Kikiaoloa translated from Hawaiian means the “sprouting springs of Ola” and is the name of an irrigation ditch located in Waimea Valley that is believed to have been built prior to the 14th century. According to Hawaii Magazine, “the ditch channeled water from Waimea River to the taro patches in lower Waimea Valley. It was engineered in a way that’s not found anywhere else in Hawaii and it continues to puzzle archaeologists. The 120 neatly cut and smooth blocks of basalt stones are what’s unusual about it, and differs from typical Hawaiian rock wall constructions.”
Legends tell of Ola, King of Waimea, who through his kahuna (priest) ordered menehune, an ancient race of people, to build a watercourse. Each brought a stone, and the ditch was finished in a single night.
Kikiaola Land Company believes in the power of unity and craftsmanship, much like the intricately joined stonework of Kikiaola, or as it’s affectionately called, the Menehune Ditch. Each carved stone, carefully placed and seamlessly fitting together, symbolizes the strength and beauty that can be achieved through collaboration and community.
Businesses
Today, the company is owned by 150 members of the Faye ohana. Kikiaola Land Company establishes and operates businesses on makai (toward the sea) land between the towns of Waimea and Kekaha, including:
Waimea Plantation Cottages
The Waimea Plantation Cottages is a charming resort located in Waimea, Kauai consisting of 59 historic cottages that were once homes of the employees and their families of Waimea Sugar Mill Company. Built between the 1880s and 1930s, each cottage claims an intriguing story, and many are named after their plantation laborers. The cottages have been well-preserved and lovingly refreshed while still retaining the charm and rustic quality of plantation-era homes. Offering casual Hawaiian décor and ranging in size from one to five bedrooms, the cottages offer a perfect getaway for couples and families of all sizes.
Waimea Heritage Center
Waimea’s weekly farmers market is the place to be on Thursdays at the Old Sugar Mill site from 3 p.m-5 p.m. Come visit with friends and neighbors while enjoying fresh local produce, exciting food trucks, and other local vendors:
Wirat Farm
Hoku’s
Superhero Sushi and Thai
Baja Chulupas
Da Seafood Boil
Beauty to Go with Jo
Hale Puna
Iʻa Ono Sushi and Thai
Mahalo Mocktails
Kauai Menehune Kitchen
Currently the space features a weekly farmers market sponsored by Hale Puna as well as several craft vendors. For leasing opportunities, please contact Dan Metsch at The Beall Corporation at dan@thebeallcorporation.com, (808) 652-9205.
Membership Organizations
Kikiaola Land Company is a proud member of:
● West Kauai Business and Professionals Association
● Kauai Chamber of Commerce
● Contractors Association of Kauai
● Family Business Center of Hawaii