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KAHALU‘U-KEAUHOU CENTER

LAND RESTORATION & CULTURAL CENTER

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CLIENT

Kamehameha Schools

LOCATION

Kahaluu-Keauhou, Kona, Hawai‘i

SIZE

47 acres

SERVICES

Master Planning

The makai lands of Kahalu‘u-Keauhou, now taken care of by Kamehameha Schools, was once a Hawaiian Center for Leadership and Learning. This area has been populated for about 500 years, and in the 18th and 19th centuries was an important royal residence. 

DESCRIPTION

The vision for Kahalu‘u-Keauhou will be the “seed bank” for the papakū makawalu teachings, the location that will hold the nucleus of knowledge. Two ancient fishponds called Waikua‘ala and Po‘o Hawai‘i are still visible. Royal Governor John Adams Kuakini had a thatched roof house, and King David Kalākaua built a beach house in this area which has been reconstructed. South of the bay is Hāpaiali‘i Heiau, associated with astrological observation, built between 1411 and 1465 and restored in 2007. Over 60 heiau have been found in the ahupua‘a, including at least 6 significant ones in the makai lands. Kamehameha Schools is planning for a modern Hawaiian Center for Leadership and Learning Cultural paths, new hālau structures, restored marshlands, interpretive center, symposium and meeting facilities, student and practitioner classrooms and lodging. The master plan was inspired by the concept of Papakū Makawalu, from which there is both a foundation and an out-growth, as in a plant or a water droplet. The Center grows from the earth as a non-building. The piko is punctuated by a blooming lattice that houses museums and classrooms; the maka (eye) courtyards are ringed with dorms and labs. The makai property will see a grass plain, with Hāpaiali‘i, Ke‘eku, and Makole‘a dominating the view. Mauka of each heiau will be a small location with interpretative signage; a path will connect these interpretative locations. 

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