Historic Site with Hala Tree

The Historic sites along the coastal portion of Haleakala National Park, below Kipahulu Valley, are the remains of old agricultural terraces, shelter sites, fishing shrines, temples and canoe ramps. The area is rich in traditional Hawaiian culture. The common hala, a tree that grows throughout the Park coastal area, is native to Hawaii. Hawaiians had many uses for the different parts of this plant. The leaves, called lau hala, are used to weave mats, baskets and household objects. The fruit of the female tree, called 'ahui hala, has wedge-shaped pieces that can be pulled apart and used as paintbrushes in Hawaiian crafts.