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CRAMP Study Sites: Honokoa Ili, Island of Kaho‘olawe

Hakioawa Ili -- Kanapou Ili -- Kūnaka-Na‘alapa Ili -- Kealaikahiki Ili -- Honoko‘a Ili -- Ahupū Ili -- Kūheia & Kaulana Ili -- Papaka Ili

Geographic Name: Honoko‘a Ili

Geographic Location (shoreline):

Chart of Honoko‘a Ili coastline. (Click image for larger view.)

1993 NOAA aerial photo of Honoko‘a Ili coastline provided by Steve Rohmann. (Click image for larger view.)

Reef Structure, Habitat Classification:

A wide sand channel runs from the outer bay to the edge of the beach at the head of the bay.

Adjacent Land Use and Influence:

The valley above Honoko‘a Bay is rich in archeological history. A cultural preserve has been set up to protect the numerous historical sites. The slope down to the water is gradual.

Human Use Patterns:

In 1875 at the time of King Kalākaua’s visit to Honoko‘a Bay, Hawaiians were occupying the surrounding area where a village had been established earlier.
Historical and Cultural Importance:

An important cultural resource at Honoko‘a Bay is the ko‘a or fishing shrines that were erected here. Kaho‘olawe is especially noted for its ko‘a due to the excellent state of preservation and specific traditional use of these shrines. Offerings were left at ko‘a prior to fishing. Following fishing, the first fish caught was left in return for subsistence and safety. These structures also served as a reference point to establish the position of abundant fishing grounds. Stone or coral carvings of Ku‘ula, the god of fishing have been found at these unique archeological heiau. Certain ko‘a were associated with particular species of fish or a divinity. See:  http://bishop.Hawai‘i.org/research/cultstud/kaho/honoko_k.htm

Last Update: 04/21/2008

By: Lea Hollingsworth

Hawai‘i  Coral Reef Assessment & Monitoring Program

Hawai‘i  Institute of Marine Biology

P.O. Box 1346

Kāne‘ohe, HI 96744

808-236-7440 phone

808-236-7443 fax

email: jokiel@hawaii.edu