Kahoolawe - Land of Rebirth

Acording to legend, Kahoolawe was cursed in ancient times by goddesses during a dispute. In truth, its history has been somewhat harsh. During the early 1800´s, Queen Kaahumanu used it as a penal colony. Later in that century, goats destroyed much of the island´s vegetation. Although designated a Forest Reserve by the Territory of Hawaii in 1910, the attempt at reforestation failed. At the outbreak of WWII, the United States confiscated the island for use as a bombing range, a practice that continued into the 1990´s.

 In the 1970´s the organization Protect Kahoolawe Ohana (PKO) was formed which focused public attention on the plight of the island and with a goal of stopping the shellings and to eventually restore its fauna and flora. This statewide cultural and political movement became known as the Hawaiian Renaissance. In 1994, the State of Hawaii was given control of Kahoolawe and has passed legislation prohibiting all commercial activities on the island. An effort is now being made to replant native vegetation and restore historic sites and their archaeological treasures.

 The PKO has been designated the official guardian of the island. There is no landing strip for aircraft or infrastructure of any kind. Visitation is not encouraged as unexploded ordinance remains a hazard. Also, authorized guests must arrive via small boats and be accompanied by PKO members.

 With 45 square miles, Kahoolawe is the smallest of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. Its highest point, Puu Moaulanui, is 1,483 feet. The ocean channel separating the islands of Kahoolawe, Maui, and Lanai is called Kealaikahiki - ´the pathway to Tahiti.´ It is thought that Tahitians composed the second wave of settlers in Hawaii around the 12th century. Kealaikahiki points the way southward to Tahiti, and probably Maui´s massive volcano Haleakala served as a navigational point for those arriving after their perilous voyages from the south. One of the mountain peaks on Kahoolawe was the site of a school for celestial navigation, the means used by the Polynesians to transverse the great expanses of the Pacific.

 Those who delight in the beauty of Hawaii hope Kahoolawe is soon restored to its former glory.