Wai Momi: Pearl Harbor and the Native Hawaiians

When most people hear the name Pearl Harbor, they immediately think of the infamous Japanese attack on December 7, 1941, that propelled the United States into World War II. President Franklin D. Roosevelt immortalized the date as “a day which will live in infamy.” However, Pearl Harbor’s history extends far beyond that fateful event. Long before it became a significant U.S. naval base, the area was known to Native Hawaiians as Wai Momi, meaning “Pearl Waters.” Its story is one of natural beauty, cultural significance, and mythological lore that predates its association with modern warfare.

Hawaii, in 1941, was not yet a U.S. state but had been an American territory since the late 19th century. Before becoming a focal point for military and political interests, the islands were visited by European explorers, starting with Captain James Cook in the 1770s. For centuries before these encounters, however, Hawaii thrived as an isolated world of its own. Its people cultivated a rich culture deeply connected to the land and sea, including the waters of Wai Momi.
Pearl Harbor, when viewed from above, resembles a tree with its roots meeting Mamala Bay and its trunk branching into the West Loch, Middle Loch, and East Loch. This unique natural formation once boasted pristine waters brimming with oysters, which made the lagoon a source of wealth and beauty. Native Hawaiians aptly named it Wai Momi to honor the abundance of pearls found there. Another traditional name for the area, Puʻuloa or “Long Hill,” reflects the natural terrain.

The lagoon’s historical and cultural significance is intertwined with Hawaiian mythology. According to legend, Puʻuloa was the domain of Kaʻahupahau, the shark goddess. She, along with her brother Kahiʻuka, resided in underwater caves in the harbor—hers in the West Loch and his near Ford Island. Together, they protected the people of Oʻahu by warding off man-eating sharks. Islanders revered Kaʻahupahau as a benevolent guardian.
One variation of the story recounts how Kaʻahupahau left Wai Momi in the 19th century after human activity began to damage the environment. With her departure, the once-abundant oyster population dwindled, transforming the lagoon forever.
Another tale tells of Chief Keaunui of Ewa, who is credited with shaping the harbor. The chief is said to have widened and deepened the area, creating the lagoon that became known as Wai Momi. Such legends highlight the deep connection the Native Hawaiians had with their land and waters, seeing them as sacred spaces shaped by divine and human hands alike.

Ford Island, located in the center of Pearl Harbor, also holds cultural significance in Hawaiian history. Native Hawaiians used the island for fertility rituals known as the hōlua games. Chiefs would pair men and women to spend a ceremonial night together, symbolizing the renewal of life and prosperity. These rituals reflected the islanders’ spiritual beliefs and connection to nature. However, such practices faded in the early 19th century with the arrival of Christian missionaries who sought to impose their religious values on the islands.

Before European explorers and settlers arrived, Native Hawaiians lived harmoniously along the shores of Wai Momi. Canoeing through its calm waters, they fished, gathered oysters, and celebrated the lagoon’s natural bounty. The harbor played a vital role in their daily lives, providing sustenance and inspiring traditions and myths.
The arrival of foreign explorers brought profound changes. Westerners were drawn to the harbor’s strategic location and natural resources, setting the stage for transformations that would eventually turn Wai Momi into a military hub. These developments displaced traditional Hawaiian ways of life, replacing them with industries and infrastructure catering to external interests.

As Western and American influence grew, Wai Momi transitioned from a sacred lagoon to a pivotal location in U.S. military strategy. By the late 19th century, the harbor was being developed as a naval base, its natural beauty altered by modernization. The harbor’s significance reached its apex on December 7, 1941, but its earlier history as a place of Hawaiian legends and traditions remains a crucial part of its identity.

Understanding Wai Momi’s history is essential to appreciating its cultural depth. Beyond its role in modern history, the harbor is a testament to the rich heritage of Native Hawaiians. From the mythology of Kaʻahupahau to the fertility rituals on Ford Island, Wai Momi embodies the spirit of a people who lived in harmony with their environment.
As visitors and historians reflect on Pearl Harbor’s legacy, it’s vital to remember its roots in Hawaiian culture. The name Wai Momi, with its reference to the pearls that once sparkled in its waters, serves as a reminder of a time when the lagoon was a source of life, legends, and livelihood for the islanders. This duality of history—both ancient and modern—makes Pearl Harbor a truly unique and sacred place.