Hawaiian Land Divisions

Hawaiians divided their islands into districts called moku. Below, the map shows the moku of O'ahu. These names are still in use today.

Moku were further divided into ahupua'a, a land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea. The map below shows some of the ahupua'a of the moku, or districts, of kona and ko'olaupoko on the east end of O'ahu. Notice that these names are familiar as well. They have been in use in Hawaii since the beginning.

Ahupua'a were usually subdivided into 'ili, smaller sections. 'Ili names persist today as well.

A heap (ahu) of stones marked the boundary of ahupua'a. Sometimes a pig (pua'a) or other tribute was placed on top of the ahu as a tax to the chief. The landlord or owner of the ahupua'a might be a konohiki.

Maps are reproduced with the permission of Kamehameha Schools Bishop Estate. Visit their Web site by clicking here.