The streams of the valleys of Waikapu, Wailuku, Waiehu, and Waihe'e are known as the four waters. The fertile lands and abundant water made this area the largest irrigated agricultural system in Hawaii and a major population center of Maui.
Imagine this landscape 200 years ago. Kalo (taro) fields cover the valley floor with 'auwai (ditches) diverting water from the streams to irrigate the lo'i kalo (planted terraces). The hale (houses) of the farmers dot he valley slopes while the hale of the fishermen line the shores of Kahului Bay. Haleki'i and Pihanakalani Heiau on the dune along 'Iao Stream are the religious center of this important area.
With Western contact, the landscape of the Wailuku Plain began to change. By the late 1800s, much of the kalo was gone and the plain was covered by fields of sugar cane irrigated with water fro the four streams.