Kailua Historical Society

Making Our Lively Past a Living History

Kailua Historical Society works to collect and preserve Kailua’s past through archives, oral histories, public forums, tours, site preservation, and publications.

About Kailua

Our Kailua is globally renowned for its gentle trade winds, peaceful beaches, graceful mountains and gracious people. Many may not know it is frequently Kailua which symbolizes Hawai’i to the world, for it is shown in thousands of advertisements, travel documentaries and movies. Those of us fortunate enough to live here, take great pride in Kailua’s legendary beauty:

• The Kawainui Marsh
• Our Mokulua Islands
• Lofty Olomana
• Brilliant blossoms and lush tropical foliage

Originally settled by ancient Polynesians 1700 years ago, today’s residents from every continent remain nurtured by her land and waters. Ours is, indeed, a rich heritage.

Kailua’s beauty was commemorated forever by our last monarch, Queen Lili’uokalani, in her immortal love son, “Aloha ‘Oe”, which extols the cliffs, forests, birds and flowers in the romance of Maunawili

Mo’Olelo O Kailua
(Story of Kailua)

• 1737: Alapa’inui of Hawai’i seeks battle at his Oneawa, Kailua landing. Ohu forces send for chief Kuali’i’s son, Pele’ioholani (Alapa’i’s cousin) averting war.
• 1796: Kamehameha defeats Maui army at Nu’uanu Pali. Living in Kailua, he removes his personal kapu to clean Kawainui Fishpond and adjacent taro lo’i.
• 1848: The National Mahele redistributes lands in fee simple. By 1895 most windward lands are held by non-Hawaiians.
• 1893: Kane’ohe Ranch Co. is formed to raise cattle and sheep on fee simple and leasehold lands in Kailua, Kane’ohe and elsewhere; sold to the ranch by Nannie Rice.
• 1917: Several U.S. military camps are established in Windward O’ahu, including the Kuwa’aohe army camp on Mokapu, accessible only through Kailua.
• 1931: The Powlison home, “Pu’uhonua”, is built in Lanikai over Alala Heiau at Kalapawai.
• 1941: Kun Lau and his wife Pang Shee Lau purchase Kailua’s Lanikai Store. In 1946, USAAC Sgt. Maurice Sullivan joins the Lau family store staff. By 1948, the first Foodland Supermaket opens. In the 1950’s, Sullivan and the Lau’s daughter, Joanna Ngit Cho, marry.
• 1959: Pali highway is realigned with tunnels, anticipating windward development.
• 1979: Kawainui Marsh and environs are declared eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places as a Cultural Archeological and Historic District.
• Today: The Kailua Historical Society continues with your support!