Kamehameha was said to have lifted the nearly 5,000 pound Naha Stone, securing his right to rule Hawaii Island. This stone now rests outside of the Hilo Library.
During his life, Kamehameha was said to have fulfilled three significant prophecies. In today’s audio podcast, you will hear about how Kamehameha fulfilled his destiny and changed Hawaii forever.
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Ka Hae Hawaii has been the official flag of Hawaii for nearly 200 years.
The Flag of Hawaii traces its roots to the historic relationship between King Kamehameha I and Great Britain in the late 1700’s. In today’s audio podcast, learn about the origin and significance of Ka Hae Hawai‘i, the Flag of Hawai‘i.
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Nearly 2000 years ago Polynesians traveled thousands of miles across open ocean in voyaging canoes to colonize the Hawaiian Islands.
Learn about the incredible culture of the Hawaiian people on today’s podcast. You will hear about their origins in the South Pacific, how traditional Hawaiian society was organized and about their ancient beliefs.
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Fourth grade students try their hands at lifting rocks at an exhibit that explains how Kamehameha built Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
When the National Park Service was created in 1916, one of the primary objectives given to the new agency was that it should leave our national parks “unimpaired for the enjoyment of future generations.” Nearly a century later, millions of children visit the National Park System each and every year. Most of the nearly 400 national parks provide tailored children’s programs such as Junior Rangers, WebRangers, Scout Rangers and a variety of others. These programs seek to foster a spirit of ownership and appreciation for the parks so that this generation of children will in turn leave the parks “unimpaired” for their children and generations to come.
Many national parks also provide organized educational programs, such as Parks-as-Classroom, Ranger in the Classroom and Teacher-to-Ranger-to Teacher. Some parks have also developed specific curriculum materials for classes to use before, during and after their visits to the parks. Throughout the Pacific Islands, the National Park Service offers many opportunities for schools, families and their children to learn about and care for our national parks. If you would like more information regarding a specific park’s children and/or educational programs, please contact the parks.
Ranger Liz of War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam) speaks to a class on one of her many outreach opportunities.
Hawaiian monk seal B18/B19 (he has two tags) takes a nap in the canoe house at Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park this week (Photo Courtesy Sophie Greeno, volunteer with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary).
Visitors to Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park were surprised to find a rare endangered Hawaiian Monk Seal taking a nap inside the park’s traditional canoe house. Apparently not a shy guy, B18/B19 (he has two tags) hauled himself up from the Royal Canoe Landing into the traditional structure that houses several outrigger canoes.
The Hawaiian Monk Seal is one of only a handful of seals living around Hawaii Island. With only around 1,000 left in the wild, the Hawaiian Monk Seal is considered the most endangered seal in the world. Unfortunately, recent reports have come out showing that the population is declining at a rate of 4% per year, meaning that extinction is a very real threat to this once numerous creature.
Photo Courtesy Sophie Greeno, volunteer with the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary.
Winter is the rainy season in Hawaii (Photo taken during winter 2008-2009).
Although most people probably think that Hawaii is immune from the effects of droughts, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Scientists say that weather patterns in the Pacific are being affected this year by “El Niño,” the warming of the tropical areas of the Eastern Pacific Ocean. Unlike the increased rainfall and rise in the risk of flooding experienced along the West Coast of the United States, El Niño years often bring drought conditions to the Hawaiian Islands.
According to a statement issued by the National Weather Service in Honolulu this week, throughout January, “Most of the rain gages across the State of Hawaii reported less than 50 percent of the normal rainfall and worsened or spread drought conditions in several areas.” These conditions have created “Extreme Drought Conditions” for most of the Kohala District of northwestern Hawaii Island, as well as parts of Maui, Molokai and the southern portion of Hawaii Island.
Because of the effects of El Niño, the winter of 2009-2010 has yet to bring the usual rains to most parts of Hawaii.
These conditions have led to an extreme risk of fires, prompting the National Park Service to bring in a team of firefighters from Whiskeytown National Recreation Area in California to Hawaii Island. As well, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has put into place more stringent regulations concerning campfires and barbecuing. For more information on El Niño and its effects, visit NOAA’s El Niño website: http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/.
Admiral Nimitz pins the Navy Cross on Doris "Dorie" Miller, at ceremony on board warship in Pearl Harbor, May 27, 1942 (Photo Courtesy the National Archives).
For many visitors and residents of Hawaii, the contributions of African Americans to the story of the Hawaiians Islands are too often overlooked. Undoubtedly, the election of Barack Obama to the Nation’s highest office has brought increased attention to the multi-cultural society of Hawaii. However, many people still fail to recognize the achievements and influence African Americans have made during their 200+ year history in the Islands.
The first African American to settle in Hawaii did so in 1810, the year Kamehameha the Great founded his Kingdom. This first settler, Anthony Allen (called “Alani” by his native Hawaiian neighbors) served as the steward to Kamehameha and went on to become a successful entrepreneur, acquiring land from high priest Hewa Hewa, starting a farm, a boarding house, a bowling alley and a hospital for ill and injured sailors. It is said that he was respected by both the native and foreign population of the Islands at that time.
Betsey Stockton, a slave of the president of Princeton University, was freed and later commissioned as a missionary to the “Sandwich Islands” (the name then given to Hawaii). Arriving in 1823 with the 2nd Company of Protestant missionaries from New England, she went on to found the very first school for commoners, teaching history, English, Latin and algebra. She was the very first single woman and first African American woman to come to Hawaii.
If you would like to learn more about the intriguing history of African Americans in Hawaii, you can attend special programs throughout “Black History Month” at Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
Chief Alapai watching as offerings are given to the sharks at Hale o Kapuni Heiau (Artwork Copyright by Herb Kane, used with permission).
In Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, visitors are often surprised to learn that the park is home to a submerged temple once dedicated to the sharks. Listen for yourself and learn about the interesting history of this “lost” temple.
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Outwardly desolate summit landscape.
Journeying from the coral reefs off Kīpahulu, up the valleys, through the clouds, past forests of giant koa, and into the realm of silverswords and gods, one cannot truly remain unchanged. The fact that it is possible to go to a place of such diversity steeped in tradition and legend is remarkable. The fact that it can be experienced in a single day is almost astounding.Everything at Haleakalā came from far away and changed as a result of making the journey to the “house of the sun.” The very rocks that created the island transmuted from deep mantle proto-rock to fiery lava and red cinders. Most rock in the world is far more provincial and less traveled; being derivations of surface material. Haleakalā lava rocks built a 10,023 foot mass so large it bends the crust beneath it. Because of its bulk in the middle of a vast ocean, Haleakalā provides most every kind of habitat found on earth in one small place; deserts, rainforest, tundra, streams, bogs, wet, dry, cold, and hot.
For example, some of the rocks at the summit of Haleakalā crystallized into fine-grained dark stone prized by the adze makers of old Hawaii for their strength. Pilgrims from the coast would brave the journey up to the realm of the gods to quarry these special rocks for tools. Others clad in capes of Ti leaves would brave the night to transform themselves into kilo hōkū (star gazers-navigators).
–Dominic Cardea, former Haleakalā National Park Ranger
The nene is one of the largest native land animals.
The Warrior and Chief Kamehameha unified the Hawaiian Islands 200 years ago in 1810.
Listen to today’s audio podcast to learn about the various types of Hawaiian warriors, including the most renowned warrior in Hawaiian history, Kamehameha the Great.
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Once standing on Chain of Craters Road, the Wahaula Visitor Center is seen here being consumed by lava in 1989 (Photo by J.D. Griggs, Courtesy USGS).
Chain of Craters road in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park takes visitors through a land of contrasts; a journey of destruction and renewal. On today’s audio podcast, listen to some of the wonderful sights that you can see as you travel this ever changing road!
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The end of Chain of Craters Road was covered in 2002 (Photo Courtesy of USGS).
Massive lava fountain hundreds of feet high during the Kilauea Iki eruption of 1959 (Photo Courtesy of USGS).
In 1959, Kilauea Iki (“Little Kilauea”) produced what many consider to have been one of the most spectacular eruptions ever seen at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Listen to today’s audio podcast to learn more about this amazing event!
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The hardened lava lake of Kilauea Iki today, still steaming from the violent 1959 eruption (Photo Courtesy USGS).
Ohia Lehua Blossom (Photo Courtesy University of Hawaii).
In this installment of the Pacific Island National Parks audio podcast, you will learn about one of the many important “islands” found on Hawaii Island. Kipukapuaulu is found within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and is an excellent place to see some of the rich diversity of the Island’s native plants and birds.
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Volunteers line the hill beside Pu'ukohola Heiau to take part in the NOAA "Sanctuary Ocean Count."
Just as the sun began to rise over Mauna Kea on the last Saturday in January, a crowd had already gathered on the hill known to Hawaiians as “Pu`ukohola”…the “Hill of the Whale”. From this vantage point, over 120 feet above the turquoise blue waters of Kawaihae Bay, volunteers scanned the ocean looking for whales.
And whales they saw! The crowd erupted into cheers and “oohs and ahhs” when three adult humpbacks breached one after the other. Dozens of whales were sighted breaching, slapping and otherwise enjoying the warm waters of the Pacific.
This count is one of three counts held around Hawaii from January to March. The Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary holds these counts in order to give the community a chance to monitor humpback whales from the shores of O`ahu, Hawai`i and Kaua`i. The count is held the last Saturday of January, February and March. If you would like to take part in an upcoming whale count, visit the Sanctuary website!
Sulphur Banks on the summit of Kilauea in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Photo Courtesy of USGS).
The Sulphur Banks of Kilauea exist because of a collapse of the summit in ancient times (Photo Courtesy of USGS).
Listening to today’s podcast, you will learn about the dynamic processes that continue to form and transform the summit area of the Kilauea Volcano.
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Marine Corps League member Kathy Painton shows a World War II artifact during the January Talk Story Program at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
Visitors from all over Hawaii, the Mainland and Canada were delighted with colorful stories of life on Hawaii Island during World War II. Jim Browne and Kathy Painton of the Marine Corps League, Camp Tarawa Detachment #1255 told a variety of stories about everything from rodeos in Waimea to “Roscoe” the 350 pound lion, mascot of the U.S. Marines at Camp Tarawa. Many visitors, including local residents, had no idea until this talk story program how large of a military presence there had been on the Island. As well, visitors learned of the vital importance the Kohala Coast played in the invasion of Iwo Jima.
The audience had a chance to ask questions, as well as to retell their own personal or family stories of the Second World War.
Many in the audience were surprised to learn that one of the most popular recreational beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna Beach, was used by thousands of marines and navy personnel in mock invasions involving amphibious landing craft and live fire training. Jim Browne showed a training map for the invasion of “Island X” (now known to be Iwo Jima), which turned out to be a map of Iwo Jima superimposed on a map of the Kohala Coast! The audience had a chance to ask questions and to see actual artifacts from World War II. As well, several visitors shared their own personal and family stories of the Second World War.
If you would like more information about what the Marine Corps League is doing, you may visit their site. Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site’s next “Talk Story Program” will be on February 20. Mahalo to the Marine Corps League… “Semper Fidelis!”
Jim Browne, a decorated Marine himself, told of his organization's efforts to preserve the World War II history of Hawaii Island.
Aiopio Fishtrap in beautiful Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park on Hawaii Island.
While walking at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park, you can see the remains of an ancient fishtrap. Listen to Ranger Ida as she recounts the significance of this important site.
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Lava Lake with Jaggar Museum on the cliff in the background (Photo courtesy of the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, USGS).
When you listen to today’s audio podcast, you will learn how one man sought to save lives through careful observation of one of the world’s most active volcanoes: Kilauea on the Island of Hawaii.
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View along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail along the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island.
The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail traverses nearly 200 miles of Hawaii Island’s coastline. Learn about this fascinating trail on today’s audio podcast!
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Keoua's Arrival at the Royal Courtyard of Kamehameha I (Artwork copyrighted by Herb Kane, used by permission).
On today’s audio podcast, you will hear about the larger-than-life people and events of the Royal Courtyard at Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.
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The Fishponds of Kaloko-Honokohau provided food for Kamehameha I.
On today’s audio podcast, you will hear about the vitally important relationship between Kamehameha the Great and the area now known as Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.
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John Young, advisor and friend of Kamehameha I.
Learn about the unique relationship of Kamehameha the Great and the sailor John Young in today’s audio podcast!
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Hale o Keawe once housed the sacred bones of departed chiefs (Photo Courtesy USGS).
Chiefs, warriors, commoners and law breakers all found Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau to truly be a “Place of Refuge.” Learn about this all-important site on today’s audio podcast.
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A researcher counts fish during an expedition to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Marine National Monument (Courtesy NOAA, credit: Claire Johnson).
When most people think of Hawaii, the islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii and Kauai are probably the places that usually come to mind. Stretching over 1,000 miles to the northwest, lies Hawaii’s “Forgotten Islands.” In today’s podcast, you’ll learn about these fascinating and fragile places!
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Diagram of the Hawaiian Hot Spot (Courtesy USGS).
The Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated island chain in the world. Have you ever wondered how they ended up in the middle of the Pacific Ocean? Find out in today’s audio podcast!
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Lava lake in Halema'uma'u Crater on Kilauea continues to fill and drain (Photo courtesy Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, USGS)
At one point, as the ponded lava began to drain away, a vortex formed on the lava surface. The curved streaks around the spattering point at the bottom of the image show where lava is beginning to move in a clockwise direction (Photo courtesy Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, USGS)
Kaloko Fishpond at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park.
Before there were grocery stores and modern markets, the people who lived in Hawaii got many of their fish from fishponds. Listen as Ranger Jon of Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park explains the importance of fishponds to the Hawaiian people and their continued significance for us today.
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