About Kaimuhonu
Kaimuhonu can translate to “the turtle oven.”
While this wahi pana (storied place) may have literally been used as an oven, Kanaka ʻŌiwi are also known for their mastery of figurative language. This puʻu is sometimes spelled Kaumuhonu.
Kaimuhonu is composed of the words ka-imu-honu, meaning “the turtle oven”. In some records, this mauna is referred to as Kaumuhonu, which has the same meaning. The reasons behind why this peak was named as such is currently unknown; however, there are stories of some Kānaka ʻŌiwi eating turtles as part of their diet. This was not collectively practiced, however, especially if the turtle was considered a family’s ʻaumakua.
There are likely other interpretation behind the meaning of this place’s name, considering how Kanaka ʻŌiwi are known for their mastery of metaphors and figurative language. In this case, there may be a hidden or layered meaning in the name, Kaimuhonu.
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