Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou

What does Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou mean? It means citizens (or natives) of the Kuliʻouʻou ʻāina. It is this ʻāina (land) and surrounding areas that we love and want to protect for future generations. Kuliʻouʻou is a valley known for its abundance of natural, cultural and historical resources that need protection and stewardship. From the last moku boundary atop Kalapa o Maua, to the potential location of ʻElelupe Pool, to the endangered ‘elepaio habitats in the Kuli’ou’ou Forest Reserve, and all the way down to eradicating invasive mudweed in Maunalua Bay. To us, it’s our responsibility to remain vigilant with these issues…it is the kuleana of Kupaʻāina o Kuliʻouʻou.

Kuliʻouʻou means “sounding knee drum,” referring to the puniu or knee drum.  Ancient inhabitants may have utilized the area for shelter and fishing for 1000 years or so prior to Western contact. Kuliʻouʻou was also the site of a large coastal wetland and pool named ʻElelupe, where Kamehameha III was said to retire with his court in the summer.  Kuliʻouʻou was also converted into cattle ranching beginning in the mid-late 1890’s.