CRAMP Long Term Monitoring Study Sites: Kawaihae, Hawaii

Chart showing the Kawaihae site. The red arrow shows the transect location. (Click image for larger view.)

NOAA aerial photo showing the area of the Kawaihae site. (Click image for larger view.)

Kawaihae is characterized by extensive commercial harbor development with recent and continued development of the small boat harbor. There is an interruption of long-shore transport due to harbor development with consequent siltation of Pelekane Bay. The three meter site consists of colonized hard-bottom with aggregated coral heads. The ten meter site is extremely well-developed carbonate spur and groove habitat. This is a north exposed, sheltered site.

Kawaihae is delineated by the transitional zone between the older Pololū series of lava flows which formed the Kohala region and the more recent Hāmākua series from the Mauna Kea flows. Makeahua Gulch resulted from fluvial erosion of these flows creating an alluvium plain south of Spencer Beach.

The habitat is complex, supporting average coral cover. The area is dominated by Porites species with low macroalgal coverage. North of the harbor, the basalt pavement covered by sand slopes gently. The pavement south of the harbor is relatively shallow. The inshore region consists of limestone pavement with basalt outcroppings while spur and groove relief typifies the deeper regions.

Photoquadrat from the 3m transect at the Kawaihae site.

Photoquadrat from the 10m transect at the Kawaihae site.

Kawaihae, Hawai‘i 3m

Total coral cover: 21.2%

Species Richness: 9

Dominant Species: Porites lobata

Kawaihae, Hawai‘i 10m

Total coral cover: 32.1%

Species Richness: 8

Dominant Species: Porites compressa

Photoquadrats of the 3m and 10m transects at the Kawaihae site.

Although the inner reaches of Kawaihae Harbor remain relatively calm, the outer reef can experience high wave regimes and strong winds.

The immediate vicinity of the harbor is used for industrial purposes. The only commercial shopping complex for miles around is located across the street from the harbor. Much of the surrounding land is undeveloped although more residential lots and ranch lands are being developed in the area.

Runoff, re-suspension of sediment and long-shore transport of fine particles affect the coral populations and reduces visibility in the area. Offshore populations are less affected due to strong currents and high wave action, which winnow out fine sediment.

Kawaihae Harbor was dredged in the late 1950’s to accommodate deep draft vessels. It is surrounded by large basalt boulders that act as a breakwater against high surf. Several small boat basins and boat launch areas are available for mooring of recreational vessels, offering protection from open ocean swells. Docking facilities are also available for small craft. Both recreational and commercial vessels operate out of this area. The landfill from the dredging created several small artificial beaches. The Kawaihae Canoe Club launches their canoes at the northern end of the harbor. Sailing and windsurfing are popular activities year-round. Swimming and snorkeling occurs at Ohaiula (Spencer Beach Park) while divers can be found fishing on both sides of the breakwater as well as the reef beyond the break. The rock revetment is popular for shoreline casting and a picnic pavilion is available for local use.

A long, narrow black sand beach was described by missionaries visiting this area to be a mile long, extending from Pelekane Bay to the far north end of Kawaihae Harbor. Shoreline alterations and harbor construction destroyed the beach as well as a substantial portion of the largest expanse of coral reef on the island.

A sacred site, Haleokapuni is located underwater at Pelekane Bay buried under the silt deposited by stream sediments and nearby harbor construction. This heiau was constructed for the feeding of sharks. Human offerings were given to the numerous sharks that still frequent the bay today. Along with serving as breeding grounds for blacktip and reef sharks, Pelekane Bay is also a popular resting area for the green sea turtles.

Pu’ukoholā Heiau, the largest temple in the Hawaiian Islands is situated on the cliff adjacent to the harbor. This famous heiau was built by Kamehameha I in the late 1700’s, with stones passed down from upland Waimea. Here human sacrifices were offered to Kūka‘ilimoku the god of war. The National Parks Service has jurisdiction over this nationally registered historic landmark within the 77-acre historic park.

Situated just below Pu’ukoholā, a second heiau of equal size, Mailekini housed numerous ki‘i or images. No human sacrifices were performed here. It was used as a fort to guard the King’s harbor in the early 1800’s by John Young, Kamehameha’s advisor. Remains still exist among kiawe trees.

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CRAMP Study Sites: Kawaihae, Island of Hawai‘i