Dive into the heart of Pearl Harbor. You will find Merry Loch, a place with a name that sparks curiosity. But why “loch” in Hawaiʻi?
To understand Merry Loch, we must travel back in time. We go back to the early 19th century. Hawaiʻi was encountering a rapidly changing world. King Kamehameha II, or Liholiho, sailed to England in 1823. He wanted to meet King George IV and secure Hawaiʻi’s independence.
Sadly, tragedy struck. Liholiho and his queen, Kamāmalu, contracted measles. They had no immunity and died in London. Their bodies returned to Hawaiʻi in 1824. They were aboard the HMS Blonde. Lord Byron commanded the ship.
The British government used this voyage to gather information about the islands. They included scientists and surveyors like Lieut. Charles Malden. Malden meticulously charted Pearl Harbor. This included its entrance channels and three main lochs.
James Macrae was also aboard the Blonde. He noted that Pearl River was not really a river. It was inlets from the sea. These branched off in different directions. The surveyors named the three chief branches East Loch, Middle Loch, and West Loch.
The term “loch” comes from Scotland or Ireland. It refers to a lake or bay nearly landlocked. So, Pearl Harbor became known for its lochs. Besides East, Middle, and West Lochs, other areas emerged. Southeast Loch, West Loch Branch, Magazine Loch, and Quarry Loch appeared. And, of course, Merry Loch.
Pearl Harbor itself was once called Ke-awa-lau-o-Puʻuloa. That means “the many harbors of Puʻuloa.” Puʻuloa was a rounded area at the harbor’s entrance. Another name was Awawa-lei. That means “garland of harbors”.
The name “Pearl” came from the prevalence of pearl oysters in the harbor. Hawaiians called them “pipi”. The lochs and bays were ideal for fishponds. Deep-sea fish swam in with the tides.
So, Merry Loch stands as a reminder of this rich history. It represents the blending of cultures and languages. It links the Scottish “loch” with the Hawaiian “awa”. The detailed British survey from 1841 cemented these names. Next time you hear “Merry Loch,” remember this story. It is about exploration, cultural exchange, and the enduring legacy of Pearl Harbor.