Pohaku Ho'ohanau (Royal Birthstones)

Pohaku Ho'ohanau, the Royal Birthstones, is a sacred Wailua River State Park site connected with the birth of high-ranking Kauai chiefs.

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Pohaku Ho'ohanau (Royal Birthstones), Kauai

This is an ancient and sacred Hawaiian site. In the old times it was important that all of Kauai’s kings were born here. There is a stone where the pregnant woman was leaning against with her back and another stone where she put her legs while giving birth. Within the stone enclosure once stood a grass shack, where the mother-to-be stayed prior to giving birth.

The flat stone in the front was used to cover a sacrificed dog, signifying to commoners that for them the place was kapu (forbidden). After birth, the baby’s umbilical cord was placed in a crack in the rock wall. If the cord was taken away by a rat, then that was a bad sign, indicating that the child would later become a thief. If no rat showed up, it was a good sign.

Key Features

Sacred Wailua River State Park site on Kauai's east side
Also known as the Royal Birthstones
Associated with the birth of high-ranking Kauai chiefs
Located near Holoholoku Heiau and Poliahu Heiau
Part of Wailua's broader royal and religious landscape
Best visited quietly and respectfully
Do not climb on stones, move rocks or leave offerings
No visitor facilities are located directly at the birthstones
Nearby Wailua sites help connect the stones with heiau, river and chiefly history
Pohaku Ho'ohanau is known for Kauai royal birth traditions, sacred stones, Wailua history and ancient Hawaiian cultural significance

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Pohaku Ho'ohanau mean?

Pohaku means stone, and ho'ohanau refers to giving birth or causing birth. The name connects the stones with the birth traditions of high-ranking chiefs.

Why were the birthstones important?

The stones were connected with chiefly birth and status. In Wailua, birth, religion and political authority were closely linked.

How are the birthstones connected to Holoholoku Heiau?

The birthstones are near Holoholoku Heiau, placing royal birth traditions close to sacred religious sites in the Wailua River State Park cultural area.

Why is Wailua central to this story?

Wailua was one of Kauai's major royal centers, with river access, fertile land, heiau and chiefly sites that made it important in ancient island life.

How should visitors behave at the birthstones?

Do not climb on the stones, move rocks, leave offerings or treat the area as a photo prop. A respectful visit means observing quietly and leaving the site unchanged.