Waiakea, Hawaii facts for kids
Waiākea is a special area on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi. It's located in the Hilo District, right by Hilo Bay. Long ago, it was an important settlement. Waiākea is known as an ahupuaʻa, which is an ancient Hawaiian land division.
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What Does Waiākea Mean?
The name Waiākea comes from the Hawaiian Language. It means "broad waters." Sometimes, what we now call Hilo Bay was even known as Waiākea Bay.
Life in Waiākea
Waiākea is a home for many people. It has its own schools and stretches for many miles. The area reaches up towards Waiākea-Uka. This part is on the slopes of Mauna Loa, a large volcano.
Waiākea-Uka
Waiākea-Uka has many beautiful homes. You can even find a unique Swiss-style house there. There are also farms where cattle are raised. A state forest reserve is also located in Waiākea-Uka.
Waiākea Schools
The Waiākea area is home to four schools. These schools help educate many students. They are Waiakeawaena Elementary School, Waiakea Elementary School, Waiakea Intermediate School, and Waiakea High School.
Waiākea Stream
A stream called Waiākea Stream flows through the area. It starts high up on the slopes of Mauna Loa. The stream then flows down into Waiākea Pond. This pond is only about 10 feet above sea level. 19°37′57″N 155°10′41″W / 19.63250°N 155.17806°W 19°42′53″N 155°4′35″W / 19.71472°N 155.07639°W
Waiākea's Past
In 1823, a visitor named William Ellis came to Waiākea. He noted that it was the main settlement in Hilo Bay. The first church in eastern Hawaiʻi island was also founded here. It was called the Waiākea Mission in 1824, and today it is known as Haili Church.
Natural Challenges
Waiākea has faced threats from nature over the years. The volcano Mauna Loa has erupted several times. The most recent eruption was in 1984. These eruptions have sometimes threatened the area.
Tsunamis in Waiākea
The coastal part of Waiākea, known as Waiākea-Kai, has been hit by large ocean waves called tsunamis. The biggest tsunamis happened in 1946 and 1960. These powerful waves caused a lot of damage. A special clock was found after the 1960 tsunami. It had stopped at the exact time the wave hit. This clock now serves as a memorial to remember the event.
