|
Ending with the deep valleyed ahupua`a of Waikane, all basis for comparison between the remainder of the district of Ko`olaupoko and our type valleys [Waikane, Hakipu`u, Kualoa, and Ka`a`awa, Kahana, Punalu`u, and Kaluanui] of Ko`olauloa also ends. The five successive ahupua`a between this point and Kane`ohe, situated at the southern, almost landlocked, end of Kane`ohe Bay, although showing some divergent characteristics, form for the most part a continuous broad coastal plain. This plain, with arable upland slopes (kula) below the sheer mountain wall and rough lower wao (forest area), is broken by transverse ridges running seaward, and also by several streams. The chief common characteristic of this entire terrain, in contrast to the Ko`olauloa area that stretches from Ka`a`awa to Punalu`u, is in the breadth of plain from coast to mountains (with considerable swampy land toward the sea) instead of deep mountain-sheltered valley land; and in the sheltered mud-flat shore line of the long bay, instead of the greater proximity of open ocean.
There were formerly lo`i throughout the seaward lowlands of Waiahole. Some were in swampy lands, but most of them were irrigated by the stream from which the ahupua`a takes its name. Groups of lo`i adjoining Waikane were planted up into recent times [1940]. The land south of the stream, mauka of the highway, has reverted to swamp. Some kuleana a short way up the main stream, beyond its junction with Waianu, were still cultivated by Hawaiians living in the lower valley in 1935; and small terraces once went well up into what is now forest reserve. There was also a sizable lo`i section about half a mile up Waianu stream, with evidence of its having extended at least a mile further inland along both the north and south branches of Waianu. |