Ua Mau Ke Ea O Ka ʻĀina I Ka Pono. The life of the land is perpetuated in righteous.
Kū'īlioloa
A Sacred Place of Many Realms and Guidance
Kū'īlioloa is a kapua, a demigod who could assume the form of a man or dog. The name Kū'īlioloa translates to the long dog of Kū, it also incorporates the four primary gods Kū, the god of war. Kāne, the name point Kāne'īlio, and Lono's realm through the clouds and heavens for one of its significant functions of the heiau, navigation. Kū'īlioloa is also the only heiau in Hawai'i bordered on three sides of the ocean, which is Kanaloa's domain.
The Last Konohiki of Wai'anae
Hanale
A native son of Hawai'i. Artist Hanale Kila Hopfe is a native son of Hawai‘i (Kānaka Maoli), born and raised in Wai‘anae, O‘ahu. Hopfe wore many hats along the Wai‘anae Coast. A lineal descendant of the area, he sat on many community councils and governing boards.
He has been a tireless advocate for improving conditions along the Wai‘anae Coast for Hawaiians and the environment. He is a self-taught multimedia artist specializing in stone works/carving, and restoration. His works of art are deeply rooted in his Hawaiian culture and reflect his deep commitment to and love of his heritage. He brings his culture into a creative mindset, carving legends and genealogy into his work.
Nā Ho'okele
Back in 2021 Kingdom Pathways director, Carmen Guzman-Simpliciano invited Mayor Blangiardi to our Wai'anae moku for a site visit so funding could be released for the repaving of Pōka'ī Bay and Kea'au Beach park, facility upgrades and repairs for Mākaha as well.
Anakala Hanale offered the "Nā Ho'okele" sculpture as a ho'okupu (gift) to Mayor Blangiardi and his Cultural Arts Program for the city to rectify the lack of signage at Kū'īlioloa Heiau` at Pōka'ī Bay, Wai'anae. For years he and the community members have witnessed the desecration done to this sacred area. We hope the mana from this sculpture and mo'olelo on the plaque will make people respect this place more.
The "Nā Ho'okele" sculpture displayed in this photo taken in 2017, where he is working on a large sculpture of a kanaka in a malo, a Hawaiian navigator, to be installed at Heiau Kū’īlioloa in Wai'anae.
Malaea
Pōka'ī Bay was originally named Malaea meaning calm or serene. Malaea shelters the sandy beach of Nene'u and the site of the temple called Kū'īlioloa Heiau at Kāne'īlio Point, dedicated to a dog kapua (spirit). Rites performed at the Heiau protected those traveling by land and sea.
At the bay's north end is Kaupuni Stream, the spawning ground of ana (mullet) which gave Wai'anae ( mullet waters) its name. The village Pōka'ī, famous for its coconut grove, once lay near the stream.
Together, these elements heiau, shoreline, stream, and village form a landscape rich in cultural meaning, where ʻike kupuna guided the relationship between people, land, and ocean.
We ask all who enter this space to do so with respect and intention, recognizing our shared kuleana to mālama this wahi pana.
Nanaue
(The Shark God) 1982.
His work is displayed in public and private collections in Japan, France, Germany, Switzerland, Holland, Canada, Tahiti, and the United States, including in the offices of the Prime Minister of Maori Affairs.
Poli'ahu
(Goddess of Snow) 1984.
The Honolulu Mayor, most of the ali‘i trusts, Hawai‘i State Foundation of Culture and the Arts, the Hawai‘i Maritime Center, Ihilani Hotel, Hilton Waikikian, Aulani Resort Laniwai (O‘ahu), Marriott Hotel (Maui) and the Maunalani Hotel (Big Isle).
Did You Know
Pōkaʻī Bay Fishing Regulations
Understanding Use and Kuleana in This Area
Area
This designated area includes Pōkaʻī Bay, Pōkaʻī Boat Harbor, and the Waiʻanae Small Boat Harbor. The boundaries extend from Kāneʻīlio Point to Lahiʻlahi Point, including offshore waters. The northwest boundary runs southwest from a point just outside Waiʻanae High School.
Allowed Activities
Fishing and gathering are permitted within the following limits:
- Fishing for legal-size fish in season using one line or rod with a maximum of two hooks
- Crab fishing using up to 10 nets, each no larger than 2 feet in diameter
- Catching shrimp for bait using a hand net no larger than 3 feet in any dimension
- Licensed commercial fishers with a Bait License may catch nehu, iao, and other approved baitfish for bait purposes
- Licensed fishpond owners or operators may collect young mullet (pua) or other small fish for stocking
Prohibited Activities
- Taking or capturing aquatic life outside of the permitted methods listed above
- Any activity that does not comply with Hawaiʻi Revised Statutes (HRS) §188-35
Why This Matters
These regulations help protect marine resources, support sustainable practices, and ensure that Pōkaʻī Bay can continue to provide for future generations. Practicing responsible fishing and gathering is part of our shared kuleana to mālama ʻāina and kai.
Pōkaʻī Bay: History, Use, and Stewardship
1950
The Harbor Board recommends expanding small harbors across Hawaiʻi to support recreational and fishing vessels.
1951
The Hawaiʻi State Legislature allocates funding to develop a small boat harbor at Pōkaʻī Bay, shaping the coastline as it exists today.
Present Day Use
Pōkaʻī Bay becomes a place of cultural practice and community gathering. It is home to E Ala, a Polynesian voyaging canoe used for cultural education, navigation, and ʻike kupuna.
2017
House Resolution 122 calls for collaboration to improve water circulation within Pōkaʻī Bay, recognizing ongoing concerns with stagnation—remain unresolved.
2020
House Resolution 107 calls for testing beach sand contamination and improving public facilities to address environmental and public health risks-—remain unresolved.
Today
Kingdom Pathways carry's out community-driven solutions at Pōkaʻī Bay, including water quality monitoring, environmental health assessment, and exploring circulation improvements.
SEPTEMBER 10, 2021
'UA'U KANI PRESERVATION PROJECT AT KŪ'ĪLIOLOA HEIAU
We need to help protect this small amount of Wedge-tail Shearwater birds so that they can grow in numbers. We need them to be around for our Keiki’s and our Culture.
JULY 17, 2021
POKA'I BAY GRAFFITI CLEANUP
What we want people to understand is every bit of ‘Āina (land) we restore, repair and upkeep is for the sake of our keikis and future generations. Don’t sit back and wonder, step forward and conquer.
Aloha Kākou
Your kōkua helps restore ʻāina, protect wai, and uplift ea for our keiki and future generations. It supports the full scope of Kingdom Pathways work from native restoration and shade tree planting, to water quality monitoring and environmental health, to youth leadership, cultural education, and community advocacy.
Every dollar goes directly into community-driven solutions rooted in ʻike kupuna and guided by community voice.