ANCIENT SITES OF O‘AHU

O‘AHU – In ancient times, the sacred places of O‘ahu were treated with great reverence and care. These significant areas help perpetuate O‘ahu’s history, culture and the island’s sense of place. Sites include heiau (temples or places of worship), pōhaku (stones), petroglyphs, caves and rock shelters, and fishponds. Today, these places continue to remain sacred and possess spiritual power according to many native Hawaiians.

O‘ahu’s North Shore

On O‘ahu’s North Shore at Waimea Valley, Hale o Lono Heiau comes alive with people, cloaks, flowers, feathers, and firelight in October during the Makahiki season (the harvest festival of the Hawaiian year). Dedicated to the god Lono, the heiau was built between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D. It is the only place in the state where you can see and hear chants and ceremonies in a meticulously restored heiau.

The largest heiau on O‘ahu, Pu‘u o Mahuka Heiau, covers almost two acres on a ridge overlooking Waimea Valley on the North Shore. In the 1770s, high priest Kaopulupulu, under O‘ahu chief Kahahana, oversaw the heiau and attended to the many gods installed there. Because this was a time of political upheaval, it is likely that this powerful heiau was used as a sacrificial temple, perhaps for successes in war. In 1795, when Kamehameha I conquered O‘ahu, his high priest Hewahewa conducted religious ceremonies at the heiau until 1819 when this religion was abolished at the hands of the Hawaiians themselves.

Central O‘ahu

Kukaniloko Birthstones is the first ancient site on O‘ahu to have been officially recognized, preserved and protected. The Daughters of Hawai‘i were responsible for this important feat. When

Kukaniloko was visited by the ali‘i (chief), they sat arranged in two rows on 18 lava rock seats flanking a central birthing stone. The stones, many of which are indented with bowl-like shapes, now lie haphazardly in a small grove of coconut and eucalyptus trees located between Wahiawā and Hale‘iwa in a pineapple field. According to Hawaiian tradition, powerful gods of chiefly lines inhabited this area and could relieve the pains of labor. The ali‘i birthing ritual conducted at this site involved the participation of an additional 48 chiefs to administer to the newborn and the use of sacred drums to announce the birth to the commoners gathered below.

Leeward O‘ahu

Perhaps one of the most captivating temples on the island is Kaneaki Heiau, known to have been both an agricultural and war temple. Construction began in the 15th century with a two-terrace structure, followed by five more construction phases that eventually doubled the heiau size by 1650 A.D. It is located in upper Mākaha Valley.

Windward O‘ahu

The Kapa‘ele‘ele Ko‘a is a fishing shrine located on the western slope of Kahana Valley overlooking Kahana Bay. From this vantage point, fishermen could spot the schools of fish in the bay and signal fishermen below to surround them successfully. Offerings given at the shrine ensured a bountiful catch.

In the 1700s, Kailua was a favored place of O‘ahu chiefs because of the fresh waters of Kawainui Marsh that fed a large fishpond and irrigated numerous taro fields. Located on the eastern side of Kawainui Marsh is the Ulupo Heiau. Legend says it was built by Menehune (legendary race of small people), with stone carried from across the island and completed in a single night. A pool of fresh water in the corner of the site was used to prepare offerings for the altar.

O‘ahu’s South Shore

On a high ridge in the forested uplands overlooking Pu‘uloa and the southern shoreline of O‘ahu, lies Kea‘iwa Heiau, built during the time of Kakuhihewa, a benevolent chief of O‘ahu in the 16^th century. Kea‘iwa translates to “mysterious or incomprehensible” and may refer to the spiritual power of the kahuna (priest) and the use of herbs for healing.

Na Pōhaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni, also known as the Wizard Stones, date back to the 15^th century. According to legend, four priests from Tahiti with healing powers arrived on O‘ahu during the last migration of Polynesians to the islands. They spent years in Waikīkī. Before returning home, they gave residents a gift – the four stones imbued with their mana (healing powers). The healing stones are believed to have been quarried from Kaimukī, several miles from Waikīkī: two in the ocean and two on land. The stones are now located on Kūhiō Beach in Waikīkī.

Nu‘uanu Petroglyphs can be seen along Nu‘uanu Stream below Nu‘uanu Memorial Park, at Alapena Pool and Kapena Falls. Numerous carved animal and human figures can be found throughout these three locations. The dog figures prominently in Nu‘uanu Valley lore are a guardian spirit.

The lava rock formation seen from the Hawai‘i Kai Golf Club and on the road to Makapu‘u is Pele’s Chair or Pele’s Throne. The lava rock formation is at the end of a ridge right at the water’s edge, and it is said to be one of the places from which the volcano goddess left O‘ahu to continue her search for a suitable home on other islands.

For more information about the location of sacred sites, contact the Department of Land and Natural Resources State Park Division, State of Hawai‘i at (808) 587-0300.

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