Kainaliu, Hawaii facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Kainaliu, Hawaii
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Aloha Theater built in 1932
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| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| County | Hawaii |
| Elevation | 1,394 ft (425 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-10 (Hawaii-Aleutian) |
| ZIP code |
96750
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| Area code(s) | 808 |
| GNIS feature ID | 359919 |
Kainaliu is a small and interesting community located in Hawaiʻi County, which is part of the beautiful state of Hawaii. It's a place with a rich history and a unique local feel.
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Where is Kainaliu?
Kainaliu is found in the Kona district of Hawaiʻi. You can find it at these coordinates: 19°31′56″N 155°55′35″W / 19.53222°N 155.92639°W. The town is located along the Hawaii Belt Road, which is also known as the Māmalahoa Highway or state route 11.
A Glimpse into Kainaliu's Past
Kainaliu has a fascinating history, from its name to its important buildings.
How Kainaliu Got Its Name
The town's name comes from an ancient Hawaiian canoe bailer. This person worked for King Keawenuiaʻumi way back in the 1500s! The name kā i nā liu means "to bail the bilges" in the Hawaiian language. Kainaliu was also home to one of the first coffee farms, started by Governor Kuakini.
The Historic Lanakila Church
The beautiful Lanakila Congregational Church was built here between 1865 and 1867. Its founder, Reverend John Davis Paris, and his family are buried in the church cemetery. The church was built on land owned by William Johnson, whose family later connected with important figures like Isaac Davis and wealthy businessman William Herbert Shipman.
The Story of Joseph Kaona
In 1868, a man named Joseph Kaona, who said he was a prophet, gathered many followers. They believed the world was ending soon. They tried to take over the Lanakila church and then set up a camp on the beach. After some events, they were eventually captured.
The Aloha Theater's Journey
In 1932, the Tanimoto Theater first opened its doors in Kainaliu. It showed both American and Japanese movies for the people working in the Kona coffee industry. The theater was designed by William Harold Lee and could seat 325 people.
After World War II, the theater changed its name to the Aloha Theater. It closed down in the 1970s but was later fixed up and reopened. Today, it mostly hosts live performances. It is the oldest theater still operating in the Kona area! The theater now also has a restaurant and has been the home of the Aloha Performing Arts Company since 2003.
Education and Local Life
The Kona Research Station of the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, part of the University of Hawaii, is located in Kainaliu. This station helps with important research about plants and farming in the tropics.
Life in Kainaliu can sometimes be a bit slow, especially on the roads. The main road through town, which used to be a small trail, was moved uphill to handle more traffic from the busy coffee farms. This two-lane road often gets crowded, and locals sometimes call it the "Kainaliu crawl." Efforts to build a new bypass highway began in 2000, and part of it opened in 2009. This new road was planned as part of the Hōkūliʻa development, which includes a golf course and vacation homes near the coast.
