Ahuena Heiau at a Glance
One look at the Ahuena Heiau is all it takes to feel the
temple’s distinct spiritual value. The heiau (ancient Hawaiian
temple) was built by King Kamehameha I in the early 1800s,
facing the majestic Kamakahonu Beach, to honor the god Lona.
It served as the king’s personal refuge and was his home
for the last of his years in power. It also stood witness
to several human sacrifices, a common practice in the Kamehameha
dynasty.
It is believed that Kamehameha I himself died in this very
place. According to belief, his bones were extracted soon
after he died and taken to Wawahiwa Point up north, although
they have yet to be found. Even so, the temple is so revered
today that no one can set foot inside-tourists can only
explore the grounds and the exterior architecture.
Shortly after the king’s death, his son, Kamehameha II,
came into power and set about destroying the artifacts of
old religion. It was during this time that the people’s
spirituality declined and the temple’s sanctity came close
to its end. It was only decades later, with the efforts
of the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, that the place underwent
some restoration.
Only one-third of the temple has actually been restored,
so there isn’t much to see yet. The temple serves mostly
as a point of interest on the Kamakahonu Beach, on which
it is located. The Kamehameha Hotel, a popular tourist accommodation,
is just a short walk from the temple and provides the main
point of access.
Ahuena Heiau in Bullet Points
Ahuena Heiau Location
Address: 75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740
Ahuena Heiau Map (top)
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Kailua-Kona Weather (top)
Now
68°F
Windchill:
68°F
Fair
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Location: Kailua Kona, HI, US
Wind: 3 mph N
Humidity: 76%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 29.96 in steady
Sunrise: 6:29 am
Sunset: 6:35 pm
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Fri
Hi: 80°F
Low: 69°F
Partly Cloudy
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Sat
Hi: 80°F
Low: 70°F
Partly Cloudy
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Ahuena Heiau Photos (click to enlarge)
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Ahuena Heiau Reviews and Comments
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