I’m so proud of my neighborhoods of Liliha and Nuuanu here in beautiful Oahu hawaii.
I spent my child hood growing up and exploring the streets, parks, and little nooks here. I grew up right across from Kuakini medical Hospital on a small street that at one time was just a lane, and where my father also grew up in the 1930’s. My early life encompassed the explorations of Kuakini street, Liliha street,Kunuwai, Judd, Wylie, Nuuanu, Bachelot, and Bates.. I have explored, played, enjoyed, and lived life in this surrounding areas. My neighborhoods are a 5-10 minute drive to bustling downtown Honolulu and Honolulu Harbor. Today, I get my exercise with my dog Chloe Elizabeth, by walking and reminiscing through the streets and crossroads of my childhood. I am without a doubt filled with love and happiness at all the multi cultural aspects of my neighborhood and childhood growing up, and is probably what has enabled me to be so well rounded and so in love with cultures.
What’s in a name?
LILIHA: A little history of the name Liliha. Kuini Liliha ( the heartbroken Queen) was a high Chiefess during the reign of King Kamehameha II. She was a champion for the catholic faith, as it was banned early on in her royal carrier, and accompanied The King and Queen in their visit to London to visit the Queen while contracting the measles to which everyone died except for her and her husband. She was beloved by the people and there is even a hula chant done in her name, and is thus a reason for having the very Long street of Liliha named after her.
NUUANU: Also known as Nuuanu Pali, is the name of a stretch of land that starts at the mountains mouth in the Nuuanu valley and flows down to the ocean. There are many historical places, battles, and history of this valley and street. There is Queen Emma’s Summer Palace, The royal Mausoleum, The Pali where the great battle between the Chief of Oahu and the future King Kamehameha took place and with him subsequently winning the battle created the Kingdom of Hawaii.
KUAKINI: Was a son of an Ali’i ( noble) and a widowed Queen from Maui. John Adams Kiʻiapalaoku Kuakini (1789–1844) was an important adviser to Kamehameha I in the early stages of the Kingdom of Hawaii. He was responsible for much building and other changes in the Kona District during this era.
I begin my walk like I always do, on Kuakini street , to which I take a right ( west ) towards Liliha. At the Corner of Liliha and Kuakini, I’m always reminded of my lovely childhood when I remember the Number one Best Japanese Okazuya (Deli) on the island, Honda’s They served up the best in local style japanese food. I loved their Inari Sushi ( cone sushi) the best. I also used to help Aunty Clara Wakazawa clean up her small barbershop after a trim and it brings back very fond memories. Now its a bank, and I can just smell the Deli and imagine them wrapping my food with such perfect presentation, up in their rice white waxed paper with a thin manila rubber band and a wooden Hashi (chopstick) to go. I miss it so much.
At the corner of Liliha and Kuakini, I take a right to make my way up the very steep hill of Liliha Street. Along the way I find so many lovely delights. There’s a Korean BarBq place, A Korean Christian Church which is so beautifuly crafted in the traditional Korean Architectural style , A Brush maker that has been making brushes since I was a kid, and My favorite child hood play area, Kunuwai Pond.
My street , which was once a lane, opens up and becomes Elena Street. Growing up we could always here the clanging of what sounds like Cymbols and fire crackers and a type of flute or horn. It was coming from the local chinese temple / house on my street.
At this store here, I remember buying my crack seeds, Shaved Ice, Ice cakes, and where I first learned to play Lady Bug .
As I continue my journey going up Liliha , I’m always amazed at the multicultural dwellings one will find. There are chinese style homes, Japanese style homes, Late 19th Century homes, modern renovated homes, and lovely lovely homes with beautiful plants, flowers and fruit trees.
There are a number of Hospitals and Rehabilitation centers in my Neighborhood, Kuakini Medical Center, Rehabilitation Center of the Pacific, and on Liliha is this hospital named after the sisters of the order of Saint Francis, Saint Francis Medical Center
As I turn right onto Wylie Avenue, a flood of memories hit me like a ton of bricks. This wide and beautiful avenues is filled with historical places, but the most historical in my history ( tongue twister) is the home of my Nanny and long time friend of the family, Mrs Florence Pu’u.. On her street are a number of beautiful Homes, and the Hare Krishna temple. It’s a peaceful street located next to a stream, and I have so many fond memories playing hide and go seek, picking Puakenene flowers ( my favorite) and running up and down her street.
MaeMae Elementary School is where I would come to every year to get my fluoride treatment. Its campus is still filled with the music of children. Next to it is the areas fire station, which then leads to the round about to enter into Upper Nuuanu and the Pali highway.
A swift right turn leads me down Nuuanu Avenue and what I like to call, Religion Row. You have Protestant, 7th Day Advenist, Chinese Buddhist, Japanese Buddhist, Lutheran, Baptist, Catholic, Christian, and so many others. My pre-school years were spent at a 7th Day adventist Pre-school then called Na Keiki O Ka Aina ( The children of the Land) I also went to a Buddhist Japanese School, a Lutheran day care, and a Catholic Elementary and High School. So my life is pretty religiously colorful.
On this most precious and beautiful Street/ Avenue are a Royal Mausoleum, and 2 beautiful graveyards.
The First, Maunala is the final resting place of Queen Liliuokalani, Princess Kaiulani, and King David Kalakaua and Queen Kapiolani, as well as other past kings and royal families. It is a very serene place and was right next door to my pre-school. Whenever I pass it whether it be walking or driving, I always give a bow. Today I sang Hawaii Pono I in honor of our last queen.
Next to it is the Oahu Memorial of the pacific and Oahu Cemetery. I love waling through the Oahu Cemetery as there are so many headstones that date to the early 1800’s and are just beautiful. I didn’t take much pictures as there were a few funerals going on so out of respect…..
Ironically located right next to the Oahu Cemetery is Craigside , an Elderly Assisted complex. The elderly live on their own with the help of assistance. It’s kind of funny because part of their view includes the cemetery which is a reminder of where they may be ending up shortly. I guess someone must have thought it funny to erect such a building. Too funny.
As you continue your walk down Nuuanu you will notice a few beautiful high rises.
Down lower Nuuanu is a house I’ve adored since I was a child. I’ve walked past it on my way to Japanese school and Judo constantly and wondered what it was like in its hay day.. Such a charming little home. Across from it is the Japanese Consulate Generals Home and consulate.
Back on to Kuakini Street, I’m getting close to home. There is a beautiful Park called Waikalulu or currently ” Liliuokalani Gardens” , beautiful streams, old Plantation houses, and Kuakini Medical Center…
My walk has come to an end, memories remembered, and my heart is full of Joy. I hope you enjoyed this quick walk around my neighborhood. Incase you’re wondering , at a nice walking pace, the walk took about 45 minutes.
Aloha
omg I loved this entry about Liliha..I grew up in Liliha, Bachelot st to be exact. My parents house is on upper bachelot above Judd st. right on the bend, they still live there. It used to be the artist John Young’s house. Growing up, I used to always visit the baseball card shops on Liliha St. Time Machine and Jay’s Nicknacks’. I still live in Liliha but now moved to Ehako st which is right above Bachelot. I love the pictures you took of the area..
LikeLike
Omg such memories. I think I used to collect garbage pale kids from Jay’s
LikeLike
Erika/Princess:
I came across your website while searching for info on Mae Mae school and a long gone Nuuanu day care center which I went to in the early 1960s. My family lived on Alewa Heights. I’d love to connect to see if I can find out more about the day care center which I believe was on Wylie Place across from Mae Mae.
I’m also becoming more of a traveler now that I’m reaching retirement age and I plan on reading and consulting your trip blogs. I’d like to connect, if possible.
LikeLike
Aloha Dan
Wow across of MaeMae a day care ? I just see homes. There was the old Girl scout house but that mow belongs to HBA I used to get my fluoride done at maemae back I. The 70’s lol the memories.
LikeLike
Mahalo for this post. I came across your blog because i am doing research about the Liliha neighborhood. I currently live in the Punchbowl area and some of my own neighborhood walks cross these same paths. I’ll be paying closer attention to the landmarks you mention during my next walk. Aloha!
LikeLike
Mahalo Gina. 🙂
LikeLike
Just found your blog and hope you don’t mind that I share this Liliha entry on the Facebook page I started, You Know You From Liliha…
LikeLike
That would be lovely and very kind of you Mahalo
LikeLike
Grew Up In Liliha/Pu’unui And Alewa Hts. From 1964 Through 1972. My Social Network Was All Of My Friends Stingrays Layed In The Front Of My Yard After School. When John’s Store Was Owned By The Stanley Ing, When Pu’unui Park’s Baseball Field Was Sloped Down Towards Liliha Street. So Many Memories…
LikeLike
Thank you for sharing that is so awesome
LikeLike
Rockne:
I lived at 1534 Alewa Hts in 1963-64. Tannenbaums. Family of four boys, ages 3 (me) thru 10 (Michael). My brothers went to Mae Mae school and I wen to the Nuuanu Day Care Center across the street. I just revisited it in July 2021 on a visit to Oahu. Where did you live on the long road?
Dan
LikeLike
Dan I lived / live on Sereno street. If coming down Liliha I’m the street across kunuwai lane. The street starts as Elena then turns into Sereno. I’m also across the Kuakini hospital
LikeLike
Once the pictures are available, I’ll be in touch to find out how to share with you. I found Rockne Villaruel on Facebook and messaged him as he also lived on Alewa Hts in the early 1960’s. Hopefully, he’ll respond. [If you want to send me an email directly to my email acct, it might be easier to communicate there, especially if I’m going to share pictures.] Mahalo
LikeLike
Erika:
Yes, the day care center is no longer there but by comparing photos of the day care (with the mountains in the background), my brother and I think the day care was on the left side of the cul de sac around lots 2418 to 2424. My brother is digitizing my late father’s slides. If you’re interested in any old pictures of the area (Alewa hts, Nuuana, Mae Mae), let me know.
Dan
LikeLike
Aloha I would love that. I live in Sereno street which in my fathers time was a lane. My dad grew up here in the 30’s I love learning about our area
LikeLike