At the top of Kapolei Regional Park, in the eastern corner, is an often overlooked and unknown treasure. Here amongst the plains of grass and swaying palm trees is a place deeply rooted in Hawaii’s history and culture. This special place is Pu‘uokapolei. Pu‘uokapolei is often acknowledged as the most sacred place in the entire ahupua‘a of Honouliuli. We know this from stories of our kūpuna that ha
ve been passed down, and also from a 1930 Bishop Museum report in which archaeologist Gilbert McAllister acknowledged Kapolei as the piko or epicenter of the Honouliuli ahupua‘a. Pu‘uokapolei was at one time a place of governance where Kamaunuaniho served as konohiki, remnants of her home still exist at the pu‘u today. Pu‘uokapolei was a place of solar observation and where the changing of the seasons was honored and celebrated. It is still celebrated today at the pu'u. It was here where very sacred and special things occurred.
