Why Wai?

By Sean Flemming, Botanical Field Supervisor,
Waimea Valley

Water is essential to life on earth. From rivers and oceans to the blood that flows through our veins, water is crucial to the existence of life on earth. The entire planet’s surface is over 70 percent water, our bodies contain anywhere from 55 to 75 percent water.

Water from the ocean is evaporated by the sun and conjured up by the clouds which are blown across the Pacific by the Tradewinds. When the clouds hit the steep slopes of the windward mountain ranges the rain falls down as fresh water which is captured by streams and sifted into the groundwater and eventually the aquifer. So it is with the Kamananui Stream that runs through Waimea Valley to the original big surf beach at Waimea Bay. Our stream is rain fed and water captured from miles away with its beginnings from the Ko‘olau Mountain summit or along the way to our land.

Kane, the greatest of the Hawaiian gods created water, a sacred life force originating from the sky in the form of rain, the true beginning of the ahupua‘a. The name Waimea means “reddish waters” ‘High levels of iron oxide give Hawaii’s rich volcanic soil its red hue; heavy rains deposit these sediments into streams and wailele (waterfall). Believing it to have powers of healing, injured or sick Hawaiians would bathe in reddish water and would sit in such waters even when they didn’t run red. (“Cultural Sites”, waimeavalley.net)

Wai (freshwater) is sacred to Hawaiian people. Ka wai ola, or life-giving waters, in the form of rivers, streams, springs, and ponds represent life, purity, and health. The word for wealth or value in Hawaiian is waiwai (water-water), because of its necessity for sustaining life. In the past, Hawaiians never defiled a freshwater source. All bathing and washing were done closer to the ocean, near the end of the stream or river. (“Cultural Sites”, waimeavalley.net)

It is our responsibility to take care of these sacred waters. We are to be stewards of this beautiful land and water. Chemicals used in conventional farming and manufacturing can leach into the soil and runoff into our water. Contaminant spills and introduced substances compromise our precious aquifers and ecosystems. Without clean water there is no life.

We invite you to come visit Waimea Valley and swim in the healing waters. Admission for Kamaaina is free every Thursday from 12pm-3pm. You can support Waimea Valley’s campaign to address its ageing water system through the Ka Wai Kupuna fundraiser at waimeavalley.net/ka-wai- upuna. Also keep in mind that any removal of debris from the watershed system through our volunteer programs improves the overall health of the ahupua‘a. Find volunteer opportunities at waimeavalley.net/volunteer.