|
|
O’ahu, literally The Gathering Place, is an island of unimaginable natural beauty, an island almost begging to be explored. From ancient stone heiau (temples) to 21st-Century high-rises, O'ahu is an island of endless contrasts. Geographically only the third largest of the inhabited Hawaiian Islands, it is nonetheless the most developed and home to nearly three-quarters of the state's 1.2 million residents. Though other parts of the sprawling Pacific group called Polynesia were settled as far back as 3,000 years ago, it wasn't until 500 AD that anyone bothered to beach themselves permanently in Hawaii. Early colonizers included the Tahitians, who repeatedly sailed 2,700 miles to bring more people and supplies to this tropical island. The first European to officially encounter the islands was James Cook in 1778, who was favorably mistaken for the god of harvests.
Ko Olina Kai is located on O’ahu’s Wai'anae Coast – on the quiet leeward, or western, side of the island. The beautiful Wai’anae Coast is very much unspoiled "old Hawai’i" – with incredibly pristine white sand beaches and spectacular sunsets. Be as active or relaxed as you want to be. Learn how to sail or venture on a deep sea fishing expedition. Take a jog along one of the many walking trails. Hit the links or challenge a buddy to a game of tennis. And when you’re looking for a little excitement, head to metropolitan Honolulu to enjoy Hawaii’s best in food, culture, shopping, nightlife and entertainment. The grounds of the Ko Olina Resort & Marina were once a historic playground for royalty. For an evening of island culture take visitors to Oahu’s premiere luau at Paradise Cove, located at the entrance to the resort. And for those extra special occasions memories are made at beautiful Lanikohonua, an historical site, located near Paradise Cove, featuring Hawaiian botanical gardens, pristine lagoons and stunning sunsets. THE HISTORY OF THE KO OLINA AREA For as long as anyone can remember, Ko Olina has been a place of joy. Before the written word, the virtues of this sunny, divinely blessed area of Oahu were told from one generation to the next. Hawaiian Ali’i (nobility) once sojourned here when weary from affairs of state. The royal chiefs, their wives, children and attendants came to fish in the bountiful waters, race their outrigger canoes and celebrate life in their island paradise. The children played safely in the calm waters and on the golden sands, listening to the rhythmic tapping of kapa beaters, as their mothers pounded bark into strong light fabric for clothing and bedding. The people of the ahupuaa, the land section that stretched from mountain to sea, brought gifts of taro from the lowlands, shrimp from the streams, milk from the coconut, and kukui nuts, sweet potato and banana from the uplands. Crab, mullet and oysters were brought from fisheries at Puuloa, now known as Pearl Harbor. Succulent pigs were steamed in the imu, the earthen oven lined in lava rocks. Then in the cool of the ocean breezes at the shoreline at Ko Olina the luau feasts would begin and last for days. Dancers draped in kappa would step upon the hula mound and tell with their hands and feet and voices the stories of Hawaii. In the sixteenth century Ko Olina was the favorite retreat of High Chief Kakuhihewa when he wanted to get away from the hustle and bustle of Waikiki. In later years, Queen Kaahumanu, wife of Kamehameha the Great, the King who united all the Hawaiian Islands into one nation, and Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch, traveled to Ko Olina to rest and refresh their spirits in the exceptionally beautiful setting. In 1877, James Campbell purchased most of the Honouliuli ahupuaa. Campbell was one of the colorful characters who arrived in Hawaii in the nineteenth century and stayed to shape the destiny of the fledgling kingdom. With reverence for the site and respect for the Hawaiian tradition of aloha aina, love of the land, plans for the 642-acre resort and residential development began to materialize in the 1970’s. Ground was broken for Ko Olina Resort in December 1986. |
O’ahu is the tip of an underwater mountain, the result of volcanic activity under the Pacific Plate, and is skirted by dazzling beaches and underwater reefs. Tropical flowers love O’ahu, especially hibiscus, of which there are several thousand varieties. Other native flora include pohuehue (a beachside morning glory); the koa tree, which can grow to 100 feet high; and the yellow-orange ilima, the island's official bud. Local wildlife includes the India-introduced myna bird, the Hawaiian monk seal, and, in winter, the giant humpback whale.|
Copyright ©
2005 Centex Destination PropertiesSM. Centex Destination PropertiesSM is a subsidiary of These materials shall not constitute an offer in any state where prior registration is required. Void where prohibited by law. Warning: The California Department of Real Estate has not inspected, examined, or qualified this offering.
|
