Come Ashore
Land your canoe at Pelekane Bay, Kawaihae. Our guides speculate on why Kawaihae would be a good place for early settlers to take up residence.

The Ancients
Though tradition does not go back to ancient times, records on the land speak of greater occupation of this area in the past. Upland field systems and coastal fishing villages probably flourished here.

Legendary Setting
The volcano deity Pele made her home on the Big Island, in Kilauea volcano. But the pig-god Kamapua‘a was attracted by her flames, and came over from O‘ahu. Through the interaction between these beings, the Big Island was divided.

Neighbors
Among the most prominent of Kawaihae's neighbors lies across the Alenuihaha Channel: Hana, Maui. Back and forth, conquering armies and others have traveled. We also learn about Kawaihae's local neighbors on the Big Island.

Special Essay: "Voyaging." Carlos Andrade discusses the art of navigation, and what it is like to be on a voyaging canoe.