BIG ISLAND OF HAWAII SACRED PLACES

Hilo

Legends say that whoever can turn over the 7,000-pound Naha Stone, which is located near the Hilo Public Library, would be the first king of all the islands. It was achieved by Kamehameha I.

Honaunau

It is said that if warriors, lawbreakers and victims of war could reach Puuhonua o Honaunau, a place of refuge, they would escape death. Here you’ll find sites of houses, ancient royal fishponds and of course the heiau with its intense energies, which can still be felt today.

Kailua-Kona Area

A 25-minute walk from the Fairmond Orchid Hotel will take you to the Puako Petroglyphs. Here you’ll find one of the largest collections of petroglyphs in the state of Hawaii. There are also ancient fishponds and lava tube caves in the area.

Kailua-Kona Town

Surf’s up! The Kuemanu Heiau is the only temple anywhere that is fully dedicated to surfing, the art of riding waves that had been invented by the old Hawaiians. It is located on Alii Drive, next to the small blue church.

Kawaihae

The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site was built by Kamehameha I and dedicated to the war god Ku around 1790. Kamehameha’s cousin and rival was the first human sacrifice. Offshore the nearby beach, there is also an underwater heiau, dedicated to the shark god.

Kohala Coast

The Kohala Historical Sites State Monument is located 1.6 miles southwest of the Upolu Airport. It is the birthplace of Kamehameha I and home of the Mookini Heiau, the most famous site of sacrifices on the Big Island.

Kona

Ahuena Heiau
This used to be the personal temple of King Kamehameha I, who spent the last years of his life here. His remains are buried on the property in a location only known to his descendants. The heiau is located north of the Kailua Pier on the premises of the King Kamehameha Hotel.

Kealakowaa Heiau
Built in the 17th century, this heiau was a spot for blessing canoes before they were ready to hit the water. The heiau site is not open to visitors at this time, but tours can be arranged upon request at the center. You’ll find the Kealokowaa Heiau next to the Kona Outdoor Circle Educational Center.

Keolonahihi State Historical Park
You’ll find a record 13 sites of heiaus, house platforms and a mortuary temple in this 12-acre park, which is named after an ancient priestess. The Keolonahihi State Historical Park is located 2.5 miles south of Kailua-Kona and 2.5 miles north of Keauhou.

North Kona
The Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park is a 1160-acre park located at the base of the Hualalai Volcano, 3 miles north of Kailua-Kona along Highway 19. On this site of ancient Hawaiian settlements, you’ll find fishponds, house platforms, petroglyphs and a heiau.

Puu Loa Petroglyphs
A coastal trail over the Pahoehoe lava flows leads to the largest petroglyph fields in Polynesia. The two-mile roundtrip hiking trail begins at the Puu Loa parking area on the Chain of Craters Road.

South Kona
The Hiki Au Heiau, located at Napoopoo Beach Park, is another temple that was used for human sacrifice. It was here that Captain James Cook was first celebrated as the god Lono returning to the island. A little while later, the misunderstanding became clear and Cook lost his life in nearby Kealakekua Bay.

Volcanoes National Park
This is the home of Pele, the legendary goddess of fire. She is said to have her residence in the Halemaumau Crater at the summit of the still active Kilauea. Pele is in charge of the lava flows of Kilauea and of everything else that has to do with heat or fire. She is the most mentioned goddess in Hawaii and many people claim to have seen her in the form of a woman with glowing eyes and long white hair.