The correct answer is D. Maunakea/mist. Maunakea is a dormant volcano on Hawai'i Island renowned for its height and spiritual significance, particularly in relation to the deity of mist, who is important in Hawaiian culture.
The Wailuku River on Hawai'i Island has its source on the upper slopes of a mountain named in honor of a particular Hawaiian deity. Considering the geological and cultural context of Hawai'i Island, the closest match to the provided options is the dormant volcano Maunakea, which is significant for its height and cultural importance. Maunakea is also associated with the deity of the mist, aligning with the cultural reverence and natural phenomena observed on the island. Thus, the correct answer is D. Maunakea / mist.
The explanation revolves around understanding the physical geography of Hawai'i Island and the cultural significance ascribed to its natural landmarks. Maunakea, as noted in Hawaiian spirituality, aligns with the reverence for the interrelationship of elements and beings, including the deity of mist. This contextual knowledge helps us correctly identify the source of the Wailuku River.
So, the correct answer is based on an intersection of Hawaii's physical geography and cultural heritage, which credits Maunakea as the source near a pu'u (hill) associated with the deity of mist.