National Register Listing

Ahole Holua Complex

S of Milolii on Ahole Bay, Milolii, HI
This is one of the best-preserved holua on Hawaii Island and within the entire state. Holua are massively constructed ramps, made of stacked stone, that were used as tracks for wooden toboggans, or sleds by the ancient Hawaiians. The flat slope was covered with grasses to make the narrow fragile sleds able to reach high rates of speed on their downward runs. Typically, and present, in this case, is a running platform along which the sledder raced before flopping down on the sled at the beginning of the slope down.

Interesting and significant here is the presence of a number of platforms constructed of stone that are located alongside the holua. These were undoubtedly for the spectators who watched the sport.

A holua of this magnitude and elegance indicates the complexity of ancient Hawaiian culture wherein large labor forces could be marshaled to produce a luxury structure dedicated to recreational use by the higher-ranking Hawaiians.

The creation of a proper slide, with its required slope (much like that of a western ski jump), the flatness of top, and proper length to ensure both sled speed and a deacceleration area, are indicative of the highly developed skills of the ancient Hawaiians in stonework engineering.

In summary, the Ahole Holua complex is of great value for interpreting this interesting recreational pursuit of the ancient Hawaiians. It also provides structural information of basic research value on the engineering techniques of ancient Hawaii.
Local significance of the district:
Prehistoric; Engineering; Entertainment/recreation

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1973.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

prehistoric engineering entertainment recreation
The Hawaiian Islands were once home to a powerful class of priests known as kahuna, who served as intermediaries between the gods and the people. The kahuna had great influence over Hawaiian society and were responsible for performing important rituals and ceremonies.
Hawaii random facts
Hawaii County, also known as the Big Island, is the largest and youngest of the Hawaiian Islands. The history of Hawaii County is shaped by the arrival of Polynesians, Europeans, and the eventual annexation by the United States.

The Polynesians were the first to settle in Hawaii County, arriving around 1,500 years ago. They brought with them their culture, traditions, and agricultural practices. They established a flourishing society based on fishing, farming, and trade. The island was ruled by chiefdoms, and their hierarchical structure was based on the division of labor and a system of religion and customs.

In 1778, British Captain James Cook arrived on the island, introducing Europeans to Hawaii County. Cook's arrival brought both curiosity and conflict. While Cook's initial visit was peaceful, tensions escalated on subsequent visits, leading to his death in 1779. European influence grew as more explorers, traders, and missionaries arrived in Hawaii County, bringing new technologies, diseases, and religious beliefs.

In the late 19th century, Hawaii County faced significant changes. Influenced by the economic interests of American businesspeople, the Hawaiian monarchy was overthrown in 1893, leading to the establishment of a provisional government and later the Republic of Hawaii. In 1898, the United States annexed Hawaii County as a territory, primarily driven by strategic military interests.

In 1959, Hawaii County became the 50th state of the United States. Since then, it has experienced growth in both population and tourism. The island's diverse landscapes, including active volcanoes, pristine beaches, and lush tropical forests, have made it a popular destination for visitors from around the world. Hawaii County continues to embrace its rich cultural heritage while evolving into a modern and vibrant place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Hawaii County, Hawaii.

  • Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island, is believed to have been settled by Polynesians around 1,500 years ago.
  • In 1778, British explorer Captain James Cook became the first recorded European to visit the island during his third Pacific voyage.
  • In 1790, the famous Battle of Kepaniwai took place between forces of the Hawaiian Kingdom and Maui warriors near present-day Hilo.
  • In 1791, the American merchant vessel "Eleanor" became the first recorded foreign ship to anchor in Hilo Bay, marking the beginning of increased foreign trade and influence on the island.
  • In 1840, Hilo was designated as the capital of the Kingdom of Hawaii by King Kamehameha III.
  • In 1885, the first sugarcane plantation was established in Puna, marking the beginning of large-scale sugarcane cultivation on the island.
  • In 1893, the Kingdom of Hawaii was overthrown by a group of American and European businessmen, leading to the establishment of a provisional government dominated by foreign interests.
  • In 1900, Hawaii became a territory of the United States, and Hilo became the county seat of Hawaii County.
  • In 1946, the Hilo tsunami, caused by an earthquake near the Aleutian Islands, struck the island and devastated many coastal areas.
  • In 1959, Hawaii became the 50th state of the United States.
  • In 1983, the eruption of Kilauea volcano started, which has continued to shape the landscape of the island throughout the years.