Archeological Investigations at Kauhako Crater, Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA) Makanalua Ahupua'a, Island of Moloka'i

Summary

At the request of the National Park Service (NPS), Pacific Islands Support Office (PISO), Paul H. Rosendahl, Ph.D., Inc. (PHRI) completed an archaeological investigation of approximately 49.5 acres within Kauhako Crater, Kalaupapa National Historical Park (KALA), Moloka'i, Hawai'i. The

investigation consisted of an archival background study and a surface reconnaissance of the interior of the crater. The investigation was conducted in accordance with the NPS PISO scope of work, and in compliance with the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) and its implementing regulation (36 CFR Part 800) and the Archaeological Resources Protection Act of 1979 (ARPA) and its implementing regulation (43 CFR Part 7). The purpose of the investigation was to obtain baseline

information about potential historic properties within the crater, information that KALA will use in developing an integrated management plan for the crater's natural and cultural resources.

The interior of the crater exhibited a more or less continuous distribution of archaeological features. For descriptive purposes, thirty-two sites containing 333 features were defined. The sites consist of permanent and temporary habitations, a trail system, a potential heiau, a possible burial

site, agricultural sites, and an agricultural complex with 269 features. These sites and features are interpreted as a large agricultural and residential complex dating from at least the early Historic Period, and possibly from late prehistoric times. The possible pre-Contact era permanent habitation sites are located on the crater's upper benches. Caves and rockshelters, which contain evidence of temporary habitation, also likely date to pre-Contact times. The bulk of the large rectilinear

agricultural fields and potential storage enclosures in the crater appear to have been in use until at least the mid-nineteenth century. From a research standpoint it is recommended that KALA develop a plan for limited subsurface investigations sufficient to obtain samples for radiocarbon analysis. From a management standpoint it is recommended that KALA prepare a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) for Kauhako Crater to be listed as an archaeological district It is

felt that such a nomination is warranted given the density and obvious contextual and temporal associations ofthe sites and features. If Kauhako Crater is listed as a NRHP district, it may be easier for KALA to obtain funding for implementing any future-developed management plan.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Kalaupapa National Historical Park, Hawaii   •
• WACC documents 2000-2009   •
• Hawaii

Keywords

Temporal Coverage

Calendar Date: 1800 to 1850

Spatial Coverage

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contributor(s): Alan B. Corbin

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