Ka'u

Kaʻū's agricultural landscapes were intensively managed by the middle of the fifteenth century, with fields on slopes where rainfall and soil permitted cultivation. Sugar cane, sweet potatoes and bananas formed part of this production. Within the district, Kahuku extended from Mauna Loa's summit region to the sea, bringing uplands and coast within one traditional land division.

Chiefly power was concentrated at places such as Waioʻahukini, a residence of Kalaniʻōpuʻu. After his death, Keōua and Kamehameha fought for control of Hawaiʻi. Part of Keōua's army perished during Kīlauea's 1790 explosions; in 1791 Keōua himself was killed after travelling to Kamehameha's temple at Puʻukoholā. Kaʻū then passed under Kamehameha's family, while some followers of the defeated chief sought refuge in Kahuku's uplands.