Kalihi facts for kids
Kalihi is a neighborhood in Honolulu, a big city on the island of Oʻahu in Hawaiʻi, United States. It's divided by a road called Likelike Highway (Route 63). To the east, you'll find areas like Liliha, Chinatown, and Downtown Honolulu. To the west, there's Mapunapuna, Moanalua, and Salt Lake.
Kalihi is the name of an ahupuaʻa. This was an ancient way Hawaiians divided land. It stretched from the mountains to the sea. The Kalihi ahupuaʻa was located between Kahauiki and Kapālama on Oʻahu. It included three main parts: Kalihi Uka, Kalihi Waena, and Kalihi Kai.
Historically, Kalihi Kai had a special station. It was a place where people with a serious skin condition were examined. They would then receive care or be sent to Kalaupapa on Molokaʻi.
Kalihi was also famous for its fishponds. These ponds were called ʻĀpili, Pahouiki, Pahounui, ʻAuiki, and Ananoho. They were near where Sand Island Access Road (Route 64) is today. All these fishponds have since been filled in. Captain Alexander Adams, who managed the harbor for King Kamehameha I, lived near the ʻĀpili pond.
The name Kalihi comes from the Hawaiian words ka lihi. This means "the edge." Other places on different islands also used this name. Prince Lot, who later became King Kamehameha V, is thought to have named the area in 1856. Kalihi is located at 21°20′10″N 157°52′35″W / 21.33611°N 157.87639°W.
Kalihi Valley and Stream
Kalihi Valley was formed by Kalihi Stream. The stream starts high up in the mountains at 21°22′29″N 157°48′55″W / 21.37472°N 157.81528°W. In its upper parts, the valley is narrow and steep. As it gets closer to Honolulu Harbor, it widens out into flat land. The stream's mouth is at 21°19′51″N 157°53′26″W / 21.33083°N 157.89056°W.
The lower part of the valley has been a place where people live for a long time. Many older houses are found there. Closer to the water, the area becomes more focused on businesses and shipping.
Kalihi is also known in Hawaiian stories. It is said to be the home of the family of Pele, the goddess of volcanoes. This includes her sister, her mother, and the wife of Wakea.
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Schools in Kalihi
The Hawaii Department of Education runs public schools in the Kalihi area. These include Kalihi Elementary, Kalihi Waena Elementary, Kalihi Uka Elementary, and Kalihi Kai Elementary. There are also Dole Middle School and King David Kalakaua Middle School. For high school, students can attend Farrington High School.
Some private schools are also in the area. These include Damien Memorial School. At the southern edge of the district, you'll find the private Kamehameha Schools campus. The Bernice P. Bishop Museum, a famous museum, is also nearby.
Notable People from Kalihi
Many interesting people have connections to Kalihi. Here are a few:
- Tulsi Gabbard – a politician who has served in government.
- Sonny Ganaden – another politician.
- Mufi Hannemann – a politician and businessman.
- Marist Liufau – an American football player.
- The Brothers Cazimero – a famous music duo.
- Guy Kawasaki – an American marketing expert, author, and investor in new technology companies.
