Hawaiian Material Culture

The Kalaupapa National Historical Park Museum collection features traditional Hawaiian materials and tools made from stone, wood, plants, and modern materials. Many items were donated by Kalaupapa residents and patients or collected during archaeological surveys, reflecting Hawaiian culture before and after the Hansen’s Disease Settlement.

Hawaiians first occupied the Kalaupapa peninsula (formally known as Makanalua peninsula) who arrived first in Waikolu Valley circa 1100 AD and then the Kalaupapa peninsula around 1300 AD. In 1836, the population was reported to be around 2,700 however by the time of the establishment of the Hansen’s Disease Settlement (1866), the population had shrunk to an estimated 140 people. The decline in population was due to epidemics that swept through Hawai‘i in the mid-1800s and people migrating to Honolulu, O‘ahu and Lāhaina, Maui to work for the whaling and trading economy.

The first 12 Hansen’s Disease patients that arrived at the settlement in January of 1866 moved into the empty properties that were purchased and owned by the Hawaiian government that had once been inhabited by the residents of the area. The Kalawao settlement (1866-1900) and later the Kalaupapa settlement (1900-present) became the home for thousands of Hansen's Disease victims who moved there from throughout the Hawaiian Islands. Many of these people were Hawaiian.

By 1900 the original inhabitants of the peninsula were gone. All that remains of the first residents are the numerous archeological sites throughout the peninsula and the items they left behind. To learn more about the archeology and the people at Kalaupapa see Archeology at Kalaupapa - Kalaupapa National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) and  People - Kalaupapa National Historical Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

Stone Pounders and Boards

Kalaupapa was once known for its abundant sweet potato crops (‘uala) that thrived in the dry plains (kula lands) of the peninsula. During the California Gold Rush in 1849, the local residents had a successful enterprise growing ‘uala, which continued until the establishment of the Hansen’s Disease Settlement. Taro (kalo) was another important crop cultivated in the valleys, especially in Waikolu, where there was a fresh water supply. Poi, a starchy dish made from taro and sweet potatoes, is an important staple in the Hawaiian culture. Taro is used for medicinal purposes and rituals, while sweet potatoes is used to produce alcohol.

After the Hansen's Disease Settlement was established, patients were expected to maintain the taro and ‘uala fields for food. Many, however, were too ill, disabled, or inexperienced to work. An ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (proverb) states, “Kalaupapa ‘ai ‘inoʻino,” meaning "Kalaupapa of the bad food." Throughout the settlement's existence, food was scarce. Shipments of paʻi ‘ai (hard poi) and other goods were often delayed by bad weather, leading to rationing.

Fishing

Fishing has been an important resource for the Kalaupapa Peninsula since early times and continues to be today. Archeological evidence of fishing includes items such as fishhooks made of bone or iron, stone net weights, and cowrie shell lures. The fishing areas that surround the peninsula house native fish such as manini (Acanthurus triostegus), nenue (Kyphosus bigibbus), āholehole (Kuhlia xenura) and other reef fish. An oral history interview with resident-patient Richard Marks reveals that an ancient fishing pond may have existed inland of ʻĪliopiʻi Bay prior to 1866. The fishpond was connected to the ocean by a channel traditionally known as an ‘auwai kai, however, this outlet was said to be destroyed by natural disasters and was reconstructed during the 1900s. The reconstructed pond was built to help sustain the growing population of the Kalaupapa settlement. However, the pond was not productive and was abandoned by 1928.

Ko‘a (fishing shrines) can be found throughout the peninsula and are used by fishermen as offerings for their safety. Fishing has been a cherished pastime for peninsula residents. Many residents have shared stories about fishing, collecting ‘opihi (Cellana exarata), seaweed and lobsters.

Adze and Sling Stones

Before European contact, there was evidence of iron, but because of its rarity it was sacred. Adze (stone ax) were made from the volcanic basalt of the Hawaiian Islands. The stone used in making the adze found at Kalaupapa possibly came from the basalt quarries located on the topside of the Moloka‘i peninsula. People would have traveled up the pali to get to the quarries located on the west side of Molokaʻi. Wood was also harvested from higher elevation hardwood forests due to the peninsula being desolate of trees prior to the 1900s. Hardwood trees were important to make tools, houses, and canoes on the peninsula.

Pāʻani Kahiko (Ancient Sports and Games)

Life on the Kalaupapa peninsula was not all work. People enjoyed recreation activities such as he‘e nalu (surfing) and hōlua (sledding). In the archeological records there is evidence of traditional Hawaiian games such as kōnane (Hawaiian checkers) and ʻulu maika (Hawaiian bowling). Photographed is a piece of a kōnane board that was found during an archeological excavation.