Noteworthy mo‘olelo and place names within Kalauao include:
- Kalauao: Translates to a multitude of clouds.
- Pu‘uloa (Pearl Harbor): Derives its name from the Hawaiian pearl oysters, or pipi, once extremely common. According to mo‘olelo, it was brought to Hawai‘i from Kahiki by a goddess named Kānekua‘ana, who lived among Pearl Harbor’s waters in the form of a mo‘o.
- Keao: Symbolizes a bright future and new beginnings. In the song “He mele no Kūali‘i”, the line “E ala kāua ua ao-e – o Kalauao” recounts this rising of the ao (day/sunlight) in Kalauao. Explored in the Kumulipo, the term “Ao” underscores the sustainable lifestyle of our ancestors within the interconnected elements of the ahupua‘a.
- Kahuewai: is a sacred bathing pond in Kalauao that was guarded and reserved for ali‘i. Furthermore, “hue” is an ancient Hawaiian water calabash. As such, Kahuewai transcends mere relaxation and cleansing; it encapsulates the vital pilina (connection) between water (wai) and the kānaka (people).
- Māunuunu: A name for this area’s strong wind and sun.
- Kuki‘iahu: Once the house site of Kalaimanuia, a chiefess of O‘ahu who resided there most of her life. Records show that Kalaimanuia was born at Kukaniloko but was raised at Kuki‘iahu and Pa‘aiau. As an ali‘i, Kalamanuia would likely have frequented Kahuewai – the spring and bathing pond guarded and reserved for ali‘i.
Pearl Country Club's Next Chapter: Pearl at Kalauao
We are excited to be nearing the completion of our renovation journey for the golf course and clubhouse and want to keep you informed about the temporary closures that have been necessary to complete the work.
In early January 2024, the entire golf course closed to finish the remaining 9 holes of irrigation and rebuild all 20 green complexes. While this impacted golf play and tournaments, the improvements are set to significantly enhance the golfing experience, including better greens and advanced irrigation, for a more enjoyable round of golf.
The clubhouse also closed in early January 2024 for its final upgrades and renovations. We are now eagerly preparing for the re-grand opening of both the golf course and clubhouse, which we will announce very soon. We will continue to keep our guests informed as more details become available.
At the heart of these improvements is our commitment to responsible stewardship of the ‘āina (land), as well as honoring and integrating Hawaiian culture and the area’s rich history.
Grille Room upgrades include new carpeting, painting, wall texturing, new AV equipment, and more!
Nestled within the Kalauao ahupua‘a (land division), Pearl at Kalauao is a club deeply rooted in the mo‘olelo (stories), wahi pana (storied places), and traditional names of the ‘āina (land), while honoring the course’s recent history as Pearl Country Club.
The name “Kalauao” holds diverse meanings, signifying a “multitude of clouds,” serving as a call to rise with the daylight in a chant for Kūali‘i, and representing a “way or opening to reconciliation” known as Kala‘uao or Ka ala‘uao.
The stewardship of this ‘āina has been the kuleana (responsibility) of Kamehameha Schools since becoming part of the estate of Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop, the educational institution’s founder.
Today, Kalauao stands as a flourishing ahupua‘a of cultural and historical significance, rich in natural resources, and serves as a gathering place for the community.
Moʻokūʻauhau (Genealogy)
Kamehameha Schools’ lands within the Kalauao ahupua‘a are of special importance, gifted to Ke Ali‘i Bernice Pauahi Pākī Bishop by her mother, Laura Kōnia. Encompassing over 2,700 acres, these lands extend from Pu‘u Kaiwipo‘o in the ma uka region, running ma kai past Pearl at Kalauao and Pearlridge Center, down to Pearl Kai Shopping Center.
Kamehameha Schools serves as a dedicated steward of over 369,000 acres of ‘Āina Pauahi throughout the state of Hawai‘i, encompassing lands in Kalauao, ensuring their resilience to support its educational mission and vision for a thriving lāhui (people).
History and Mo‘olelo
Nestled in the ‘Ewa moku of O‘ahu, Kalauao is a region rich in history and cultural knowledge. Here, mo‘olelo (stories), wahi pana (storied places), traditional names, and distinctive features of the ‘āina collectively contribute to its cultural richness. This historical and cultural knowledge serves as a cornerstone for responsible stewardship, ensuring prominence in all activities related to the land.
General Manager, Ed Kageyama and Superintendent Shane Meikle are excited to be working with a team that will improve the overall long term conditions of the golf course.
Pearl was showcased in the Hawaii Building Management Magazine. Check out the recent article in HBM about our recent upgrades and soon-to-be renovations at Pearl!