The region of Waikīkī that includes Fort DeRussy is known as Kālia. Historically, Kālia was a rich and abundant area filled with rivers, taro patches, fish ponds, and springs. Its boundaries extend from the ʻEwa side of Piʻikoi Street to the Lēʻahi side of Kālakaua Avenue. Today, this vibrant landscape houses several iconic landmarks, such as the Ala Moana Shopping Center, Ala Moana Park, and Fort DeRussy.

Originally named Kawehewehe, the land where Fort DeRussy stands was once owned by Chief Kekūanāoʻa, a royal statesman. Kawehewehe was renowned for its life-giving stream, attracting sick individuals from across the archipelago seeking healing. It is said that many Hawaiians would travel there adorned with a lei limu kala, made from the seaweed kala. They would offer prayers asking their ancestors for forgiveness for past wrongdoings and release the lei into the water, symbolically letting go of their burdens and, in turn, finding healing.

Kawehewehe was also famous for its uluniu (coconut groves), which were connected to the well-known coconut groves of Helumoa. Water from the springs within the Kawehewehe stream supplied both freshwater and brackish ponds, making the area ideal for aquaculture and agriculture. Notable fish ponds included Kapuʻuʻiki, Kaʻihikapu, Kaʻōhai, Halemauliola, Kaipuni, Nā Loko Pāweo, and Nāmomoku.

In 1911, under an executive order from Governor Lucius E. Pinkham, the U.S. military took possession of seventy-one acres of land in Kālia. Shortly after, the fishponds at Kawehewehe were filled with cement to lay the groundwork for what is now known as Fort DeRussy. The fort and the surrounding area were named after General René Edward De Russy, a war general who served in the American Civil War. The army acquired additional land through executive orders from Governor Pinkham in 1917 and 1918. In 1975, the Hawaii Army Museum Society established a war museum that showcases war memorabilia and exhibits related to Hawaiʻi’s involvement in U.S. wars both abroad and locally.

Kālia also holds significant political history from the Hawaiian Kingdom. In 1828, Royal Governor Boki incited a revolt against Queen Kaʻahumanu, who served as Premier. Governor Boki was supported by American and British merchants opposed to Kaʻahumanu’s strict laws against prostitution, adultery, murder, and the production and consumption of alcohol. Armed and determined, Boki and the Hawaiian army marched into Kālia, prepared to confront the queen. His anger stemmed from jealousy, as Kaʻahumanu was closely involved in governing alongside the Mōʻī (King) Kauikeaouli. Moreover, she suggested that Chief Kekūanāoʻa’s daughter, Princess Ruth Keʻelikōlani, might be the next in line for the throne—an assertion Boki saw as an overreach of authority. He believed that the royal union between Princess Nahiʻenaʻena and King Kauikeaouli would lead to a more viable heir. The armed insurrection was ultimately quelled when Chief Kekūanāoʻa confronted Governor Boki. As a skilled statesman, Kekūanāoʻa played a crucial role in safeguarding the power of Queen Kaʻahumanu. Kekūanāoʻa would later father two kings, Lota Kapuāiwa and Alexander Liholiho, as well as one premier, Victoria Kaʻahumanu. He would also serve in various prestigious roles, including as a  judge, Privy Council Member, President of the Legislature,  royal governor of Oʻahu, President of the Board of Education, and the last premier of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Today, Kawehewehe is encircled by towering hotels and high-rises, obscuring the once-thriving landscape of ponds and agricultural abundance. Once a sacred place of healing, its history is often lost beneath the urban skyline. Through the Wahi Pana project, Oʻahu is offered a deeper understanding of Kālia and Kawehewehe, restoring connections to this storied place and its enduring legacy of healing.