Kapaa Upcountry Kalama Stream Estates

The Sacred Land of Kalama Stream Estates: A Historical Legacy in Wailua

Kalama Stream Estates at Kamalu Road is a parcel of land steeped in deep cultural and historical significance. Nestled in the heart of Wailua, this land is more than just a piece of property; it is a sacred part of Hawaii’s history and a testament to the enduring bond between the land and its people.

This plot represents a connection to the past, a living reminder of the traditions and values that have shaped this part of Kauai for generations. The area’s rich history is intertwined with the legacy of those who once cultivated and cherished it, contributing to the cultural fabric of the region.

Wailua has long been a place of great importance in Royal Hawaii and Royal Kauai history, as well as in the broader narrative of Kaua’i. The ali’i, or Hawaiian royalty, recognized the abundance of the land here, choosing Wailua as their preferred residence due to its lush landscapes and fertile soil. The Wailua River Valley is more than just a picturesque location; it is a site deeply steeped in culture, religion, and the intrinsic bond between humanity and the land. For centuries, it has been a place of pilgrimage, where the sacred waters of Waialeale nourish both the land and the spirit.

The parcel itself is graced by Kalama Stream, fed by a spring that draws its water from the cliffs of Waialeale, one of Kauai’s most sacred mountains. This stream eventually merges into Opaekaa River, cascading over Opaekaa Falls before joining the Wailua River near the ancient birthing stones on the eastern bank. The significance of Waialeale cannot be overstated. The mountain takes its name from a small lake at its summit, which is perpetually filled by the daily rains. “Waialeale” means “rippling water,” a poetic description of the winds that dance across the lake’s surface, creating a scene reminiscent of a Monet painting.

Historically, the lake’s natural flow was toward Wainiha, but over a thousand years ago, a canal was carefully dug into the southern bank of the lake to create a spillway, ensuring that the sacred waters from Waialeale directly fed the Wailua River. This extraordinary feat of engineering, likely commissioned by a Kauai king with the help of priests, warriors, and workers, was designed to guarantee that Wailua would share in the divine waters of Waialeale, thus cementing its place as a site of immense cultural and spiritual importance.

The upcountry Wailua region, where Kalama Stream Estates is situated, is one of the most fertile areas in all of Kauai and Hawaii. The land sits within a natural bowl formed by Kauai’s great mountains, with rich soil deposited by rains from Nounou (Sleeping Giant) to the east, Makaleha Mountain (Kong Mountain) to the north, the Lihue Mountains to the south, and Waialeale to the west. This unique geographic feature creates an environment where everything flourishes, thanks to the ideal combination of river water, rain, and sunshine.

Although this parcel is not the exact same as those in Wailua, Kilauea, and Moloaa that were historically owned and farmed by earlier generations, it closely resembles the plots cultivated by ancestors in Wailua and nearby areas. The land here has always been more than just a place to live; it has been a vital part of the community’s identity, a place where the connection to the land runs deep. The Kuleana plots at Pilaa, acquired during the kingdom days, hold similar historical significance, having formed the foundation of land holdings that played a crucial role in the community’s history.

This property has a magical feel to it. The land is calling for its next lucky owner. For more information, go to MLS 709202.