Chief Ma‘lik?k?hi, who reigned over the island of Oahu in the mid-1400s, resided in Waik?k? and used it as his seat of government. He was greatly loved by his subjects who enjoyed unprecedented peace and prosperity. Ali‘i (royalty) from all points came to Waik?k? to enjoy surfing, sporting games, hula, and other entertainment. The maka‘?inana (common people) living in K?lia gladly supplied their chiefs with the fruits of their labor. The sharing of food was an integral part of Hawaiian culture. Lavish

banquets featured poi and the

freshest seafood from some of

the most productive fishponds in

all of the Hawaiian islands. The

ocean teemed with crab, lobster,

shrimp, octopus, limu (seaweed)

and other delicacies easily

harvested. The fishponds, as well

as the harvest from the ocean,

came under the stewardship of

the chiefs. Their actions were

always dictated by the knowledge that greediness or waste displeased the gods. John Papa I‘i, a member of the royal court, told of a huge harvest from Moehonua’s fishpond in K?lia given as tribute to K?na‘u, a son of King Kamehameha I. The king, instead of being pleased, was dismayed because of the waste of so many fish. According to 19th century historian Samuel Kamakau, it was thought that fishponds were protected by mo‘o, lizard-like deities whose bodies were 12 to 30 feet long. Proper reverence and

respect for the mo‘o, as well as diligent maintenance of the ponds, made the fish fat and plentiful. Those who shirked their responsibilities were punished. K?lia’s largest ponds were

Ka‘ihikapu and P?weo. Hawaiian fishponds were engineering marvels. their design unique in the entire world.

In the early 1920s, quaint clusters of cottages known as Cressaty’s Court and Hummel’s Court offered simple lodging in K?lia. In 1926, the Heen Investment Company purchased these properties along with the Pierpoint Hotel and built the gracious Niumalu (sheltering palms) Hotel on the grounds where you now stand. This resort featured a distinctly Hawaiian style of

architecture combined with modern comforts. Today, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa continues the rich

heritage of K?lia and perpetuates the tradition of ho'okipa (hospitality) exemplified by Chief Ma‘ilik?kahi.

Marker is at the intersection of Ala Moana Boulevard (Hawaii Route 92) and Kalia Road, on the right on Ala Moana Boulevard.

Courtesy hmdb.org

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