Surface Architecture

Hawaiian Archaeology ANTH 464

Surface Architecture at Kaiholena, Hawai`i

Hawaiian architects and stone masons were highly skilled. Many of their abandoned structures are still standing today. What do they look like? How were they built?

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Location of Kaiholena

Aloha, and welcome to another lecture in ANTH 464, Hawaiian Archaeology. My name is Tom Dye.

The Hawaiian archaeological record is characterized by surface architecture, more so than the archaeological record in other parts of the world. Old Hawaiian stone masons were busy builders. They left behind an impressive built landscape of temples, houses, agricultural facilities, and other structures.

This lecture describes some of the surface architecture at Kaiholena on Hawai`i Island. The lecture is designed to give you an appreciation for the work of stone masons in old Hawai`i and to give you some insight into the dynamics of the built environment.

Archaeology’s strength is its ability to document change over time. This lecture focuses on the surface architectural remains of habitation structures and asks what archaeologists might learn about the life histories of habitation foundations.

Men’s House Architecture at Kaiholena

The men’s house was a focal point of activity in the village. It was designed to look impressive from the bay.

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Surface Architecture Hawaiian Archaeology ANTH 464