Kailua’s Rock: December, 2013
DECEMBER 10, 2013 • 7:00 – 9:00 pm
LANIKAI ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The program is open to the public.
Among the many boulders of Kailua’s ahupua?a, the best known and most celebrated is “Lanikai Rock.” Visible to the earliest Hawaiian seafarers, this promontory–called Ala¯la, stood like a motionless sentinel, inviting travelers of every kind to recognize its sacred prominence, for its name meant “Awakening”. From this vantage point one could (and still can) see in one panoramic sweep the outline of the entire ahupua?a, all the way to the base of Konahuanui, descending down to the waters of Mo¯kapu.
Beyond Ala¯la the beach community Ka?o¯hao has experienced tremendous change from historical times to its renaming as Lanikai in the 1920s. Lanikai and Kailua remain in flux, blessed with resources and options attractive to old-timers and newcomers alike. Lanikai residents have experienced the joys of living in an isolated community, however now they are faced with challenges of being internationally known as a tourist destination.
“Awakenings” of many kinds have been taking place to this day about vocations, residences and life styles. Commercialism has become, some might say, the preeminent goal. Each day busloads of tourists arrive in Kailua, not only to make their purchases but also to experience what makes our environment attractive. For long-time residents challenges of very practical, contemporary kinds are increasingly being demanded, including jockeying for space on the roads, commodities on the shelves, and values consistent with the past.
This program, sponsored by the Kailua Historical Society, will feature a panel of three long-time residents of Lanikai (Ka?o¯hao). Their families’ experiences will help to provide insight into how they have coped, adjusted, and found continuing fulfillment throughout the passage of time.
