With an abundance of basalt stones, Hawaiians used these rocks for the foundations of hale (houses), heiau (temples), in gardens and for numerous other structures and uses. Stone walls were also critical for the containment of cattle and livestock and also to delineate boundaries once the government allowed the private ownership of land in the Māhele of 1848.

This photograph shows the way stone walls are constructed with large boulders for the kukulu, or the outer surface of the wall, which is then strengthened by a fill of smaller rock in the opu or center area. Photograph by Ku`ulani Auld at Pawaina on W.H. Greenwell Ranch.

This photograph on canvas appeared in Kona Historical Society's 2016 exhibit, Kona Ranching and Kona Cowboys. Dimensions are 11"x16".

From the Collections of Kona Historical Society.