"But I love the mountains, and I love the sea...From the time you hit Lualualei and down to Mākua the whole Wai‘anae range—on that side is so dramatic. Those mountains are forever of great beauty and grandeur."
– Agnes K. Cope, Wai‘anae Resident
Mauka – Toward the Mountain
Aerial view of Wai‘anae Mountains, lowlands, and coast.
Source: U.S. Geological SurveyThe land area that extends from the coastline toward the mountain in an ahupua‘a is referred to as "mauka." In the Wai‘anae moku, the mauka area is made up of unique natural and cultural resources that have shaped Wai‘anae’s history and influenced its social and economic character.
The prominent geologic features of the mauka portion of the Wai‘anae moku are steep cliffs and deep valleys carved out by millennia of rainfall. These features influence the water resources, which in turn influence the unique flora and fauna of the region. The forests provide places of spiritual renewal, recreation, and learning as well as habitat for sensitive native plants, animals, and stream life. Throughout history, Wai‘anae’s valleys have supported a rich agricultural heritage, which continues today.
Related References
McGrath, E.J., K.M. Brewer, and B. Krauss. 1973. Historic Waianae, A Place of Kings. Island Heritage Limited. Norfolk Island, Australia. http://www.aloha.com/~hoa-aina/history.html
Waianae Coast Culture and Arts Society. 1986. Ka Poe Kahiko O Waianae: Oral Histories of the Waianae Coast of Oahu. Topgallant Publishing Company, Limited. Honolulu, HI.
