Makua Valley
Makua Valley is a culturally significant and ecologically rich area on Oahu's leeward coast. Revered in Hawaiian mythology as the place of human origin and spiritual departure, the valley is home to more than 40 endangered species and sacred sites. While parts of the valley are restricted due to a U.S. military training base, its untouched landscape and deep cultural roots continue to inspire activism and reverence.
Makua Valley, Oahu
Makua Valley is located on Oahu's leeward (west) coast on the foothills of the Waianae Mountains. The valley is spoken about prominently in Hawaiian tales, myth and music. The word “makua” means parent in the Hawaiian language, and legend has it that Makua Valley was the place where man was first created. Conversely, Hawaiians consider the valley to be the point from where souls depart for an afterlife once the human form has been cast off. It is for this reason that one can see many handmade memorials to the dead along the rocky cliffs lining the shore.
Apart from a U.S. military base, large parts of Makua Valley remain devoid of residential and commercial development. The U.S. military set up a base on 4,000 acres of land in the valley during the 1930s and continues using the area for training. This has been a point of contention between the government and the local people as Makua is home to many endangered species. More than 40 endangered species of flora and fauna can be found in the valley, and the area is also sacred to many Native Hawaiians because it has a number of wahi pana (sacred places), cultural and archaeological sites. Many Native Hawaiians and other local residents have been objecting to the activities at the military base for long and the issue is under consideration at present.
Key Features of Makua Valley
- Spiritual significance: Believed by ancient Hawaiians to be the origin and final resting place of the soul.
- Ecological importance: Habitat for more than 40 endangered plant and animal species.
- Cultural and archaeological sites: Home to wahi pana (sacred sites) and traditional Hawaiian artifacts.
- Military presence: U.S. military training grounds occupy 4,000 acres, prompting decades of local protest.
- Remote and scenic: Located on the northwestern coast of Oahu, offering picturesque mountain and ocean views.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Makua Valley open to the public?
Much of Makua Valley is off-limits due to its use as a military training ground, but nearby beaches and viewpoints are accessible.
Why is Makua Valley important to Hawaiian culture?
It is considered the origin place of mankind in Hawaiian mythology and a sacred site for spiritual transitions after death.
What types of wildlife can be found in Makua Valley?
The valley is home to more than 40 endangered species, including native birds, insects, and plants found nowhere else in the world.
Why is there controversy about the military base in the valley?
Activists argue that military exercises harm sacred sites and endangered habitats, sparking protests and legal challenges.