Ahupuaʻa is a Hawaiian term for a large traditional socioeconomic, geologic, and climatic subdivision of land.

Some oral history relates that ʻUmi-a-Līloa, son of the great High Chief Līloa, took control of the land and divided it into ahupuaʻa.[1] However, there is also a general belief that the natural organization of communities along stream systems is the foundation for the system, whose community governance system of Kānāwai is often attributed specifically to shared water usage.

The Hawaiians maintained an agricultural system that contained two major classes: irrigated and rain-fed systems. In the irrigated systems, the Hawaiians grew mostly taro (kalo), and in the rain-fed systems, they grew mostly ʻuala (sweet potatoes), yams, and dryland taro in addition to other small crops.[2] This dryland cultivation was also known as the mala. It also consisted of (kalo) taro, (niu) coconuts, (ʻulu) breadfruit, (maiʻa) bananas, and (kō) sugar cane. The kukui tree was sometimes used as a shade to protect the mala from the sun.[3] Each crop was carefully placed in an area that was most suitable to its needs.[4]

Hawaiians raised dogs, chickens, and pigs that were domesticated. They also made use of personal gardens at their own houses. Water was a very important part of Hawaiian life; it was used not only for fishing, bathing, drinking, and gardening, but also for aquaculture systems in the rivers and at the shore’s edge.[2]

The ahupuaʻa consisted most frequently of a slice of an island that went from the top of the local mountain (volcano) to the shore, often following the boundary of a stream drainage. Each ahupuaʻa included a lowland mala (cultivated area) and upland forested region.[5] Ahupuaʻa varied in size depending on the economic means of the location and political divisions of the area. “As the native Hawaiians used the resources within their ahupuaʻa, they practiced aloha (respect), laulima (cooperation), and mālama (stewardship) which resulted in a desirable pono (balance).” The Hawaiians believed that the land, the sea, the clouds and all of nature had a certain interconnectedness, which is why they used all of the resources around them to reach the desired balance in life.[6] Sustainability was maintained by the konohiki and kahuna—priests, who restricted the fishing of certain species during specific seasons. They also regulated the gathering of plants.[7] Ahupuaʻa is derived from Hawaiian language ahu, meaning “heap” or “cairn,” and puaʻa, pig. The boundary markers for ahupuaʻa were traditionally heaps of stones used to put offers, often a pig, to the island chief.

Each ahupuaʻa was divided into smaller sections called ʻili, and the ʻili were divided into kuleana. These were plots of land that were cultivated by the common people. These people paid weekly labor taxes to the land overseer. These taxes went to support the chief.[7] There may have been two reasons for this kind of subdivision:

  • travel: in many areas of Hawaiʻi, it is easier to travel up- and downstream than from stream valley to stream valley
  • economy: having all climate zones and economic exploitation zones in each land division ensured that each could be self-sufficient for a large portion of its needs.

Each ahupuaʻa was ruled by an aliʻi or local chief and administered by a konohiki.[8]

Rule over an ahupuaʻa was given out by the ruling chief to subordinate members of the aliʻi. On the larger mountains of Maui and Hawaiʻi, smaller ahupuaʻa extended up to about 6,000 to 8,000 feet in elevation, while the higher elevations of an entire district would be included within a single large ahupuaʻa. These ahupuaʻa, such as Kaʻohe, Keauhou, Kapāpala, Keaʻau, Keʻanae, Puʻu Waʻawaʻa, and Humuʻula, were highly valued both for their size and because they allowed control over items obtainable only from high-elevation areas, such as high-quality stone for tools and ʻuaʻu (Hawaiian petrel) chicks. They were given to high-ranking aliʻi, or often retained by the high chief personally.

Modern Ahupua’a Restoration & Indigenous Land Management

While the historical Ahupua’a system was systematically dismantled following the illegal overthrow of the Kingdom of Hawai’i, its principles remain crucial for the future. Today, the Nation of Hawai’i is actively reviving these indigenous land management practices at the sovereign village of Pu’uhonua O Waimanalo.

By returning to our traditional communal land tenure (pre-mahele), we are restoring the ecosystem from the tops of the mountains down to the traditional fishponds in the ocean. Modern environmental science increasingly recognizes that indigenous food systems and historical stewardship practices are among the most effective methods to maintain ecosystem health, safeguard biodiversity, and adapt to climate change.

Why the Ahupua’a System Matters Today

Conventional environmental efforts often rely on “pop-up restoration” techniques that ignore local histories and impose outside goals on stolen lands. In contrast, the Ahupua’a system provides a holistic, proven approach to food production and land use. It prioritizes a cultural-ecological equilibrium over exploitation, ensuring that resources are managed with aloha, laulima, and mālama.

Support the Ahupua’a Restoration Campaign

The Nation of Hawai’i’s mission is to restore, maintain, and preserve the sophisticated religion, language, and culture of the Native Hawaiian people. To achieve this, we are fiercely determined to rebuild the self-sufficient, subsistent social system that our ancestors perfected.

You can directly contribute to sustainable, ʻāina-based nation-building by supporting our ongoing efforts. Learn more about our hands-on ecological work, watch the documentary feature by permaculture expert Andrew Millison, and consider contributing to the Ahupua’a Restoration Campaign.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Ahupua’a

What is the Ahupua’a system? An ahupua’a is a traditional Hawaiian socioeconomic, geologic, and climatic subdivision of land. It typically consists of a slice of an island extending from the top of the local mountain down to the shore, encompassing all climate and resource zones.

How did the Ahupua’a system work? The system was designed for ultimate self-sufficiency. By including upland forested regions and lowland cultivated areas (mala), a single ahupua’a provided a community with everything needed for survival, from fresh water and timber to taro (kalo) and ocean fish. It was governed by an aliʻi (chief) and administered by a konohiki (overseer).

Why is the Nation of Hawai’i restoring the Ahupua’a? Restoring the Ahupua’a is a vital step in reclaiming national sovereignty and healing the environment. The Nation of Hawai’i utilizes this system to preserve indigenous culture, ensure ecological sustainability, and rebuild a self-sufficient land base at Pu’uhonua O Waimanalo.