Community Growth and Heiau Construction: Possible Evidence of Political Hegemony at the Site of Kaunolu, Lana'I, Hawai'i

Abstract

Early accounts of Hawaiian history indicate that the island of Lana'i first came under the political rule of Maui chiefs during the fifteenth century A.D. Results of a 1991 intensive survey and mapping of the archaeological sites of Kaunolii and Mamaki on the southwest coast of the island, however, did not detect surface evidence of this relationship prior to the mid-1600s, with substantial habitation at the villages presumably occurring in the succeeding two centuries. An interpretation of monumental- scale heiau (religious structure) construction style at both sites, and a study of possible community growth at Kaunolii, do suggest that off-island political hegemony may be detected in the architectural record. But, several additional avenues for future research are proposed to refine the chronology and nature of this hypothetical political relationship. KEYWORDS: chiefdoms, heiau, Hawai'i, Lana'i, architectural style, community growth.