Kamehameha V was the first Mōʻī who did not name a successor, which led to the Hawaiian Kingdom’s first election in 1873. William Charles Lunalilo and David Kalākaua were chosen as candidates, with Lunalilo ultimately winning. However, his reign was brief, as he passed just a year later. In 1874, a second election was held, and our Merrie Monarch, King Kalākaua, was elected to lead the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Voting was, and remains, as essential and important as every other initiative and movement to aloha ʻāina, to kākoʻo kānaka, and hoʻoulu lāhui. By engaging fully in the political process, we contribute to a brighter future for our islands and the generations to come. Be sure to VOTE! It`s our kuleana. 📮

PC: @kamehamehaschools

#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #election #voting #votehawaii #hawaiivotiinig #hawaiielection #alohaaina #kakookanaka #hooululahui #kingkalakaua

Liholiho was born in Hilo to High Chiefess Keōpūolani and Kamehameha I in 1797. Although the exact day of his birth is largely unknown, we know he was born in the month of November.

Ascending to the throne in 1819 after Kamehameha’s passing, Liholiho shared power with Kaʻahumanu, who served as Kuhina Nui. Just six months into his reign, he abolished the kapu system, the religious and political code of Hawaiʻi, by eating a meal with Kaʻahumanu and his mother Keopuolani, which was taboo.

Liholiho`s reign was also noted for his commitment to preserving the independence of the Hawaiian Kingdom. In 1823, he and his wife, Kamāmalu, sailed to England to meet with King George IV. Tragically, they contracted measles and passed away before they could meet Captain George. Today, we celebrate Liholiho’s legacy and the significant changes he brought to our history.

#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #liholiho #kamehameha #hauolilahanau #alii

Hauʻoli Lā Heleuī! 🎃 To close out this spooky season, we’re sharing one last chicken skin story.

The Green Lady of Wahiawā is said to be a mysterious figure with hair like flowing seaweed, webbed feet, and scales covering her skin. Kūpuna recall being told stories as children about a moʻowahine dwelling in the Wahiawā gulch and nearby areas that could be the same lady. She`s been seen on several occasions in the Wahiawā gulch.

One story says she lost her children in the area and has wandered ever since, searching endlessly for them. Another tells of a flood that swept her away as she tried to save her infant, only to have the child torn from her grasp.

To this day, her presence is said to linger, haunting the Wahiawā gulch, Botanical Gardens, and even the grounds of Wahiawā Elementary School.

#culture #community #hawaii #halloween #halloweenstories #halloweenhawaii #ghoststories #wahiawa

#DTLProjectHighlight ~ Kupōpolo Heiau is located in the ahupua‘a of Kawailoa within the moku of Waialua on Oʻahu. Kūpopolo Heiau is believed to have been constructed during the rule of Kahāhana, the late 18th-century ruler of O‘ahu, who was in conflict with Kekaulike of Kaua‘i.

To seek guidance on whether to invade Kaua‘i, Kahāhana asked his kahuna nui, Ka‘opulupulu, for insight. In response, Ka‘opulupulu instructed that a heiau be built to receive a sign. After completing Kūpopolo and making offerings there, Ka‘opulupulu received no vision. He then directed that a second heiau, Pu‘u O Mahuka, be built on a higher point overlooking Waimea Bay. From this elevated vantage, Ka‘opulupulu received a vision advising against an invasion of Kaua‘i.

In 2016, DTL assessed the land use options and limitations of this property to inform stewardship and educational initiatives. This evaluation focused on the cultural restoration potential of Kūpopolo Heiau and included the development of a landscape plan to enhance ongoing engagement at the site.

#dtl #dtlhawaii #strategy #planning #communityengagement #projectmanager #projectmanagement #hawaii #waialua #kupopoloheiau #heiau

We’re counting down to Heleuī with a few more of Hawaiʻi’s spookiest stories 👻

One of Oʻahu`s most well-known urban legends is Morgan`s Corner in the Nuʻuanu Pali area. The story tells of a young couple who parked under an old tree one night. When their car wouldn`t start, the boy left to find help, leaving his girlfriend alone. She fell asleep to scraping sounds on the roof, thinking it was branches. Police arrived in the morning and asked her to step away, but as she glanced back, she saw it was her boyfriend scraping the car.

Nuʻuanu Pali has a history of eerie happenings. Moʻolelo says that carrying pork over the Pali can anger Pele, breaking a truce with the pig god Kamapuaʻa. Many drivers claim their cars mysteriously stall until they throw the pork out. The Pali was also the site of a bloody battle between the armies of King Kamehameha I and Maui chief Kalanikupule. Many warriors fell off the cliff during the battle, and their ghosts are often seen at night today.

PC: Mysteries of Hawaiʻi

#culture #community #hawaii #halloween #halloweenstories #halloweenhawaii #ghoststory #pali #nuuanupali #nuuanupalilookout #morganscorner

October is Kalo Appreciation Month, celebrating the relationship between kānaka and ʻāina 🌱

Once the staple food for our kūpuna, kalo faced a decline with the arrival of Westerners, leading to the loss of traditional farming practices. Today, 80-90% of Hawaiʻi`s food is imported, but a growing movement for food sovereignty is taking root.

Native Hawaiian youth are at the forefront, working to restore the land, support local farmers, and ensure that kalo and other native crops thrive once again. The new generation embodies hope for revitalizing traditional practices and we encourage these keiki to keep the conversation going.

Take part by learning more about kalo and incorporating it into your diet. You can also volunteer your time in a loʻi kalo with organizations like @kakoooiwi, @hookuaaina, @nohoanafarm, and @kanewai_hawaii.

PC: @nohoanafarm

#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #loi #loikalo #kalo #taro #kaloappreciationmonth

As Halloween approaches, we`re excited to share some of Hawaiʻi`s chicken skin stories and urban legends.

Since the 1930s, there have been countless reports of sightings of Pele, the goddess of fire. She is often described as either a young woman with black or blonde hair or an elderly woman, sometimes accompanied by a dog.

One well-known legend tells of Pele appearing on an isolated road, either standing or walking. When offered a ride by passing drivers, she accepts. However, it is said that those who ignore her may face misfortune, with their homes destroyed or their cars stalled. On Hawaiʻi Island, many people advise to never turn away an elderly woman because she might be Madame Pele.

#culture #community #hawaii #halloween #halloweenstories #halloweenhawaii #ghoststory #saddleroad #pele #pelehawaii #pelehawaiiangoddess

I ka wā ma mua, ka wā ma hope.
The future is found in the past.

Today is International Archaeology Day, which invites us to reflect on the significance of cultural preservation and the stewardship of sacred sites. By looking back at our history, we build a foundation that informs our present actions and future direction.

Archaeologists play a key role in this process, ensuring that what we learn today becomes part of the legacy we leave for tomorrow. Our sister company, ʻĀina Archaeology, is among the many groups dedicated to safeguarding the stories, artifacts, and landscapes that define Hawaiʻi`s history. Through their commitment to mālama ʻāina, they help ensure that future generations remain deeply connected to these sacred spaces.

Follow @ainaarchaeology to learn more about archaeology in Hawaiʻi!

#dtl #dtlhawaii #hawaiianculture #community #hawaii #internationalarchaeologyday #hawaiianarchaeology #archaeologyday

“Today, I, a poor, weak girl, with not one of my people near me and all of these ‘Hawaiian’ statesmen against me, have the strength to stand up for the rights of my people.

Even now I can hear their wail in my heart, and it gives me strength and I am strong. Strong in the faith of God, strong in the knowledge that I am right, strong in the strength of seventy million people who in this free land will hear my cry and will refuse to let their flag cover dishonor to mine!”

Princess Kaʻiulani, born on October 16, 1875, exemplified the grace and leadership of a true aliʻi. When the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, she was studying in England but traveled to the U.S. to rally support for the kingdom`s restoration. Though her efforts did not succeed, Kaʻiulani dedicated the rest of her life to advocating for the rights of her people under the US government.

#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #princesskaiulani #kaiulani #hauolilahanau #alii

On Indigenous Peoples` Day, we pause to recognize and honor the Indigenous cultures around the world. Here in Hawaiʻi, we celebrate our own culture, the ʻike of our kūpuna, and the practices that connect us to this ʻāina and each other.

At DTL, we recognize our collective responsibility to protect and perpetuate Hawaiʻi for future generations. We strive to uplift the voices and stories of Native Hawaiian and Indigenous communities. Through our work, we remain committed to ensuring that Indigenous knowledge continues to thrive in every aspect of life.

#dtl #dtlhawaii #culture #community #hawaii #indigenouspeople #indigenouspeoplesday #nativehawaiian #nativehawaiianpeople