Ulup Heiau Cultural Resources Management & Landscape Plan

Restoring a Cultural Landscape at Kawainui

The primary goal of restoring the cultural landscape around Ulup Heiau is to place the heiau within a physical setting that is more historically appropriate to the time of its construction and use. Cultural practitioners will be integral in the restoration process which will promote learning and perpetuation of the culture. In turn, the restoration will give visitors the opportunity to envision the heiau within its cultural context. GOAL #1: Preserve Ulup Heiau complex within a historical setting and cultural landscape that is representative of the pre-contact settlement and subsistence pattern of the Kailua ahupuaa. Gradually remove alien and non-native vegetation and replace with culturally appropriate native and Polynesianintroduced species reflective of the cultural landscape. Select a time period circa A.D. 1700 to convey the interpretive themes, promote a sense of place, and create an understanding of the cultural significance of Ulup Heiau. Incorporate scenic views with cultural significance into the landscape planning. GOAL #2: Perpetuate the cultural traditions associated with Ulup Heiau and the Kailua ahupuaa by providing plants for cultural demonstrations and for use by practitioners to continue cultural traditions related to the use of plants. Develop a plant palette with a range of both native Hawaiian plants and Polynesian-introduced plants that are appropriate to this area and environment. The choice of plants should also reflect those needed to conduct appropriate cultural programs. Promote loi kalo that perpetuate farming traditions and provide kalo for cultural programs. GOAL #3: Enhance the visitor experience and promote understanding and respect by placing Ulup Heiau within a culturally and historically appropriate setting. Promote a preferred visitor pattern by incorporating paths and access routes into the cultural landscape plan. Promote visitor understanding and respect by developing interpretive devices as part of the cultural landscape plan. Respect the community setting but also minimize the impacts of modern development.

Restoration Goals & Objectives

Imagine Kawainui over 1,000 years ago as Polynesian canoes sail into Kailua Bay. Formerly an embayment, Kawainui is now a lagoon created by a massive sand bar across the bay. Collecting in this pond is a mix of ocean water and an abundance of freshwater water carried from the Koolau Mountains by Maunawili and Kahanaiki Streams. Surrounding the waters of Kawainui are forests of loulu palm with a variety of lowland trees and shrubs. This was truly an inviting place in which to settle, clear the land for loi kalo (taro fields), and stock the pond with fish. As the social-religious-political system of Hawaii became more stratified and complex, the large heiau are constructed. These stacked rock platforms and walled enclosures are built on promontories offering panoramic views. Such is the case with Ulup Heiau that was built on the slopes of Kkanono overlooking Kawainui and the Kailua ahupuaa. The historical setting and cultural landscape of Ulup Heiau have been altered by post-contact land uses such as rice farming, truck farming, ranching, residential development, and the transformation of Kawainui to a marsh. However, remaining elements such as the rock wall terraces, springs, and grinding stones are important clues about the cultural landscape, human occupation, and history of Kawainui.

A Cultural Resources Management and Landscape Plan has been developed to direct the restoration of an historically accurate and culturally appropriate landscape on the 7 acres surrounding Ulup Heiau. The goals of the 5-year plan are: 1) develop a 5-year conceptual site plan with community participation; 2) integrate a Hawaiian cultural protocol policy; 3) develop a cultural resource management plan to document, protect, and revitalize the cultural resources; 4) develop a cultural landscape and ethnobotanical restoration plan; and 5) develop an educational/interpretive program to share the site with visitors, promote understanding, and encourage respect and stewardship. Community participation in this planning process took place through several visioning meetings. These meetings were an opportunity for stakeholders to communicate desires, goals and commitment to revitalize Ulup Heiau as a living cultural resource for the benefit of the greater Hawaiian cultural community, as well as the public.

Ulup Heiau, approximately 1.5 acre, was transferred from the Territorial Board of Agriculture and Forestry to Territorial Parks in 1954. In the early 1960s, State Parks and the adjacent landowner, Kneohe Ranch, partnered to construct improvements at the heiau such as the paved roadways and parking lot, the stone walkway atop the heiau and the stone paving around the springs. Ulup Heiau was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972 and the Hawaii Register in 1981. Ulup Heiau and portions of the Kkanono slope on the eastern side of Kawainui, a total of 28 acres, were designated Ulup Heiau State Historical Park (SHP) in 2000. As a historical park, the mission is to protect the significant cultural sites, especially Ulupo Heiau, and preserve the open space, viewplanes, and cultural landscape. Adjacent to Ulup Heiau on the north and east is the Windward YMCA (9 acres) and abutting the park on the west is Kawainui Marsh, a wildlife sanctuary under the jurisdiction of DLNR, Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

Ownership & Management

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Situated in the center of the former Koolau volcano, Kawainui was once an embayment as the waters of Kailua Bay extended far inland. Over time, a sand bar formed across Kailua Bay converting the waters to a lagoon that collected the freshwater from the Maunawili watershed. A forest of loulu palms grew on the banks of the lagoon and up into the valleys.

Historical & Cultural Overview

With Western Contact, loi kalo were converted to rice and soon after, the lands around the marsh shifted to pasture and ranching use. Today, Kawainui is a wahi pana (storied place of cultural importance) and a wildlife sanctuary for migratory and waterbirds.

Restoration attempts to recapture the appearance of a cultural site at a particular point in time. The cultural landscape consists of features which contribute to the landscapes physical appearance as they have evolved over time. These features may include vegetation, topography, water features, trails, walls, and archaeological sites.

Cultural Landscape Restoration

With the arrival of Hawaiian settlers, the 450-acre lagoon was used for the raising of fish. The loulu forest was cleared to plant loi kalo (taro fields) along the streams and around the edges of the pond. As alii inhabited the shoreline of Kailua Bay, three large heiau were constructed, including Ulup and Pahukini. By A.D. 1600, the Kailua ahupuaa was an ina momona (rich land) with political and religious importance. Hauwahine, the moo or guardian spirit, protects the people of Kawainui and assures an abundance of fish. The legendary association of Ulup Heiau with the menehune suggests the antiquity of this site. The massiveness and quantity of rock carried many miles hint at its cultural importance. It is likely that the function of this heiau changed over time. It probably began as a mpele or agricultural heiau with ceremonies and rites conducted to insure the fertility of the crops grown in Kawainui. In later times, it may have become a luakini heiau dedicated to success in war with structures erected atop this massive stone platform, including an altar, an oracle tower or anuu, thatched hale, and notches in the terraces to hold the kii or wooden images. The spring off the lower corner of the heiau was another important feature related to the ceremonial traditions of the site. Several Oahu chiefs lived at Kailua and probably held ceremonies at Ulup Heiau, including Kkuhihewa in the 1400s and Kalii in the late 1600s. Kualii fought many battles and he may have rededicated Ulup Heiau as a luakini heiau. Maui chief Kahekili came to Oahu in the 1780s and lived in Kailua after defeating Oahu high chief Kahahana for control of Oahu. Kamehameha I worked at Kawainui fishpond and is said to have eaten the edible mud (lepo ai ia) of Kawainui when there was a shortage of kalo. But by 1795 when Kamehameha I conquered Oahu, it is believed that Ulup Heiau was already abandoned. The wooden structures had decayed and only stone remained.

Ulup Heiau State Historic Park consists of 28 acres along the eastern edge of Kawainui and encompasses many cultural and historic sites that cover a broad time range from the precontact period to the 20th Century.

Cultural Resources

Canoe Plants

Ulupo Heiau

The massive raised platform of Ulup Heiau is roughly square and measures 140 by 180 feet (1.42 acres). It is constructed with a large quantity of basalt boulders that have been stacked to create 30-foog high terraced slopes and a level platform surface. The construction of this massive terraced platform required a large work force under the direction of a powerful alii.

The landscape around Ulup Heiau would have consisted of the canoe plants brought by the early Polynesians on their voyaging canoes to Hawaii. Many of these plants were staples in the diet. At Ulup Heiau, the agriculture pattern would be reflective of the lowland, windward kula zone. There may be elements of the kai (coastal zone) and uka (upland zone) but the landscape will be comprised largely of those plants associated with subsistence, domestic needs, and medicinal uses. Prominent in this landscape are the loi kalo (irrigated fieldsystems) and subsistence crops such as uala, k, maia, and niu. Plants grown for domestic purposes would include k, wauke, and ipu while the medicinal plants would include awa and noni. Along the edges of these agricultural fieldsystems would be trees that can be considered transitional to the uka zone, such as kukui, kamani, and ulu. Other trees more reflective of the kai to kula zone would include milo and kou. This cultural pattern is the basis for developing the plant palette for this landscape plan. On the slopes between Ulup Heiau and Kawainui are the remnants of the stacked rock retaining walls of the former loi kalo. Springs in the area provide the water to irrigate these loi and the water is channeled by means of auwai (ditches) that use gravity to transport water through the loi and into the Kawainui pond.

Agricultural Terraces

There is a complex of agricultural terraces, mounds, walls, platforms, and enclosures with a possible auwai constructed along the edge of the marsh. Terraces suggest both kula (dry land agricultural features) and loi kalo (wet lands where springs are present). Pre-contact features appear to have been altered for use in the post-contact period for rice and truck farming.

Housesites

A Land Commission Award (L.C.A.) from the Mhele of 1848 indicates that Ulup Heiau was awarded to Ukikolo (L.C.A. 2536:3) who also claimed a house lot at Kkanono. L.C.A. 7147 along the Kkanono slope was the residential complex of a konohiki named Kahele. Besides a house lot, the claim included 3 loi kalo along the edge of Kawainui. The area was converted to rice fields in the later 1870s and one of the Chinese farmers lived in Kaheles house. The early 20th Century bottles suggest that the site was occupied until the 1920s or 1930s. Located off the northeast corner of the heiau is a platform from a house site built circa 1940s and demolished in the 1970s.

View Corridors

Plantings need to promote and preserve scenic and cultural significant view corridors. It is envisioned that removing many of the alien trees between the heiau and the marsh will significantly open the view corridors to Kawainui, Kailua Bay and the Koolau Mountains.

Plant Buffers

Truck Farming & Piggery Features

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Concrete and brick foundations, remnants of asphalt roadways, pipes and other materials indicate post-contact use of the Kkanono slope for farming of crops such as papaya and banana in the 20th Century. There are several structures of concrete, rocks, and bricks. The foundations of a piggery, ca. 1949, consists of concrete flooring, steps, and troughs.

To promote the cultural landscape of the heiau, vegetation buffers are recommended to visually block modern structures. A vegetation buffer along Kailua Road would provide both a visual and sound buffer for the traffic traveling on this major roadway. A visual buffer for the Windward YMCA facility and the residences would promote the feeling that one is entering a significant wahi pana.

Plant Nursery

A nursery with irrigation, shade cloth, gravel and growing benches is recommended to the south of the heiau and outside the cultural site where no archaeological features are located. This nursery will propagate plants for the restoration and educational programming.

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Loi Kalo

There are currently 22 loi within three complexes. Limited expansion is proposed in this first 5-year period to reflect the site circa A.D. 1700, convey the interpretive themes, and provide a sufficient supply of kalo for interpretive programs and cultural events. Expansion may occur in conjunction with the clearing of hau along the edge of the marsh.

Post-Contact Cultural Landscape

Loi Borders and Buffers

Plantings of k, k, and maia along the borders of the loi will serve several purposes wind breaks, visitation buffers, and restoration of the cultural landscape as these plants were traditionally planted around the loi. Some borders will remain open for access, interpretive purposes and to insure view corridors are maintained.

The Kkanono slope, south of Ulup Heiau, was converted to rice farming circa 1860 and to truck farming in the early 20th Century. To share the history of agriculture and occupation at Kawainui, the landscape will transition from the traditional Hawaiian cultural landscape, circa A.D. 1700, to specimen crops from the post-contact era, circa 1900 to 1950. Truck farming refers to the growing and harvesting of fruits and vegetables that were trucked to market in Honolulu. The Kawainui farmers also sold their products from stands along Kailua Road.

Passive Programs

Signs and brochures can share information about a site when staffing is not available. These techniques encourage the visitor to experience the site through a self-guided tour with accompanying materials that share the interpretive themes through graphics and text. To assist visitors with this tour of the site, an interpretive sign kiosk with a map showing a preferred route for visitation and guidelines for the visit is recommended. These guidelines might include staying on the path and photographing but not picking any of the plants. Directional signs would assist visitors to navigate their way through the park site. Plant name signs placed along the path will highlight the importance of these plants in the daily life.

Implementation of 5-Year Plan

Vegetation Buffers

The two major areas requiring buffers to enhance the cultural setting of Ulup Heiau are to the east along Kailua Road and to the south along the YMCA facility and the residential area. Trees such as kukui, milo, kamani, and kou are recommended for this purpose and should be spaced to allow the tree canopy to spread out. A lower layer of plants, such as k or naupaka, is recommended to fill-in the buffer.

Slopes along the Marsh

The springs are not as abundant on the slope to the west of the heiau. Therefore, after removal of the hau thicket, this area will be planted with dryland kalo and a diversity of other canoe plants that contribute to the cultural landscape, including ipu, wauke, and awa. A medicinal plant garden is also recommended for this portion of the slope.

Interpretation is a communication strategy developed to assist with the visitation, protection, and management of a site. Interpretive programs and devices can enable visitors to understand, appreciate, and respect this cultural site and visit in a culturally appropriate manner. Interpretation can assist in bringing the past to life through educational programs, exhibits, tours, and celebrations or community events that share these resources and promote understanding that will foster stewardship and preservation. As a wahi pana and part of a sacred landscape, an interpretive program at Ulup Heiau is a valuable way to promote respect. The audience for an interpretive program consists of all visitors. Those coming to Ulup Heiau are of all ages, from many different countries and they may come individually or with a group.

Interpretive Opportunities

The implementation of the 5-year plan for Ulup Heiau will involve a collaborative partnership between the co-curators of the site, Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club and Ahahui Mlama I Ka Lkahi, State Parks, and the Windward YMCA. It must also involve a working relationship with the Kkanono community and neighboring churches to insure that their concerns are addressed in the implementation of the plan. Establishment of a kahu position and a cultural advisory council will assist this partnership by providing cultural direction for proper implementation of the various elements of the plan. The diverse scope of this plan requires phasing and the setting of priorities. Both paid staff and volunteers are critical to undertaking the various tasks identified in the plan in a timely manner. Funding through a diversity of sources will be needed to accomplish the initial phase and the highest priorities of the plan. Three phases have been identified for implementation. Phase I addresses the first 2 years of the 5-year plan, the high priority tasks, and steps need to move forward into the next phase. Phase II is the 3-5 year period of the plan when the tasks needing permits and substantial funding will be undertaken. Additionally, long-range projects that extend beyond the initial 5-year planning period are included as Phase III to acknowledge the greater anticipated goals documented during the creation of this plan.

Interpretive Facilities

Interpretive facilities consist of built features that support programs. A traditional, thatched hlau, approximately 2,500 sq. feet in size, is being recommended in this plan to support interpretive programs and afford visitors and educational groups a gathering place for interpretive talks, demonstrations, and cultural activities, especially those pertaining to Hawaiian arts, crafts, music, dance, and use of the plants found in the cultural landscape. Visitors would be able to experience kui ai (poi pounding), lauhala weaving, kukui preparation, and lei making. The hlau could also house displays, exhibits, and interpretive boards.

Wetland Restoration Site

Active Programs

A one-acre wetland area has been created along the edge of the marsh where grasses and hau have been removed to expose the open water. Intended as a waterbird habitat, the open water is also symbolic of the fishpond that extended to the base of the slope in A.D. 1700.

Site Entry

An interpretive staff and/or volunteers are the foundation for an active interpretive program where visitors can interact with someone, go on a tour, ask questions, and participate in hands-on activities. A salaried position, such as a kahu or docent, would be able to offer these services to visitors, schools, cultural and education groups. site. A docent program established for Ulup Heiau in 2009 through a grant from the Hawaii Tourism Authority, provides support with guided tours and talks to groups prior to volunteer workdays and service learning projects. Offering similar training to tour companies insures that information shared with visitors is culturally appropriate and historically accurate.

Paths

Infrastructure Needs

Designated paths will minimize traffic in sensitive areas and establish a preferred route. A path through the cultural landscape around the heiau will provide an opportunity for visitors to explore the various Polynesian plants. A high priority is the path to the lower area from the heiau. The former driveway is steep, uneven, and unpaved which creates a safety concern for visitors.

Partners for the Preservation of Ulup Heiau

Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of State Parks Ahahui Mlama I Ka Lkahi

Water

To establish a sense of place as visitors enter the Ulup Heiau site, rows of loulu palms and k are recommended along the access road from the Windward YMCA parking lot. For the entry from Kailua Road, a line of hala trees is recommended and should be spaced to allow viewing of the heiau and harvest of the lauhala by practitioners.

Water will be needed for the nursery, plant watering, and general clean-up. A potential source is a new 6 water line from the Kkanono subdivision.

Restrooms

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As visitation increases and the length of stay is extended for work projects, the plan recommends a composting system. This structure can be designed to blend with the cultural theme and be environmentally appropriate.

Kailua Hawaiian Civic Club

Windward YMCA

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