Mookini Heiau at a Glance
A dramatic (and somewhat gruesome) history surrounds the Mookini
Heiau in Kohala, Big Island. Between the 11th and 12th centuries,
back when Hawaii was an anarchy, a Tahitian priest named Paao came
to the island and brought order and structure to the community.
Unfortunately, this order came with a new tradition: human
sacrifice. The heiau still bears the recessed slab where actual
human sacrifices were made, and some visitors swear they can feel
the spirits roaming the temple.
Despite the air of dark mystery surrounding the place, Mookini is
one of the most significant historic sites in Hawaii. You can feel
its power even as you drive to the site, over a dusty hillside,
under rushing clouds, and amidst a wind so strong you can hardly
hear above it. The temple is made from old stones allegedly
hand-carried by a chain of slaves, all the way from Pololu Valley
around 14 miles away.
The heiau wasn’t purely a place of suffering. When there were no
sacrifices, the priests allegedly used the temple to communicate
with the gods and their long-dead ancestors. People who had lost
family members often found refuge in the temple, as they could feel
their loved ones’ presence within its walls.
After visiting Mookini, lighten up with some swimming or snorkeling
at the nearby Kapaa Beach. The beach is just a short walk away and
has some of the best underwater views on the island. From the shore,
you can even catch a glimpse of the neighbor island, Maui, about
thirty miles away.Mookini Heiau in Bullet Points
Mookini Heiau Location
Address: Hwy 270, Near Upolu Airport, Hawi, HI 96725
Mookini Heiau Map (top)
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Holualoa Weather (top)
Now
75°F
Windchill:
75°F
Fair
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Location: Holualoa, HI, US
Wind: 8 mph SE
Humidity: 62%
Visibility: 0.1 mi
Pressure: 30.01 in rising
Sunrise: 6:28 am
Sunset: 6:35 pm
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Sat
Hi: 67°F
Low: 55°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Sun
Hi: 68°F
Low: 56°F
Mostly Cloudy
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Mookini Heiau Photos (click to enlarge) (top)
Mookini Heiau Reviews and Comments (top)
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