Kūkulu Hou Loko Ea
Rebuilding Loko ea
Ke māpu nei ke ʻala o ka leo e
Ke kū nei i ke kula loa o Kawailoa
He mai, Hele mai
E komo i ka ʻolu o Loko ea
He mai, Hele mai
I puia nei hale i ke ʻala e
The sweet voice pours forth like a sweet fragrance on a breeze
Here you stand in the vast plains of Kawailoa
Welcome, come in
Enter into the comfort of Loko ea
Welcome, come in
so that this house is permeated in the fragance
Hoʻolālā
A Plan for the Restoration of Loko ea
We are pleased to share findings and reports about this sacred place with the community.
prepared by Chris Monohan for TCP Hawaii, LLC
created by Kamehameha Schools, including the KS Mission and Strategic Plan
prepared by Keala Pono Archaeological Consulting, LLC for Group 70 International
KULĀIWI NANI HABITAT RESTORATION
Kulāiwi Nani means beautiful homeland.
Even as recently as 2008, you would likely not recognize Loko Ea as you currently know it. This fishpond has undergone much transformation over the years.
We know in ancient days, that Loko Ea was one of two fishponds located in the Kawailoa ʻahupuaʻa that provided fish for reigning aliʻi or chiefs.
From 1900’s – 1980’s it served as an income source to a succession of families who leased the property, each adding to the rich history of Loko Ea.
From 2008, with support from Kamehameha Schools, we were inspired to restore it to a state of health and balance.
MLEF is dedicated to restoring a healthy flourishing ecosystem to Loko Ea through our ongoing habitat restoration, known as, Kulāiwi Nani. Removal of invasive grass species throughout the pond has been ongoing since 2008, reopening waterways, allowing the native vegetation to thrive, in turn, restoring a balanced ecosystem to the area. Our program initiative plays a vital role not only to Loko Ea itself, but also to the greater Waialua bay where marine life rely heavily on the natural food source provided by the nutrient rich water of Loko Ea.
Today, we continue this stewardship with the support of many organizations and the help of countless volunteers who have made Loko Ea what it is today, doing our part in maintaining a Kulāiwi nani.
