Ancient Life

Over centuries, Polynesian voyagers from the South Pacific settled on the various islands in two major waves of migration, bringing to Hawai‘i the older customs and beliefs of their homeland. The Polynesian society that eventually overlaid the islands grew in concert with the natural environment, developing a sophisticated system of stewardship and unmatched levels of culture and artistry.

Life on Maui, and in the Lahaina District - including the Ka‘anapali area - followed patterns of life on the other major islands. The land was divided for political and agricultural purposes into ahupua‘a or wedge-shaped districts that ran from the crest of the mountains to the sea. Within each ahupua‘a were forests for timber, land for growing crops, and streams and ocean for gathering fish and seafood. The ali‘i, or ruling class of chiefs, ruled the ahupua‘a through their konohiki or overseers, tending to the needs of the population and redistributing food and goods through a system of annual taxation.

Being on the sunnier and drier side of the island, Lahaina District was not as heavily populated as the wet windward side of the island. Small villages dotted the coast, linked together by the ala loa, or island-circling path built by Kiha-a-Pi‘ilani and his son Pi‘ilani in the early 1500s. The staple crop of the area was sweet potato, with wetland taro grown in valleys like Honokowai. It was also an excellent area for breadfruit, second only to Puna on Hawai‘i island. Fishing was a mainstay of coastal villages and the waters off Lahaina were the best fishing grounds in all of Maui.

Maui has a history of strong rulers. In the early 1700s, Kekaulike was chief. At his death, he passed his rule to his younger son, Kamehamehanui, angering his older son and presumed heir, Kauhi. Their battles to succeed Kekaulike were fought in Lahaina and Ka‘anapali and included ally warriors from O‘ahu and Hawai‘i. After Kauhi was captured and killed, Kamehamehanui resumed rule of the island.

Kahekili, Kamehamehanui's successor, was a fierce opponent of Kamehameha, the ruler of Hawai‘i who was first to unify the Islands. Like many previous Maui rulers, Kahekili laid claim to lands on Hawai‘i. In the end, he could not overcome Kamehameha's superior forces; he died in battle in 1794.

Thriving Hawaiian Community
Ka‘anapali has always been a place where families enjoyed living. Over centuries, Polynesian voyagers from the South Pacific settled on the various islands in two major waves of migration, bringing to Hawai‘i the customs and beliefs of their homeland. The Polynesian society that eventually overlaid the islands grew in concert with the natural environment, developing a sophisticated system of stewardship and unmatched levels of culture and artistry.

Bountiful Land, Water & Sea
The staple crop of the area was sweet potato, with wetland taro grown in valleys like Honokowai. It was also an excellent area for breadfruit, second only to Puna on Hawai‘i island. Fishing was a mainstay of coastal villages and the waters off Lahaina were the best fishing grounds in all of Maui.

Ancient Hawaiian Recreation
Living in a landscape and climate that supplied abundant food and materials for comfortable living without excessive labor, Hawaiians had ample leisure time. They were great sportsmen, inventing games and contests to entertain both players and spectators.

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