In episode five of the television series “Chief of War,” historical figures Kamehameha I and Ka‘iana (portrayed by actors Kaina Makua and Jason Momoa, respectively) competed in a harrowing, rapid-paced race atop narrow wooden sleds that torpedoed down a steep, crunchy gravel course, ending in a plunge into the ocean.

“Pupule wale nō ‘oe (You are crazy),” Kamehameha said to Ka‘iana following the competition that not only solidified their alliance and commitment to their future but also saw the loss of two fellow racers in tragic crashes.   

During two tours of Kāneaka Hōlua in October, Kamehameha Schools Natural and Cultural Stewardship Manager Māhealani Pai shared with Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs Convention attendees that even though the historically-significant site — where similar, real-life sled races occurred in ancient times — was designed for speed, the ride for sledders took on a deeper meaning as it teetered between the physical and spiritual realms for them. 

“When you’re on Kāneaka, you have a sense that you’re very committed. You are here because you’ve determined that you are ready to take on this feat that is not only a sport but a commitment that no matter whatever happens, at the end of the course is your fate — either ola (life) or moe loa (eternal sleep),” Pai said.  

Kāneaka Hōlua is the largest known slide in Hawaiʻi. Located on Kamehameha Schools’ land in Keauhou, Kona ‘Ākau on the island of Hawai‘i, the prominent structure built atop the bluff of Pu‘u o Ka‘omilā‘ō, descends at the boundary between the two ahupua‘a of Keauhou 1 and 2. The pinnacle of the slide is a little over 1,000 yards from the shoreline at He‘eia Bay, which is the inspiration for a mele that commemorates King Kalākaua’s visit there to surf. Often, this mele is mistakenly thought to describe He‘eia on O‘ahu. 

Surfers at a break offshore of He‘eia Bay would race against sledders coming down from ma uka on Kāneaka Hōlua.

“Whoever reaches the He‘eia Bay shoreline first is the victor,” Pai said, with the winners being recruited to join other warriors in the battlefield.  
It is believed that Kamehameha I built Kāneaka Hōlua to honor the birth of Kauikeaouli, his son with his highest-ranking wife, Keōpūolani, who traveled to Keauhou Bay to give birth. Kauikeaouli, who became Kamehameha III, was stillborn at birth but was revived by the prophet Kapihe with prayers, heat and the waters at Keauhou Bay.  

“Kāneaka” or the sun’s shadow is seen as the reflection or spiritual essence of the energy deity Kāne. Local kūpuna have witnessed the path of the setting sun aligning with the hōlua course. 

“Hōlua riders appear as if they are riding along the malo of Kāne,” said Pai, who has worked tirelessly over the years on the slide.  
“Following in the footsteps of (renowned surveyor) Henry E P Kekahuna, we completed a plane table map of the slide to document its current condition, a requirement of the state, as part of an approved preservation plan,” Pai said. “We maintain the slide by periodic vegetation clearing.”

There are at least 36 kahua hōlua across Hawai‘i, Maui, O‘ahu, Kaua‘i and Moloka‘i. Though the design of each course was unique, all courses were constructed upon a natural slope that was modified to enhance the ride. 

Puʻu o Ka‘omilā‘ō, where the slide begins, translates to “the hill with compressed sugar cane leaves.”  The name refers to the bundles of leaves that were used to line the course. The tops of sugarcane were among the materials used as a slippery foundation for the sled to slide on. Lau kī, lau hala, pili grass or volcanic ash were also placed upon the surface of the kahua, while the runners of the sled were oiled with kukui nut or another vegetable oil that would enable the hōlua to reach speeds of up to 40 miles per hour.  

Kamehameha Schools is engaged in work to preserve cultural sites both at Kāneaka Hōlua and He‘eia Bay.

“He‘eia Bay is one of the last undeveloped properties in the Keauhou-Kahalu‘u area and it has a beautiful complex of cultural sites and an anchialine pool which is an endangered ecosystem,” said Natalie Kurashima, Kamehameha Schools director of natural resources, pointing to the various stone platforms and structures at the bay. “Along with our restoration of the cultural sites, we have outplanted a diverse set of native plant species.” 

The tours of Kāneaka Hōlua and He‘eia Bay were a couple of the huaka‘i hosted by Kamehameha Schools on ‘Āina Pauahi with Kahalu‘u Ma Kai serving as the piko of the convention outings and activities outside of the Outrigger Kona Resort base camp, which also sits on ‘Āina Pauahi.

“As kānaka, we are connected to ‘āina,” said Kaimana Barcarse, Kamehameha Schools director of ʻāina sites and facilities and member of the Association of Hawaiian Civic Clubs Moku o Keawe Council. “We said, ‘We have our lāhui coming to this special ‘Āina Pauahi. Let’s create the various environments that can inspire and allow our native leaders to thrive.’"

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ʻāina pauahi, hawaiian history, kamehameha, hawaiʻi island

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