Ainahou Ranch House and Gardens: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, National Park Service

Tamimi, L.; Rygh, Christian

The 'Ainahou Ranch House and Gardens is located within Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, approximately four miles south and down slope from Kilauea Caldera. The site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places at the state level of significance in 1995. The 13.3‑acre historic site sits within a native mesic (moist but not extremely wet) forest at an elevation of 3000 feet. Within this forest, gardens that surround a unique craftsman house create an exotic setting which reflects the site's development by renowned horticulturalist, Herbert C. Shipman from 1941 to 1971. During these years, Shipman created an informal historic vernacular landscape that showcased his vast horticultural collection, which included orchids, orchards, a tree farm, and rare plants from around the globe. These plantings were all supported by an on‑site rare plant nursery and an ingenious and unique rainwater catchment system. Shipman's efforts were intended to develop not a botanic garden in a traditional sense, with specific areas dedicated to species, ecosystems, and an aesthetic horticultural showcase to display his collections and beautify the grounds. The gardens were informally planted throughout the grounds, making use of the sloping terrain to create views to the shoreline, as well as smaller topographic lava features that were used as planters or as backdrops for orchids and other species. The palette consisted of a multitude of exotic species laid out in an informal, non‑linear pattern, which in several areas incorporated or even accentuated the existing natural patterns of native trees and rock outcrops. While Shipman utilized many exotics in discrete arrangements throughout his gardens, the layout does not adhere to any formally designed plan (that is known) and does not follow the any thematic organization that might categorize the developments as botanical gardens or as a formally designed landscape. The ranch house is a two‑story wooden bungalow with redwood siding, cut‑lava stone foundations and a low gabled roof sheathed in corrugated metal. It incorporates signature components of the Craftsman Style such as the incorporation of Adirondack and Japanese elements such as unfinished log pillars on the exterior and a horizontal roofline supported by protruding rafters. Additional specialized features such as the lanai, built‑in garage, and unique rainwater catchment system mark this home as an exceptional building within Craftsman Style. The period of significance of 1941 to 1971, begins when Shipman first constructed his house as a safe haven from possible Japanese invasion during WWII. During and after the war, the ranch house was also used as a base of operations for 'Ainahou Ranch, which supplied beef to military and domestic outlets. The ensuing years saw more elaborate gardens surrounding the ranch house, and the site was used as a Nene (endangered Hawaiian goose) sanctuary. The period ends in 1971 when Shipman submitted his asking price for his improvements to the property, and terminated his lease with B.P. Bishop Estate, thereby enabling the National Park Service to acquire it from the owner. While the current variety of plant species found at the 'Ainahou Ranch House and Gardens is significantly less diverse than during the period of significance, the overall character of the site as a manicured showcase of exotics within a native mesic forest remains. This is due in part to efforts by both the National Park Service and the Friends of 'Ainahou, a volunteer organization dedicated to the upkeep of the property. Overall, the site is in fair condition.

Ainahou Ranch House and Gardens: Cultural Landscape Inventory, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, National Park Service

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