LOCATED IN THE ‘ILI OF

KAUWALAʻA

Ka Home Mua o ka Ua Kuahine, The First Home of the Kuahine Rain

There is much debate over the spelling and meaning of this ‘ili, as Kānaka ʻŌiwi are masters of wordplay and most of the language is contained within oral traditions. Another possible spelling is Kaualaʻa, meaning “sacred rain.” While the name Kauwalaʻa is thought to be named after a family who cared for this ʻāina, the other spelling of Kaualaʻa is referencing this ʻili as the home to Kuahine before she turned to mist while grieving her husband.

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In her human form, Kuahine lived here with her mortal husband until his death. The overwhelming grief from his passing turned her to mist, becoming one of the main caretakers in Mānoa valley. Ua Kuahine is a native misty rain to the valley, with Kahaukani as her companion. They are the parents of Kahalaopuna, the rainbow aliʻi of Mānoa.

ORIENTING TO THE LARGER ENVIRONMENT, PAIRED WITH

LĒʻAHI

There are many famous moʻolelo about the origin and naming of Lēʻahi, also known as Diamond Head. In the Epic Tale of Hiʻiakaikapoliopele, as told by Hoʻoulumāhiehie and translated by Puakea Nogelmeier, Hiʻiaka details how the mauna (mountain) resembles the lae (forehead, brow) of the ʻahi (tuna fish). Another possible meaning might refer to Kānaka ʻŌiwi lighting fires on the crest, hence lei (wreath) of ahi (fire).

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Another of the many (re)tellings shares how Pele and her people were looking for a home upon her arrival from Kahiki. They first arrived at Kaʻula, moving to Niʻihau, Kauaʻi, and the other Hawaiʻi islands. While on Oʻahu, she attempted to burrow at Lēʻahi but soon hit salt water and departed for a new home. Eventually, she settled at Kīlauea with her family, including the Hiʻiaka sisters.

IDENTIFYING KEY VEGETATION & RELATING TO PLACE

KĪ

The botanical design specific to this sign is the kī plant. Kī, or locally called “tī leaf,” are commonly found across the valley and the Hawaiʻi islands at large. While known for its many uses, it is widely known to be used in maile-style lei and as a layer of protection around the luʻau leaves of lau lau.

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In tradition, kī was used to protect and purify people and places. For example, kahuna would use the leaves in ceremony to ward off evil spirits. While kāhili (ceremonial standard) were typically composed of feathers, other forms involved the stalk and leaves of kī. Kāhili signified the presence of the aliʻi, radiating a sense of dignity, regality, and leadership. Lāʻī, a single kī leaf, also becomes a wordplay on laʻi, the word for calm, quiet, peace, and tranquility.

These variety of meanings informed the choice and design of kī for this project, which speaks both to kī’s associations with protection and leadership as well as peace.

Additional Information

Learn more about the building signage project

Learn more about the UH Wayfinding project