Land History of the Joseph Rock Arboretum
The Joseph Rock Arboretum was founded in 2022 on Hawaiʻi Island. The mission of the Arboretum is to collect and study trees, shrubs, and plants of Hawaiʻi and around the world, while offering hands-on learning opportunities such as seed collection, seed banking, propagation, and field work. Follow along as we explore the history of the ʻāina (land) and work being done at the Arboretum!
The Arboretum is located within the moku (district) of Kona, in the ahupuaʻa (historic land division) of Honokōhau. Honokōhau can be translated as “bay drawing dew” or “bay where waters congregate,” emphasizing the significance of the makai (coastal) landscape where many Kānaka Maoli (Native Hawaiians) historically resided and continue to hold deep cultural connections.
Mauka (upland) regions, including where the Arboretum is located, are important both ecologically and culturally. This region once consisted of a diverse dryland forest environment. Many unique species of plants, insects, and birds historically flourished here.
The Kona Field System
Portions of the mauka landscape were utilized by nā poʻe kahiko (the people of old) as part of the Kona Field System (KFS).
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The KFS agricultural system extended over 100 kilometers between Keahole to the north...
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... and Hōnaunau to the south.
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The ʻāina was historically distinguished as different wao (realms) based on elevation. At ~650 feet above sea level, the Arboretum's location would be considered part of the wao kānaka, the most vital region for resource procurement. This area is near the ʻāpaʻa agricultural zone, where farming was most extensive. Where the Arboretum now sits may have once been a hub of agricultural activity.
Despite the changes and challenges this ʻāina has seen, there is hope for our dryland species. Seedbanking creates a rich repository of genetic material for environmental agencies to access. Our on-site seedbank, Hawaiʻi Island Seed Bank, contains millions of seeds from across the Island!
Within our nursery, Future Forests, a broad diversity of seedlings are grown for purchase by individuals or organizations looking to revitalize areas with native or beneficial, non-native species such as tropical hardwoods.
The Arboretum itself serves as a restoration site which includes old-growth remnant patches of dryland forest. Thousands of invasive plants have been cleared, making room for native plants to flourish. Three dominant native tree species characterize the landscape: wiliwili, lama, and alaheʻe.
Wiliwili (Erythrina sandwicensis) are in the legume family. These trees are highly adapted to our harsh dryland ecosystem. They are characterized by their colorful yellow-orange bark, trifoliate leaves, bright flowers (which range from yellow to orange), and vivid red seeds. They are deciduous in the summer months, losing their leaves to retain moisture.
Wiliwili have long been cherished for their cultural value. Both flowers and seeds can be used to make incredible lei (garlands). The lightweight wood was used to fashion the best papa heʻe nalu (surfboards). A famous ʻŌlelo Noʻeau (saying) states, "Pua ka wiliwili, nanahu ka manō; when the wiliwili blooms, the shark bites," referring to a shared seasonality between wiliwili blooming and sharks arriving to mate.
Lama (Diospyros sandwicensis) grows as a shrub or tree up to 30 feet high. Leaves are thick and leathery, with liko (young leaves) starting off red and gradually deepening to a dark green. Their small flowers develop into berries than range in color from yellow to red. Lama means "light" or "enlightenment."
The fruits of lama, called piʻoi, are edible and were consumed by folks in the past and occasionally by hikers in the present day. Lama wood is sturdy and was used for fishing implements, koʻi (adze) handles, and for the framework of structures (including sick houses, as the wood is also medicinal). Woodworkers continue to treasure this hardy, dark wood. Ceremonially, the wood is placed on kuahu (hula altars) in honor of the goddess Laka.
Alaheʻe (Psydrax odorata) is in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). This tree generally grows to heights between 10 and 30 feet, but can reach upwards of 50 feet. Alaheʻe leaves are glossy and vibrant. Their flowers are white and small, but pack a fragrant aroma. They develop into a round, purplish fruit. Alaheʻe means "slippery as an octopus," in reference to their glossy leaves.
Alaheʻe wood is durable and was historically used to make implements such as ʻōʻō (digging sticks), makau (fishhooks), and ʻō (short spears). The sweet-smelling flowers can be incorporated into lei. Alaheʻe is an excellent native alternative to other common xeriscape shrubs, such as mock orange.
Mahalo for joining us on this exploration of the ʻāina at the Joseph Rock Arboretum, from past to present and beyond! If you would like to learn more about the Arboretum, please visit our website at the link below.
StoryMap created by Avalon Paradea. Photographs taken by Avalon Paradea or Jill Wagner unless credited otherwise.
