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Ancient Sites of Oahu
Information about some of Oahu's most important ancient sites.
Includes sites on the north shore and in central, leeward, south,
and windward Oahu.
In ancient times, the sacred places of Oahu were treated with great reverence
and care. These significant areas help perpetuate Oahu’s history, culture and
the island’s sense of place. Sites include heiau (temples or places of worship),
pohaku (stones), petroglyphs, caves and rock shelters and fishponds. Today,
these places continue to remain sacred and possess spiritual power according
to many native Hawaiians.
Oahu’s North Shore
On Oahu’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 Oahu, Puu o Mahuka Heiau, covers almost two acres on a
ridge overlooking Waimea Valley on the North Shore. In the 1770s, high priest
Kaopulupulu, under Oahu 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 Oahu, 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 Oahu
Kukaniloko Birthstones is the first ancient site on Oahu to have been officially
recognized, preserved and protected. The Daughters of Hawaii were responsible
for this important feat. When Kukaniloko was visited by the alii (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
Wahiawa and Haleiwa in a pineapple field. According to Hawaiian tradition,
powerful gods of chiefly lines inhabited this area and could relieve the pains
of labor. The alii 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 Oahu
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 Makaha Valley.
Windward Oahu
The Kapaeleele Koa 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 Oahu 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.
Oahu’s South Shore
On a high ridge in the forested uplands overlooking Puuloa and the southern
shoreline of Oahu, lies Keaiwa Heiau, built during the time of Kakuhihewa, a
benevolent chief of Oahu in the 16th century. Keaiwa translates to “mysterious
or incomprehensible” and may refer to the spiritual power of the kahuna (priest)
and the use of herbs for healing.
Na Pohaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni, also known as the Wizard Stones, date back to
the 15th century. According to legend, four priests from Tahiti with healing
powers arrived on Oahu during the last migration of Polynesians to the islands.
They spent years in Waikiki. 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 Kaimuki, several miles from Waikiki: two in
the ocean and two on land. The stones are now located on Kuhio Beach in Waikiki.
Nuuanu Petroglyphs can be seen along Nuuanu Stream below Nuuanu 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 Nuuanu Valley lore are a guardian spirit.
The lava rock formation seen from the Hawaii Kai Golf Club and on the road
to Makapuu 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 Oahu 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 Hawaii
at (808) 587-0300.
Article provided courtesy of the Oahu Visitor's Bureau
See also:
History of Oahu
The Hawaiian Monarchy
Regions of Oahu
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