ethnographic studies

Kumu Pono Associates LLC Ethnographic Studies

The links below provide users with digital copies of selected studies prepared by Kumu Pono Associates LLC. The studies have been uploaded at a lower resolution thus the documents and figures are of poorer quality than the originals.

The studies represent years of research in a wide range of archival collections, both in Hawaii and in U.S. collections. The studies are also a repository of traditional and  kama‘āina knowledge in the form of oral history interviews with kūpuna and elder kama‘āina from around the islands. The interviews are a repository of knowledge of place and life experiences which often do not make it into academic presentations. This knowledge gives life to the traditions and landscape of Hawai’i, and is a legacy for future generations.

Our research attempts to delve into the depths of a wide range of historical resources. We cite extensively, early Hawaiian accounts of native writers and other participants in the history of Hawaii, letting them tell their stories of place, practice, beliefs and change. Such documentation provides us with opportunities to ensure that information important to the culture and life style of Hawaii’s people will be available for future generations, and can be included in planning processes.

We all share kuleana for our history. We request your respect of the information in the studies. Do not cite it out of context, and always acknowledge kūpuna, elder kama‘āina and sources of the documentation.

Aia no ke kuleana pū me ‘oe! (The responsibility is yours!)

Link To Studies

Vol I Waikahekahe-Keaau Ethnohistorical_Study (PDF)  — Volume I. He Mo’olelo ‘Aina — An Ethnohistorical Overview for the Ahupua’a of Waikahekahe (Nui & Iki), Kea’au and Neighboring Lands in Puna, Island of Hawai’i, in the area known as “Hawaiian Paradise Park” was prepared as a community service project by Kepa and Onaona Maly (Kumu Pono Associates LLC), to support efforts of the Cultural Preservation Committee (CPC), which is made up of concerned residents of Hawaiian Paradise Park. Volume I is the first part of what is anticipated to be a two volume ethnographical study of the named ahupua’a (native land divisions).

Kumukahi, Kula Ahupuaa and the District of Puna, Hawaii (PDF) November 6, 2021 – “He Kaulana Ka ‘Āina O Puna Mai O Ka Lā Ma Kumukahi…” A Resource Guide Of Traditions And History Of Kumukahi, The Ahupua’a of Kula Ahupua’a And District Of Puna

Map: Kumukahi, Kula Ahupua‘a, and the District of Puna, Hawai‘i (jpeg) November 6, 2021

Mōkapu Peninsula Ethnographic Study O’ahu (PDF) 1995, with Paul H. Rosendahl, Ph. D., Inc. Readers please note, the archaeological assessment that accompanies this ethnographic study is a typical response by anthropologists working under a culturally detached assignment of values. The historical and interview records present many reasons as to why Pu’u Hawai’iloa should have been designated as a Traditional Cultural Property.

Ahupua‘a of Ka‘ā & Paoma‘i Lāna‘i (PDF)  May 10, 1997

Kainalu Ahupua‘a, Ipukaiole Fishpond, Molokai (PDF)  June 5, 1997

Ahupua‘a of Kahului-iki. Kona, Hawai‘i (PDF) August 8, 1997 

Kaulana, Mahai‘ula, Makalawena, Awake‘e, Manini‘ōwali & Kūki‘o, Kona, Hawai‘i (PDF) March 4, 1998

Wai’aha Ahupua’a, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF)  March 23, 1998

Ka’ūpūlehu, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF)  May 20, 1998

Mākua and Kahanahāiki, Oahu (PDF) June 1998

Maunalua, O’ahu (PDF) October 19, 1998 – (with Helen Wong Smith)

Kea’au-Kapoho, Puna, Hawai’i (Alanui Aupuni) OH (PDF) January 11, 1999

Kea’au-Kapoho, Puna, Hawai’i (Alanui Aupuni) January 11, 1999

Keauhou to Ka’awaloa, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) February 26, 1999

Pu’u Anahulu-Puu Wa’awa’a, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) July 7, 1999

He’eia, O’ahu (PDF) August 24, 1999

Kaiholena, Kohala, Hawai’i (PDF) February 10, 2000

Waimānalo Watershed, O’ahu (PDF) February, 2000

Kūki’o–Kekaha, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) March 3, 2000

Kūki’o–Kekaha, Kona, Hawai’i OH (PDF) December 5, 2000

Maui Hikina (East Maui), Island of Maui (PDF) January 17, 2001 – Lands of Hāmākua Poko, Hāmākua Loa and Ko’olau

Maui Hikina (East Maui) Island of Maui (PDF) December 1, 2001 – Oral History Interviews with Families of Hāmākua Poko, Hāmākua Loa and Ko’olau

Ki’ilae-Kauleolī, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) May 1, 2001

Ki’ilae-Kauleolī, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) May 1, 2001 – Oral History Interviews

Keauhou-Kealakekua, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) June 15, 2001

Kaumālapa’u, Kamoku-Kalulu, Lāna’i (PDF) August 6, 2001

Ahu-a-‘Umi, Keauhou, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) November 26, 2001

Kaloko and Honokōhau, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) April 1, 2002

Kīpāhoehoe, Kapalilua, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) July 5, 2002, Volume I.

Kīpāhoehoe, Kapalilua, Kona, Hawai’i OH (PDF) August 30, 2002, Oral History Interviews, Volume II

Ke’ei, Kona Hema, Hawai’i (PDF) July 26, 2002

Kohanaiki, Kona, Hawai’i (PDF) June 30, 2003, Volume I

Kohanaiki, Kona, Hawai’i OH (PDF) July 5, 2003, Oral History Interviews, Volume II

‘Ōuli, Waimea, Kohala, Hawai’i (PDF) September 8, 2003

Waimanālo (Māhele Records-Waikupunaha Section), Oahu (PDF) September 9, 2003

Humu’ula-Pi’ihonua, Hilo, Hawaii (PDF) March 31, 2004 – Lands That Adorn The Chiefs On The Mountain Lands of Hawai’i

Keauhou & Kahalu’u, Kona, Hawaii OH (PDF) April 1, 2004 – Oral History Interviews — A Cultural Synthesis For The Royal Lands Of Keauhou and Kahalu’u, District Of Kona, Island Of Hawai’i (Volume II)

Honokua, Kalahiki and Waiea, South Kona & Kahuku, Kau, Hawaii (PDF) April 9, 2004 – An Overview of Hawaiian Land Use And Access Practices For The Ahupua’a of Honokua, Kalahiki, and Waiea, South Kona; And The Mountain Lands Of Kahuku, Ka’ū On The Island Of Hawai’i (CA. 1845 – 1876)

Manukā, Ka’ū & Kaulanamauna, Kona, Hawaii (PDF) July 20, 2004 – A Cultural Study Of The Manukā Natural Area Reserve Lands of Manukā, District of Ka’ū, and Kaulanamauna, District Of Kona, Island Of Hawai’i

Mauna Kea–Ka Piko Kaulana O Ka ‘Āina, Hawaii Island OH (PDF) May 6, 2006 – Appendix A: Mauna Kea—”Ka Piko Kaulana O Ka ‘Āina (Volume II)

Waiākea Cane Lots (12, 13, 17, 18, 19, 20 & 20-A) (PDF) Land of Waiākea, District of South Hilo, Island of Hawaiʻi (TMK:2-4-01, 7, 10) June 1996

 Ahupua’a of Kaluako’i, West Moloka’i (Moloka’i Overview TMK:5-1-02) Cultural and Historical Study For The Environmental Assessment of U.S. Marine Corps Training. February 17, 1997

 “Mauna Kea — Kuahiwi Ku Ha’o I Ka Mālie” (PDF) Ahupua‘a of Humu‘ula and Ka‘ohe, Districts of Hilo and Hāmākua Island of Hawai‘i. March 17, 1997

Proposed La‘aloa Beach Park Improvements (PDF) Ahupua‘a of La‘aloa-iki, District of North Kona, Island of Hawai‘i (TMK:7-7-10,36) May, 27, 1997

Puna, Ka ‘Āina I Ka Hikina A Ka Lā” (PDF) Ahupua‘a of ‘Ahalanui, Laepāo‘o, and Oneloa (with Pohoiki), District of Puna, Island of Hawai‘i. July 31, 1998

Ke Ala Loa-Ala Nui Aupuni Kawaihae to ‘Anaeho’omalu, Kohala (PDF) Lands of Kawaihae 2nd, ‘Ōuli, Lālāmilo, Waikōloa, Puakō, Waimā, Kalāhuipua‘a, and ‘Anaeho‘omalu; District of Kohala, Island of Hawai‘i.  April 30, 1999 (Volume I)

Ke Ala Loa-Ala Nui Aupuni Kawaihae to ‘Anaeho’omalu, Kohala (PDF) Oral History Interview Transcripts And Release Of Interview Records — South Kohala and Portions of Kekaha, North Kona. February 1998 – April 1999 (Volume II)

Volume I Wai O Ke Ola: He Wahi Mo’olelo No Maui Hikina (PDF) A collection of Native Traditions and Historical Accounts of the Lands of Hāmākua Poko, Hāmākua Loa and Ko‘olau, Maui Hikina (East Maui), Island of Maui. January 17, 2002

Volume II Wai O Ke Ola: He Wahi Mo’olelo No Maui Hikina (PDF) Oral History Interviews with Families of Hāmākua Poko, Hāmākua Loa and Ko‘olau, East Maui. December 1, 2001

 He Wahi Mo‘olelo No Ka ‘Āina A Me Nā ‘Ohana O Waiki‘i Ma Waikōloa… (PDF) A Collection of Traditions and Historical Accounts of the Lands and Families of Waiki‘i at Waikōloa (Waimea Region, South Kohala), and the Mountain Lands, Island of Hawai‘i. November 12, 2002

Appendix A—Oral History Interviews He Wahi Mo‘olelo No Ka ‘Āina A Me Nā ‘Ohana O Waiki‘i…(PDF) Appendix A—Oral History Interviews He Wahi Mo‘olelo No Ka ‘Āina A Me Nā ‘Ohana O Waiki‘i Ma Waikōloa (Kalana o Waimea, Kohala), A Me Ka ‘Āina Mauna. May 1, 2003

Volume I: Ka Hana Lawai‘a A Me Nā Ko‘a O Na Kai ‘Ewalu (PDF) A History of Fishing Practices and Marine Fisheries of the Hawaiian Islands. Compiled From: Native Hawaiian Traditions, Historical Accounts, Government Communication, Kama‘āina Testimony and Ethnography. August 1, 2003

 Volume II — Oral History Interviews: Ka Hana Lawai‘a A Me Nā Ko‘a O Na Kai ‘Ewalu (PDF) A History of Fishing Practices And Marine Fisheries Of The Hawaiian Islands. December 10, 2003

“Hana Ka Lima, ‘Ai Ka Waha” (PDF) A Collection of Historical Accounts and Oral History Interviews With Kama‘āina Residents and Fisher-People of Lands in the Halele‘a-Napali Region on the Island of Kaua‘i. November 10, 2003

He Wahi Mo‘olelo No Kaluanui Ma Ko‘olauloa, Mokupuni ‘O O‘ahu (PDF) A Collection of Traditions, Historical Accounts and Kama‘āina Recollections of Kaluanui and Vicinity, Ko‘olauloa, Island of O‘ahu. February 25, 2004

Appendix A: Kama‘aina Recollections (PDF) Oral History Interviews For The Kaluanui & Kaliuwa‘a Vicinity – Compiled from Oral History Interviews with Kūpuna and Kama‘āina. March 13, 2004

Puu Makaala NARS (PDF) A Cultural Study of the Pu‘u Maka‘ala Natural Area Reserve Districts of Hilo and Puna, Island of Hawai‘i. May 31, 2004

“Mauna Kea—Ka Piko Kaulana O Ka ‘Āina” (PDF) (Mauna Kea—The Famous Summit Of The Land) A Collection of Native Traditions, Historical Accounts, and Oral History interviews for Mauna Kea, the Lands of Ka’ohe, Humu’ula and the ‘Āina Mauna on the island of Hawai’i. March 30, 2005

Appendix A: Mauna Kea – “Ka Piko Kaulana o ka ‘Āina” PDF) A Collection Of Oral History Interviews Documenting Historical Accounts and Recollections of Mauna Kea and the Mountain Lands of Hāmākua, Hilo and South Kohala, on the Island of Hawai‘i. May 6, 2006

He Wahi Mo‘olelo No Keauhou A Me Na Wahi Pana Ma Laila (PDF) A collection of traditions, historical accounts and kama‘aina recollections of Keauhou and its storied places; with notes from adjoining lands in Ka‘ū and Puna, Island of Hawai‘i. July 23, 2005

He Wahi Mo‘olelo No Punalu‘u Ma Ko‘olauloa, Mokupuni ‘O O‘ahu (PDF) A Collection of Traditions, Historical Accounts And Kama‘āina Recollections of Punalu‘u And Vicinity, Ko‘olauloa, Island of O‘ahu. July 29, 2005

Appendix A Mo‘olelo ‘Ohana: (PDF) Appendix A Mo‘olelo ‘Ohana: A Collection of Kama‘āina Recollections In Oral History Interviews Of Punalu‘u And Vicinity, Ko‘olauloa, Island Of O‘ahu. November 30, 2005

He Mo‘olelo ‘Āina No Ka‘eo Me Kāhi ‘Āina E A‘E Ma Honua ‘Ula o Maui (PDF) He Mo‘olelo ‘Āina No Ka‘eo Me Kāhi ‘Āina E A‘E Ma Honua ‘Ula o Maui A Cultural-Historical Study of Ka‘eo And Other Lands In Honua‘ula, Island Of Maui. December 27, 2005 

Appendix A: “He Mo‘olelo ‘Āina No Ka‘eo…” (PDF) Appendix A: “He Mo‘olelo ‘Āina No Ka‘eo…” Oral History Interviews With Kama‘āina Of The Honua‘ula Region. March 28, 2006

Appendix B: “He Mo‘olelo ‘Āina No Ka‘eo…” (PDF) Excerpts From Hawaiian Language Accounts. Nupepa Kuokoa Ianuali 12, 1865 Ka Hoomana Kahiko, Helu II. Ua moolelo o Kane, ame Kona Mana, ame Kana Mau Hana. December 9, 2005

He Mo‘olelo No Maui Hikina—Kalialinui I Uka A Me Nā ‘Āina O Lalo (PDF) A Cultural-Historical Study of East Maui—The Uplands of Kalialinui, and the Lands that Lie Below, Island of Maui. July 2, 2006

Volume 1 (Part 1): He Wahi Mo’olelo No Kaua’ula A Me Kekāhi ‘Āina O Lahaina I Maui (PDF) A collection of traditions and historical accounts of Kaua’ula and other lands of Lahaina, Maui. Part 1. June 1, 2007

Volume 1 (Part 2): He Wahi Mo‘olelo No Kaua‘ula A Me Kekāhi ‘Āina O Lahaina I Maui (PDF) A Collection Of Traditions And Historical Accounts Of Kaua‘ula And Other Lands Of Lahaina, Maui. Part 2. May 25, 2007

 

An Ethnography of Ka‘ā Ahupua‘a and the Island of Lāna‘i. There is a wide range of history from the island of Lāna‘i, some of which is general, but nonetheless important as it sets a foundation for delving deeper into the cultural context and life-ways shared between the ‘āina (land/environment) and people of Lāna‘i. May 21, 2011

He Mo‘olelo ‘Āina — Traditions and Storied Places of Honouliuli (PDF) District of ‘Ewa Island of O‘ahu.(Documentary Technical Report). October 27, 2013