Descendants to Gather at Kupuna Grave Site in Kapalua
Descendants Kalele Mahoe, and her daughters Nalani and Sarah Kaniaulono at the grave of Sarah Kaniaulono Davis, 1797-1867. Courtesy photo.
By Wendy Osher
Descendants with ties to a family grave site located within the pineapple fields of Kapalua will gather at the location during the upcoming 21st Annual Celebration of the Arts festival, to care for the site and pay tribute to their kupuna.
The burial is that of Kale Kaniaulono Davis, a steward of the Honokahua land district in Kapalua seven generations ago.
She was the daughter of the man who served as King Kamehameha’s gunner at the battle of Keapniwai in `Iao Valley; and a descendant of Kihapi`ilani, who completed the ancient Alaloa Road around Maui.
Sarah Davis (also Sally Adams) was called Kale, and her Hawaiian name was Kaniaulono. She married James Kanehoa Young, Captain Alexander Adams, Pahaaikaua, Kanekuapu’u, and Kaholokahiki.
She had six children: Isaac Adams of Niu, `Uwaikikilani Halstead of Maui, Amelia Nakai Davis of Waikoloa, Mele Kuamo`o of Lahaina, Fanny, and James Kanehoa Young Davis of Honokahua.
On Maui, descendants include the Mahoe family of Lahaina, Kaeo and Davis families of Moloka`i, and the Wilcox family of Waihe`e. The Adams family of O`ahu descends from Kale, as does the Davis family of West Hawai`i.
For 150 years the Davis family grave was preserved by Maui Land and Pineapple Company, set off in a pineapple field by a white rail fence and marked with one papaya tree. The grave itself was reserved from sale by the family in 1894, and remains the property of Davis family descendants.
The malama project on Saturday, March 30, includes the installation of a new fence, weeding and adding native plants to the area. Work will take about three hours, and will begin with protocol at 10 a.m.
All family members are invited to join the tribute and hana malama. Attendees of the Celebration of the Arts will be allowed to observe this Hawaiian cultural practice of caring for the kupuna.
Transportation to and from the Ritz Carlton Bell Desk will be provided.
Family members who wish to participate or observe should call Clifford Nae`ole for further information: (808) 665-7084.
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