Ranching

Grazing of small herds of cattle, and eventually larger ranching operations, began to develop in Honouliuli by the 1840s. Initially, native tenants and a few foreign residents vied for access to the land. By the 1860s, few native residents could compete, and individuals like Isaac and Daniel Montgomery, John Meek, James Dowsett, and James Campbell came to control the majority of the land in Honouliuli.

In the narratives below, Kalakini, a resident of Kalihi, shares with readers of the newspaper Ka Lahui Hawaii a description of his trip to the uplands of Līhu‘e in Honouliuli Ahupua‘a.

The following public notice indicates that the named lands of Honouliuli are private and advises against trespassing on them. It implies that ranching activities are occurring in the area.

All persons are hereby cautioned against trespassing on the lands called Poupouwela, Kapa Aina Kalo, Pauhi, and Oneula, situated in the Ahupuaa of Honouliuli, Island of Oahu, and will take notice that if they trespass on either said lands, by running cattle, horses or other stock thereon or in any otherwise, that they will be prosecuted to the extent of the law.

The article below is from the newspaper Kuokoa, which tells of a girl who tragically fell off a cliff at Honouliuli. It mentions the planting of gourds and ranching activities at Honouliuli. The original Hawaiian text is followed by a translation.

The following notice declares that places in Honouliuli named below are private and only livestock belonging to designated individuals are allowed to enter.

Olelo Hoolaha

Below is a notice published in Ka Hae Hawaii stating that horses have trespassed on land owned by the konohiki of Honouliuli. Below the original Hawaiian text is a translation into English.

George Bowser, compiler and editor of The Hawaiian Kingdom Statistical and Commercial Directory and Tourists Guide [5], documented various statistics and places of interest throughout the Hawaiian Islands. The following excerpts from Bowser’s publication provide readers with descriptions of travel through the ‘Ewa District at the time. He describes the landscape, communities, and development in the region.