From the beaches of Waikīkī to the lush forests of upper Mānoa valley, this design embodies the range of resources found within this powerful, prosperous, and beautiful ahupua‘a. An ahupua‘a is a traditional land division that encompasses a watershed extending from ma uka to ma kai (mountain to ocean). Traditionally in Hawai‘i, community boundaries were defined by watersheds that provided all the resources for sustainable living: fish, agriculture, consistent fresh water, and upland forests reserves. Wise management fostered a thriving community.
Today the ahupua‘a of Waikīkī continues to be one of the most abundant and prosperous. This design highlights abundance, displays the importance of balance, and shows the beauty of diversity in the form of contrast. Featured is a sort of yin yang play between the native Hāpuʻu tree fern found in the mountains and the O‘ahu island flower ‘ilima found growing on the coast.
-David Shepard