Ku'emanu Heiau
Ku'emanu Heiau is a small yet culturally unique Hawaiian temple located near Kailua-Kona on the Big Island. Unlike many other heiaus, this one was dedicated to surfing. Ancient Hawaiians gathered here to pray for favorable wave conditions and observe surfers from the upper platform. Situated directly across from a renowned surf break, Ku'emanu is a rare example of a temple tied to ocean sports and community recreation.
Ku'emanu Heiau, Big Island
Located on the Big Island's western shore, about 5 miles (8 km) south of Kailua-Kona, Ku'emanu Heiau is believed to have been devoted to surfing. It was used to pray for good surfing conditions and to observe surfers offshore. It stands opposite of an excellent surfing break, which is popular up until today.
Its stone platform is about 100 feet (30 m) long and 50 feet (15 m) wide. On top of the foundation sits an upper stone terrace. There is a stone water pool on one side of it which could have been used for bathing or rinsing off saltwater after coming out of the ocean.
A plaque in front of the heiau reads:
In the past, Hawaiian religious practices included the worship of many gods, both through individual and family rituals at small shrines and through larger community ceremonies at heiau (temples) such as this one. In 1819, King Kamehameha II renounced the traditional Hawaiian religion and the wooden god images, thatched houses and other perishable structures that once stood on the stone heiau foundations were destroyed or allowed to fall into ruin and decay. What we call heiau today are the foundations of the temples themselves.
Prehistorically, the Kahalu'u area supported a large population, including high ranking chiefs. Many of the once numerous heiau and other archaeological sites left behind by the ancient Hawaiians are being lost to the rapid growth and development that Hawaii has seen during this century. Ku'emanu Heiau, said to have been used to pray for good surfing conditions, has been preserved by the County of Hawaii. Kuemany was recently repaired and portions of the walls you see have been reconstructed.
For your safety, please don't walk along the edge of the walls.
Department of Parks and Recreation, County of Hawaii, 1982
Key Features of Ku'emanu Heiau
- Dedicated to surfing: One of the few known Hawaiian temples devoted to ocean recreation and wave conditions
- Surf observation platform: Located directly across from a surf break, used to monitor wave quality and surfers
- Stone water basin: May have been used for bathing or rinsing off after ocean activities
- Restored in 1982: Preserved and repaired by the County of Hawai'i with reconstructed stone walls
- Easy access location: Just south of Kailua-Kona along scenic Ali'i Drive, near St. Peter's Church
- Interpretive signage: On-site plaque describes the temple's function, history, and preservation
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Frequently Asked Questions
What was Ku'emanu Heiau used for?
It was dedicated to surfing. Ancient Hawaiians prayed here for good surf and observed surfers from its elevated stone platform.
Is the heiau original or reconstructed?
While much of the foundation is original, the site was restored in 1982 and parts of the walls were reconstructed for preservation.
Where is Ku'emanu Heiau located?
It's about 5 miles south of Kailua-Kona on Ali'i Drive, directly across from a surf break and near the Little Blue Church.
Is the surf spot still active today?
Yes, the break directly offshore is still a popular surfing spot for locals and visitors alike.
Can I walk on the walls of the heiau?
No, for safety and cultural preservation, visitors are asked not to walk along the walls of the temple structure.