DK Travel : Honolulu & O’ahu : History & Culture

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Kahuna (Wizard) Stones

The four misshapen slabs at Kūhiā Beach represent four mysterious historical figures called Kapaemahu (“people of a changeable nature”). These men came to Hawai’i from abroad and lived with the islanders, curing and educating them. The stones were erected in their memory and have since occupied various locations, currently gathered at the beach formerly known as Ulukou.
Kaka’ako Waterfront Park

Honolulu’s newest park – in its most-changed neighborhood on the waterfront between Sand Island and Ala Moana Beach Park – offers grassy knolls, views from ’Ewa to Diamond Head, picnic pavilions, a walking path, and a chance to watch the surfers up close at the infamous Point Panic.
Kapa

Used throughout old Polynesia for clothing, blankets, and decoration, Hawaiian kapa is made from the bark of the wauke , or paper mulberry tree. The process, which is restricted to women, involves pounding the bark repeatedly into paper-thin sheets that are then decorated using bamboo tools and plant dyes.
Kapi’olani Bandstand

The current, vaguely Victorian stone structure – a spacious circular stage with a peaked roof held up by a series of pillars – is the fourth incarnation of a band-stand first built in the 1880s. It’s a popular venue for concerts and often used for informal jam sessions.
King David Kalākaua

Affectionately known as the Merrie Monarch, David Kalākaua became king in 1874 and is credited with the revival of hula.
King Kamehameha I

The ali’i (chief) who in 1809 united the islands into the Kingdom of Hawai’i, after defeating Maui’s ali’i, Kahekili.
King Kamehameha I Unites the Islands

An accomplished warrior chief from the island of Hawai’i, Kamehameha I waged war to conquer O’ahu and Maui, then forced the island of Kaua’i to cede to his dominion. Thus the islands were unified into the Kingdom of Hawai’i in 1809.
Kīpu’u

Short lengths of vines or long-stemmed leaves are knotted together.
Kūhiō Beach

Once known as Hamohamo, this area was the location of Pualeilani, the beach home of Queen Kapi’olani and later her adopted son, Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalaniana’ole, a delegate to the U.S. Congress. During his lifetime he opened the beach near his home to the public, and left it to the city when he died.

Kūhiō Beach
Kui

Today’s most familiar lei – flowers strung together with needle and thread.