Halawa Valley

> > > >

Credit: Arna Johnson

The remote northern end of the island of Moloka'i offers a modern view of an ancient culture. Local residents began restoring lo'i (terraces) and 'auwai (canals) in 1997, and reintroduced taro to Halawa Valley, which had been grown by the very same system for several hundred years up until the middle of this century.

In 1998 and 1999, TPL, working with local community leaders and the Maui Open Space Trust, acquired key parcels of land with private donor funding, and granted the parcels to the land trust for community stewardship. The Halawa Valley program functions as an outdoor classroom, bringing at-risk youth from the neighboring islands to the valley for education, recreation, and connection to a rich cultural history.

Visit

Halawa has been interpreted as "ample taro stems," accurately describing a valley that once served as the breadbasket for Moloka'i and even exported taro to parts of Maui. Commercial taro production in Halawa continued through the early 20th century, but finally ceased after two major tsunami hit the valley in 1946 and 1957. In addition to the ancient taro lo'i, Halawa is also famous for its two waterfalls: Moa'ula and Hipuapua. According to Hawaiian tradition, the pool at the base of Moa'ula is the home of Mo'o (water spirits). The wise visitor will drop a ti leaf on the surface of the water and only if it floats consider it safe to enter the pool to swim.

Driving Directions
The lone Kamehameha V Highway (450) skirting the southeast Moloka'i coastline ends at Halawa. Just drive mana'e (toward the east) from the main town of Kaunakakai until the highway runs out and look for Halawa Beach Park, where there is a pavilion, restrooms, barbecue grills, and a parking area.