Image: Wikipedia
Kaho‘olawe, an island once used as a training ground by the U.S. Navy during World War II, has since become an epitome of cultural revival and ecological restoration. With strict regulations in place to protect its environment and heritage, Kaho‘olawe is not open for casual tourism but offers educational and volunteer opportunities that allow participants to engage in reforestation projects and learn about Native Hawaiian culture and history. Efforts to remove unexploded ordnance and restore the landscape continue, making every visit supporting eco-friendly activities and Hawaiian cultural preservation.
When planning to visit Kaho‘olawe, engage in sponsored volunteer programs that provide legal access while contributing to the island’s restoration efforts.
Respect the historic and cultural significance of Kaho‘olawe by adhering strictly to all guidelines provided by the program organizers, ensuring a safe and enriching experience.
How to best experience Kaho‘olawe?
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Kaho‘olawe: The Forbidden Isle
| Country | Hawaii (USA) |
| Time in Kaho‘olawe | GMT-10 |
| Language spoken | English |
| Population | 0 (source: Hawaii State Government) |
| Currency | United States Dollar (USD, $) |
| Airports | None on Kaho‘olawe; nearest is Kahului Airport (MAUI) (35 mi / 56 km). |
Kaho‘olawe, an uninhabited island in Hawaii (USA), carries a profound legacy of cultural and historical significance. Initially used for millennia by Native Hawaiians for spiritual and subsistence purposes, the island later saw drastically different uses. Following the Western contact, it was subjected to decades of military use which ceased only in the 1990s. Kaho‘olawe was used as a training ground and bombing range during and after World War II. Efforts to restore the island commenced after its return to the State of Hawaii, focusing on removing unexploded ordnance and reintroducing native vegetation as part of land and water conservation efforts.
Today, Kaho‘olawe is a reserved place, held in trust for the people of Hawaii, primarily for Native Hawaiian cultural, spiritual, and subsistence purposes. Access to the island is highly restricted, available only for cultural and environmental rehabilitation projects. This approach aims to heal the land and reconnect the Native Hawaiian community to their lost heritage there. Kaho‘olawe serves as a symbol of resilience and recovery, reflecting a broader movement among Native Hawaiians to restore and maintain their cultural identity and connections to their ancestral lands.
Where is Kaho‘olawe?
Kaho‘olawe is located in the central Pacific as part of the Hawaiian archipelago, directly south of Maui.
Distances:
| Route | Distance by boat | Time by boat |
|---|---|---|
| Makena, Maui to Kaho‘olawe | 15 mi / 24 km | Approx. 1 hour |
| Lahaina, Maui to Kaho‘olawe | 29 mi / 47 km | Approx. 1.5-2 hours |
What is Kaho‘olawe famous for?
Kaho‘olawe is most famous for its historical significance in military testing and cultural recovery efforts spearheaded by the Native Hawaiian community. It’s a symbol of the struggles and resilience of Hawaii’s native culture amidst modern challenges.
History
Ancient Times to 1800: The Native Hawaiian Era
The history of Kaho‘olawe, one of the lesser-known islands of Hawaii, is steeped in the rich cultural heritage of the Native Hawaiian people. Originally settled by Polynesian navigators, Kaho‘olawe served as a navigational center for canoe voyages across the Pacific Ocean. The island was considered sacred, dedicated to the god Kanaloa, a deity associated with the ocean and long-distance voyaging. It functioned as a spiritual and training ground for kahuna (priests) and navigators. The arid landscape was sparsely populated, but deeply revered, with numerous religious sites and fishing shrines spread across the island.
1801-1941: The Overgrazing and Military Use
The 19th century brought significant changes to Kaho‘olawe. With the arrival of Westerners, the island underwent drastic ecological changes. Overgrazing by goats and cattle introduced by European settlers led to widespread deforestation and soil erosion, significantly altering its landscape. In the early 20th century, Kaho‘olawe was transitioned into a penal colony, further impacting its environment and indigenous practices. During World War II, the U.S. Navy took control of the island, using it as a training ground and bombing range. This period marked a profound disconnection of Native Hawaiians from their spiritual and cultural practices on the island.
1941-1990: The Bombing Range
The military use of Kaho‘olawe continued throughout World War II and the subsequent decades, causing extensive environmental degradation. The island was littered with unexploded ordnance, making it hazardous and uninhabitable. The constant bombing dramatically altered the island’s topography and destroyed significant cultural sites. Despite the severance, the spirit and resilience of the Native Hawaiian community persisted as they began to protest against the military use of Kaho‘olawe, leading to growing activism and calls for the cessation of bombing practices.
1990-Present: Restoration and Healing
The protests and advocacy efforts of the Native Hawaiian community finally bore fruit in 1990, when the U.S. government ended military exercises on Kaho‘olawe and transferred its control back to the State of Hawaii. Since then, there has been a concerted effort to restore the island, led by the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission. Restoration projects focus on removing unexploded ordnance, reforestation, and reintroducing native plant species. The island has been declared a reserve, emphasizing cultural reconnection and environmental rehabilitation, symbolizing a powerful journey of resilience, healing, and restoration for the Native Hawaiian people.
Visit Kaho‘olawe
What to see and do in Kaho‘olawe, Hawaii (USA)
Visiting Kaho‘olawe is a unique opportunity for those interested in history, culture, and environmental restoration. Key activities include:
- Guided tours focusing on the ecological restoration efforts and the historical significance of the island.
- Participation in reforestation projects and other environmental initiatives.
- Exploration of ancient sacred sites, providing insights into Native Hawaiian spiritual practices.
- Observation of native wildlife and plant species being reintroduced into the island’s ecosystem.
Festivals and Events in Kaho‘olawe
While direct access to Kaho‘olawe is restricted, related cultural festivals and events often take place on neighboring islands, particularly Maui. These events usually celebrate Native Hawaiian culture and history, especially during important dates such as Lei Day, Aloha Festivals, and King Kamehameha Day. Such events provide a deeper understanding of Kaho‘olawe’s cultural and historical significance within the larger context of Hawaiian heritage.
Best time to visit Kaho‘olawe
The best time to visit Kaho‘olawe is typically aligned with the scheduled restoration activities and authorized visits, often coordinated by the Kaho‘olawe Island Reserve Commission. As weather conditions can vary, periods outside the heavy rainy season, generally from April to October, are optimal for participation in outdoor activities and events with lower chances of inclement weather interruptions.
Is Kaho‘olawe worth visiting?
Kaho‘olawe offers a profoundly unique experience unlike any other in Hawaii. While it does not provide the typical tourist amenities and its access is heavily regulated, its appeal lies in its deep historical and cultural significance, combined with the ongoing efforts of ecological restoration. For those passionate about history, culture, and environmental conservation, Kaho‘olawe represents a poignant journey into the resilience and restoration of a sacred land. However, visitors must prepare for a visit that is more educational and participative than leisurely, with a focus on learning and contributing to the island’s healing processes.