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Sandalwood
Pit
a.k.a. Lua Na Moku Iliahi
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Maunahui Road,
Central Molokai
Approximately nine miles into your journey to
the Waikolu Lookout is an 75-foot long indention in
the earth known as the Sandalwood Pit. This hole was
dug in the early 1800's by King Kamehameha's men to
the exact width and breadth of the cargo hold of a
ship. Sandalwood was a much sought-after fragrant
wood which grew in the forests of above Waikolu Valley.
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The wood was cut and placed in the
pit. Once the pit was filled, the wood was carried
by the commoners down to the waiting ship that would
export it to China. In return for a cargo-hold filled
with sandalwood the King would receive the ship on
its return trip. Kamehameha gained a very large fleet
of ships with this monopoly. This business, continued
by the King's heirs, virtually annihilated the sandalwood
tree from existence in Hawaii.
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Useful Information:
- Located next to the road - a small sign tells
the history of the pit
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DIRECTIONS:
Coming from Kaunakakai on Highway 460 toward the airport,
turn onto Maunahui Road on the right, immediately before
the bridge, just before Mile Marker #4. The road turns
into a dirt road just after the Homelanie Cemetery.
Continue on the dirt road for approximately 9 miles.
The Sandalwood Pit will be on the left side of the road. |
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This pit is located about 15 miles from
the ocean if you take the road. |
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Very difficult to get to in the winter
due to muddy roads.
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Click
On Name To View Site Info
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