In Waimea, the post office is known as Kamuela PO. From what I read, probably in 'Place Names of Hawaii,' the name possibly came about because the original postmaster was named Samuel, which translates to Kamuela in Hawaiian. I like that explanation best.
It also makes sense to differentiate from the "other" Waimea on Kauai. There are so many place names that repeat on two, sometimes three islands. Of course, way, way back in the time machine, there wasn't constant travel between the islands, so people probably didn't know or care that there was a Keaau on Oahu's Leeward Coast and another on the Big Island. Or that Kahuku is a massive area near South Point of Hawaii Island, and a prominent area on the northern tip of Oahu. And on and on.
Kamuela Post Office was busy, brisk, foot traffic flowing in and out. The parking lot is mostly gravel and rough, but folks here just get going without hesitation unless they run into an old friend and chat. The view from here, parking lot in the back, facing the building, opens a perspective that includes the slopes of the Kohala Mountains. It's a sight I cherish. The Big Island truly is unique — one of a kind.
A stone's throw from this post office, Kahilu Theater. I've never been in there, but theater productions are pretty constant there. Waimea, or Kamuela, is country like Honokaa and other towns, but it definitely has its own flavor.
Comments