationship between ‘āina (land) and kānaka (people) emphasizes reverence for the land as sacred, reflecting traditional beliefs and values. Places like Honua‘ula uphold the spiritual heritage of the Hawaiian people and serve as reminders of the interconnectedness between the environment, culture, and identity.

Yes, Honua‘ula is connected with the story of Umi, an important figure in Hawaiian history and mythology. Umi was known as a chief and a significant leader whose narratives highlight themes of leadership, identity, and governance in Hawaiian society. His connection to Honua‘ula can be traced through the historical context of the area, where tales of his life and reign contribute to the cultural heritage of the region. The stories surrounding Umi often emphasize his lineage and the relationships he built with the land and its people, making Honua‘ula a relevant backdrop in understanding his legacy and the broader narratives of Hawaiian culture.