The Transformation of the Landscape in Waimea, Hawaiʻi: Pre-Human Era to 1860

Abstract

Waimea's landscape underwent three major transformations from prehuman times to the mid-1800s: native species were replaced by alien ones; agricultural terraces were built by the growing population; and cattle became a dominant presence. Upon arrival, Polynesians introduced their transported landscapes. The population grew, cleared vegetation, and established an intricate agricultural system by the 1300s. Waimea was an attractive draw, with a water supply, ideal climate and soils, and moderate distance to the ocean. Captain Cook's arrival introduced a commercial economy resulting in further transformations. The sandalwood trade denuded Waimea's forests by the 1830s while the cattle industry grew. As the cattle increased, introduced diseases caused Waimea's native population to decrease from thousands to a few hundred by the 1860s. From the time of its first settlers to 1860, Waimea was transformed from a landscape of highly endemic flora and fauna to a paniolo landscape dominated by alien species.