Mahalo nui loa to our wonderful sponsors!

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Mahalo nui loa to our wonderful sponsors!

36th SHA Conference, October 18-20, 2024

Schedule Overview

Friday, October 18, 2024, 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Huaka‘i (additional information below) 

register here: https://cbo.io/shaconference2024/huakai

• Kealakaʻihonua Heiau at Kapoho, led by Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau and Hanona
  
• Pā Kaʻoao, summit of Haleakalā, led by Rachel Hodara-Nelson 

Friday, October 18, 2024, 5:00 - 8:00 pm: Welcome Reception and Keynote, Hale Hō‘ike‘ike Museum, Wailuku (complimentary pupu, beer, and wine)

Saturday, October 19, 2024, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm: Papers and Presentations, Annual SHA Membership Meeting, University of Hawai‘i Maui College, Kahului (continental breakfast, coffee service, and lunch included)

Saturday, October 19. 2024, 6:00 - 9:00 pm: ‘Aha ‘Āina, Awards Presentations, and Silent Auction, Fuego's at Maui Lani (dinner provided, cash bar)

Sunday, October 20, 2024, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm: Papers and Presentations, University of Hawai‘i Maui College, Kahului (continental breakfast, coffee service, and lunch included)

Huakaʻi Information

Huakaʻi 1: Kealakaʻihonua Heiau with Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau and Hanona

Join Kumu Kaponoʻai Molitau and Hanona at Kealakaʻihonua Heiau at Kapoho to learn about their vision for this space and mission to “to elevate Native Hawaiian wisdom and intellect by providing cultural learning opportunities for our communities within the four pillars of Hawaiian learning: Kahuna Nui , Ho‘omanamana Ka Pule , Ka Mauli Ola, and Hūnā Noʻeau.” 

At Kapoho, Hanona oversees the HOʻOKŌ NAʻAUAO, a project funded through a grant from the Native Hawaiian Education Program (NHEP). Through this project, Hanona has implemented a five cohort educational program involving Kahuna Kakalaleo, Uhau Humu Pōhaku, Hulikoehana, Kahu Mālama ʻĀina, and Kūkulu Kauhale to preserve and protect Kealakaʻihonua heiau located at Kapoho, on the border of Waiehu and Waiheʻe. 

Hanona’s project goal is to train Maui’s next generation of Native Hawaiian Practitioners. Learn more about Hanona at HANONA (hanonamaui.org)

It can be very windy with cloudless skies at Kapoho. Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and bring plenty of water. We will be meeting at 1:00 pm at the entry gate to Waiheʻe Coastal Dunes and Wetlands Refuge that is currently owned and managed by the Hawaiian Islands Land Trust (HILT).

Huakaʻi 2: The summit at Haleakalā National Park

Join Rachel Hodara Nelson, Archaeologist and Cultural Resource Program Manager for Haleakalā National Park for a huakaʻi to Pā Kaʻoao, the puʻu next to the Haleakalā Visitorʻs Center at the Summit. The hike up and down the puʻu will be a short 0.4 mile round trip hike with 100 feet elevation change. The sites include over 100 small pā or shelters dating to the 17th century and are associated with a chief called Kaʻoao (also noted as Kaʻaoʻao according to some sources). 

The elevation at Pā Kaʻoao is 9862 ft. amsl. We will be meeting at 1:00 pm at the summit visitor’s center, there is a per vehicle entry fee of $30.  It can be very windy at the summit and may be a bit brisk. Wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen, and light jacket just in case! Make sure to have plenty of water as well. Visit Haleakalā National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov) to learn about the park and their mission.

About the Conference

This year's conference theme is ha‘alele koa wa‘a i koa kanaka. 

The koa canoe has departed leaving the warriors behind. Said when a canoe goes off and leaves the people behind, either in the water or on land. 

What kind of warriors are we leaving behind? Are we equipping community? The next generation of archaeologists? Once our waʻa leaves, what resources will we have left behind for our communities and the future of our discipline? 

The Maui Wildfire of August 8, 2023 and the needs following this tragedy have challenged the capacity of our historic preservation resources. Now more than ever, it is important to look toward the future of archaeology in Hawaiʻi with a call to action to encourage, prepare, and equip the next generation of archaeologists and community in all aspects of the work that we do.  

About the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology

The Society for Hawaiian Archaeology was established in 1980 to:

• Promote and stimulate interest and research in the archaeology of the Hawaiian Islands
• Encourage a more rational public appreciation of the aims and limitations of archaeological research
• Serve as a bond among those interested in Hawaiian archaeology, both professionals and non-professionals, and aid in directing their efforts into more scientific channels as well as encourage the publication of their results
• Advocate and assist in the conservation of archaeological data
• Discourage unethical commercialism in the archaeological field and work for its elimination.

 SHA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

37th SHA Conference, October 17-19, 2025

Ka Haka ‘Ula O Ke‘elikolani, UH Hilo, Waiākea, Hawaiʻi

Hale ‘Ōlelo

113 Nowelo St, Hilo, HI 96720

Schedule Overview

Friday, October 17, 2025: Huaka‘i (see below) 

Friday, October 17, 2025, Evening: Welcome Reception and Keynote (complimentary pupu, beer, and wine), Grand Naniloa Hoʻomalimali Room, Hilo

Saturday, October 18, 2025: Papers and Presentations, Annual SHA Membership Meeting, Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelilkōlani at
 University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (continental breakfast, coffee service, and lunch included)

Saturday, October 18, 2025, Evening: ‘Aha ‘Āina, Awards Presentations, and Silent Auction, at ‘Imiloa (dinner and entertainment provided)

Sunday, October 19, 2025: Papers and Presentations, Ka Haka ʻUla O Keʻelilkōlani at
University of Hawai‘i at Hilo University of Hawai‘i at Hilo (continental breakfast, coffee service, and lunch included)

Huakaʻi Information *Sign Ups have closed*

Huakaʻi Hele: Mai Hilo One A I Mokuola (Oct 17th, 8:45-11:30 am)

Join Lokelani Brandt of Hoaʻāina Heritage Services, LLC on a huakaʻi hele (walking tour) from Hilo One to Mokuola from 8:45-11:30 am. Along the way, participants will learn about the wahi pana and moʻolelo connected to this stretch of coastline. The walking tour will highlight the culture-historical significance of Hilo. Come prepared to walk, talk stories, and connect with the various places of this beautiful ʻāina. You may contact Lokelani Brandt via email at lbrandt@hoaainaheritage.com with questions.

Hiking the Puna Trail: exploring historic sites in an alaloa context (Oct 17, TBD)

Join Jackson Bauer, Hawai‘i Island Nā Ala Hele Program Manager, on walk along a 2.2 mile portion of the alaloa from Kaloli to Hāʻena, in the ahupua‘a of Kea‘au, Puna. This section of the alaloa has been in continuous use since time immemorial. Retrace Hi‘iaka’s steps exploring the significance of this portion of the alaloa and adjacent features. At Hāʻena, we will meet with the Shipman family and explore the historic fishpond and other features, from pre-contact through WWII. We will also discuss management strategies and community engagement to manage a recreational trail within a deep cultural context. Note: this an unimproved historic trail and is often muddy and wet. Parking is extremely limited, so carpooling is required. Details and a preparation list will be provided to registrants. Field trip capacity is 30 participants. Contact jackson.m.bauer@hawaii.gov with questions.

Kīlauea Lithic Block Quarry tour at Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park (Oct 17th 11:00 am- 1:00 pm)

Join Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park Cultural Resource Program Manager, Summer Roper Todd and HCSU Cultural Resource Associate, Daniel Anekelea Hübner on a tour of the Lithic Block Quarry located along the rim of  Kaluapele.  Kīlauea is a source of a rare, high-quality, dense, basalt rock that was sought out in the past by kahuna kākoʻi (adze makers) to manufacture (koʻi) adzes. During a post fire survey in 2001, park archaeologist discovered and documented numerous lithic workshops spanning a large area surrounding the summit. The source of the rock material and the adze manufacturing will be discussed while hiking a section of the Crater Rim Trail and observing quarry sites along the way. The hike is an easy walk and is less than a 1-mile round trip.  Reach out to Summer Roper Todd with any questions, summer_roper_todd@nps.gov.

Puʻu Huluhulu – Humu‘ula Ahupuaʻa, Hilo (October 17, 9:00am – 1:00pm)

Join Cheyenne Hiapo Perry on a visit to Kīpuka Pu‘u Huluhulu Native Tree Sanctuary and Nature Trail, a 38-acre protected reserve located directly across from the Mauna Kea Access road off of Saddle Road. The Pu‘u is a volcanic cone located near the center of the Island of Hawaii in the State of Hawaii and it is located on the southern side of Hawaii Route 200 (Daniel K. Inouye Highway, also known locally as Saddle Road). Puʻu Huluhulu is Hawaiian for hairy hill (puʻu=hill and huluhulu=hairy). A short hike to the top of the pu’u offers lovely views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa and is an excellent stopping point for checking out what a pristine native Hawaiian forest looks like. There is a network of trails maintained by Nā Ala Hele Trail and Access and created by the Youth Conservation Corps that traverses the small reserve, showcasing a surprising diversity of foliage, birds, and interesting geological features. The trails are well maintained and easy to navigate, and the short loops make this an especially good spot to hike with small children. The pu’u sits at 6,560 feet, so you can expect cooler temperatures, come join us to learn about the history, geology, and ecology of the area.  Special emphasis will be placed on the ahupua‘a (land division usually extending from the uplands to the sea) and ‘ano (Kind, variety, nature, character….) of these unique ecosystems, and linkages made to current management on Mauna Kea. CONTACT Cheyenne Hiapo Perry at chperry@hawaii.edu.

About the Conference

This year’s conference theme, “Ka manu kahea i ka wa‘a e holo” refers to "The bird that calls the canoe to sail." 

This is the kioea (bristle-thighed curlew), whose early morning call was often a signal to canoes to go fishing or traveling. Archaeology and Wahi Kūpuna Stewardship is a journey into the past, through the present, and towards the future. Like the lawai‘a, we who do this work hear the kahea and head out on our voyages of learning and connection. But what is the call that you hear, what draws you to this study of the past? Why is it important, and to whom? 

These questions have always mattered in our practice, but feel especially urgent now in this time of drastic changes — climate, political, technological, etc. For this year’s conference, we invite you to consider these questions about what makes archaeology your calling and encourage you to ask them of the past, present, and future of archaeology and wahi kūpuna stewardship as practiced both in Hawai‘i and by Hawaiians.  

About the Society for Hawaiian Archaeology

The Society for Hawaiian Archaeology was established in 1980 to:

• Promote and stimulate interest and research in the archaeology of the Hawaiian Islands
• Encourage a more rational public appreciation of the aims and limitations of archaeological research
• Serve as a bond among those interested in Hawaiian archaeology, both professionals and non-professionals, and aid in directing their efforts into more scientific channels as well as encourage the publication of their results
• Advocate and assist in the conservation of archaeological data
• Discourage unethical commercialism in the archaeological field and work for its elimination.

 SHA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.