Pihakoihin

Pihakoihin refers to a stylistic or architectural feature commonly found in traditional Hawaiian coastal dwellings. These structures, known as hales or hale, were often built along the shoreline in areas protected by natural barriers such as reefs or rock formations. Pihakoihin is the name given to the practice of ground leveling or benching, which allowed these coastal dwellings to adapt to the slope and shape of the land.

When constructing a hale, builders would first identify the highest point of the plot and then create a series of level ground surfaces or "benches" that extended from the main living area to the shoreline. This leveling process allowed the home to blend harmoniously with its surroundings and enabled residents to take advantage of the natural draft created by the ocean breeze.

Pihakoihin also allows homeowners to disconnect from the surrounding terrain and create separate spaces that prioritize living areas, gathering spaces, or private sleeping quarters. By progressively widening the living space, traditional Hawaiian builders were able to optimize the utilization of coastal space and create expansive, easy-to-manage areas.

Pihakoihin has implications for not only Hawaii's cultural development but also its long-standing ecological values and history as described above.министра