He Wahi Mo’olelo No Lana`i
(A Historical Overview of Lana`i)

The island of Lana`i (see figure on next page) is approximately 13 3/4 miles long and 13 miles wide, with a land area of 140 square miles (being a little over 90,000 acres). It is sixth in size of the major Hawaiian Islands, with its highest point, Lanaihale, being 3,379 feet above sea level. The name of the island may be literally translated as La (Day) [of] Na`i (Conquest), being associated with the day, that the chief Kaulula`au, vanquished the evil ghosts from the island. While an early missionary dictionary gives the islands’ name as meaning “Hump,” this latter translation does not fit in with traditional knowledge of the meaning or pronunciation of the name (cf. Pukui et al. 1974).

“I puni ia `oe o Lana`i a i `ike `ole ia Lana`i-Ka`ula me Lana`i-Hale, `a`ohe no `oe i `ike ia Lana`i.”

(“If you have gone around Lana`i and have not seen Lana`i Ka`ula and Lana`i Hale, you have not seen all of Lana`i.”) `Olelo No`eau, No. 1258. Puku`i, 1983.

As was the case throughout the Hawaiian Islands, traditional people of the Hawaiian Islands commemorated their aloha and attachment to place, through mele (chants or songs). One chiefly mele for Lana`i offers the refrain—

Hawaiians have lived on the island of Lana`i for close to 800 years. Their culture, beliefs, and practices mirrored the natural environment around them. They learned to live within the wealth and limitations of their surroundings. Indeed, archaeological evidence indicates that more than 6,000 people lived—sustainably, growing and catching all they needed from the island—on Lana`i in the period before western contact. Several important traditions pertaining to the settlement of Lana`i, and the beliefs and practices of the ancient residents, are commemorated at such places as Kaulula`au, Kalaehi, Ke-ahi-a-Kawelo, Halulu, Pu`upehe, Pohaku O, Kanepu`u, Ka`ena iki, Nanahoa, Ha`alelepa`akai and Puhi-o-Ka`ala.

When pronouncing the name Lāna‘i, it is important to add emphasis (a lengthened sound on the first letter “a”), and emphasize a break between the last letters “a” and “i.” When pronounced “lanai” without any emphasis, the word means “stiff-backed” (cf. Pukui et al., 1970).

A look into the traditions and historical residency on Lana`i offers us—in the present-day—lessons for living in a sustainable manner on our unique island home, and also provides us with a sense of history—a pride in being a part of Lana`i. We also find that the traditions of Lana`i are rich and diverse. The first period of human history spans the period from circa 1000-1800 A.D., a time in which traditional lifeways focused on learning about the landscape, and developing sustainable relationships with the environment.

The Island of Lana`i depicting 13 Ahupua‘a (Native land divisions) which form the
major lands of the island, and historic trails and roads.
Hawaii Territorial Survey Division, 1929.

Ancient Hawaiian villages, ceremonial features, dryland agricultural fields, fish ponds, and a wide range of cultural sites dot the shoreline of Lana`i at places like Keone, Kaumalapa`u, Kaunolu, Mamaki, Kapalaoa, Kapiha`a, Hulopo`e, Manele, Kamaiki, Naha, Kahemano, Lopa, Kahalepalaoa, Kahe`a, Keomoku, Ka`a, Hauola, Maunalei (including a wet land taro field system in the valley), Kahokunui, Kaiolohia, Kaha`ulehale, Kahue, Lapaiki, Awalua, Polihua and Ka`ena.

In the uplands, localities at Ho`opulupuluamoa and Malulani (in Ka`a Ahupua`a), Ko`ele and Kihamaniania (in Kamoku Ahupua`a), Kalulu uka, Kaunolu uka, Kealia Kapu, Kealia Aupuni, and Palawai were also locations of significant traditional settlements and agricultural endeavors. We also know that over the generations, families with permanent residences in the Lahaina District of Maui frequented Lana`i taking advantage of its rich fisheries.

In the period leading up to 1800, there was a decline in the native population, and in the capacity of Lana`i to produce agricultural resources. This was, in part, due to disputes between the rulers of Maui and Hawai`i which overflowed onto Lana`i in the mid to late 1700s. In the late 1700s and early 1800s, foreign diseases and influences spread across the islands, leading to a further decline in the population. By the 1830s, there were approximately 600 inhabitants residing on Lana`i. By the 1870s, the population hovered around 300 residents, and by the 1890s, there were just 175 native residents.

Stories researched and prepared by Kepā  & Onaona Maly
Lana`i Culture & Heritage Center