The volcanic cone known as Pu‘u o Kapolei, was used in ancient times as a landmark for one of the trails that was often traversed between east and west O‘ahu. Legends and chants reveal to us that Kamaulauniho, Kuku Wahine of Kamapua‘a, held court at Pu‘u o Kapolei as moi chiefess of O‘ahu after her mo‘opuna conqured most of the island.

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Kapo, a goddess of dual nature, was the daughter of Haumea, an older sister of Pele. {A few legends indicate that Kapo may have been a sister of Pele.}  Kapo was a benevolent hula goddess, and at other times, a relentless enchantress.

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The kaona (meaning) of Kapolei refers to the wreath that is created in the sky, by a sunset glow surrounding Pu‘u o Kapolei at the time of the winter solstice. In ancient times, during winter solstice, kahuna or kilo observed the passing of the sun along its northerly/southerly course, which depicted the cyclical manifestation of nature and of life.

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From the writings of Kumu Olga Kalama