Was Halawa always a bustling hub? Today, we find ourselves in Halawa. It is a census-designated place in Honolulu County. Let’s uncover the layers of history and culture that define this unique spot.
Halawa’s story is deeply intertwined with the native Hawaiian heritage. The entire ahupuaʻa of Halawa is highly sacred to Kanaka Maoli. They are the native people of Hawaii. According to their beliefs, the ocean side at Puʻuloa, or Pearl Harbor, is home to the shark goddess Kaʻahupahau. She is known as the Queen of Sharks. She protected Oʻahu and enforced fair behavior between sharks and humans.
The upland part of Halawa is sacred to Papahānaumoku. She is the Kanaka Maoli form of Mother Earth. Legend says it’s her birthplace. It is also one of the few remaining Hale o Papa, women’s temples where Papa is worshipped. The valley has many religious and cultural sites. Some sites were destroyed. This happened during the invasion of Kahekili II and the building of the H-3 Freeway. Still, many sites remain. Kanaka Maoli Aloha ʻAina practitioners care for them today.
The construction of the H-3 Freeway sparked much controversy. It is the most expensive freeway per mile ever built. It damaged the area’s main aquifer and impacted religious sites. In 1993, thirteen cultural practitioners were arrested. They were praying for the valley’s healing. Their religious altar was destroyed. The caretakers were barred from entering the sites. Today, some elders have returned to care for the sites despite the freeway’s noise and soot. Many Kanaka Maoli avoid the freeway. They believe it is haunted.
Neighborhoods in Halawa are disjointed. This is partly because of the highway exchanges. These exchanges occupy much of lower Halawa Valley. This is between Red Hill and Aloha Stadium. The valley along Interstate H-3 is filled with commercial and light industrial properties. Residential neighborhoods are near Pearl Harbor. These include Foster Village and the stadium area. Halawa Heights is on the west side. It merges with ʻAiea.
As of the 2020 census, Halawa had a population of 15,016. The area covers about 2.3 square miles. This includes only land. The H-3 freeway runs through the valley. Parts of it are on the Windward Viaducts. This design was chosen to avoid flooding. It also aimed to preserve cultural sites.
Aloha Stadium is located in Halawa. It hosts the University of Hawaii Warriors football team. It also hosts many other events. Halawa is also home to the Halawa Correctional Facility. Several schools operate here. They include Aiea Elementary School and Aiea Intermediate School.
Halawa stands as a place of contrasts. It blends ancient traditions with modern developments. Its rich cultural history and resilience make it a unique place. We remember its stories and sacred sites. They endure despite the changes around them.