Kauai Sacred Places

Sacred places on Kauai

Known as the "Garden Isle," Kawai has more to offer than its endless expanse of sparkling blue waters. It is also home to some of the most interesting sacred sites in the islands of Hawaii.

Wailua River State Park

Location: Kuhio Highway, Wailua (along the banks of the Wailua River is the Wailua River State Park)

Facts: Considered as one of the most significant cultural sites of Hawaii, it abounds with historical finds that range from ancient art to temple ruins.

Hikinaakala Heiau

Location: The Hikinaakala Heiau can be found south of the Wailua River near the Lydgate Beach Park.

Facts: Built in 1300 AD, its name aptly means “rising of the sun.” This temple was used as a place to welcome the dawn with prayers. A “puuhonua” or a refuge for people during times of war can also be found.

Wailua Petroglyphs

Location: Wailua Bay

Facts: Petroglyphs etched on the boulders found in the southern bank of the Wailua River appear with the ebbing of the tide. These relics depict pictures of humans, animals and other symbols. Some of these boulders still contain grooves from when the stone adzes were sharpened by ancient civilizations.

Kalaeokamanu Heiau

Locatiob: Kuamoo Road, Lihue

Facts: The Kalaeokamanu Heiau is a sharp contrast to the modern Coco Palms Resort located nearby. Situated along Kuamoo Road, this religious temple is said to be one of the oldest heiaus on Kauai. It is believed that many religious traditions originated from this temple.

Pohaku Hoohanau

Location: Kuamoo Road, Lihue

Facts: Large boulders mark this important historical spot along Kuamoo Road. Pohaku Hoohanau is the birthing grounds of the alii or Hawaiian chiefs. Royal women would travel here to give birth, assuring their children of high rank.

Poliahu Heiau

Location: 174 Wailua Rd., Kaapa

Facts: Across Opaekaa Falls and overlooking the Wailua Rives lies the Poliahu Heiau. It is believed to be a luakini heiau or a sacrificial temple. The stone walls and paved floors make for quite an impressive sight.

Haena State Park

Location: Kauai's northwest coast

Facts: It is worth visiting because of the work that nature created. Two of these are the Waikanaloa and Waikapalae Caves, which lore says were created by Pele, the goddess of fire.

Kauluapaoa Heiau and the Keahualaka Platform

Location: End of Kuhio Highway, near Kee Beach

Facts: The Kauluapaoa Heiau and the Keahualaka Platform are credited as places where the hula originated. Located at the end of Kuhio Highway and near the famed Kee Beach, visitors are greeted by the breathtaking views of Lehua Island.

Nualolo Kai

Location: Nualolo Kai State Park, Waimea Canyon Dr.

Facts: Nualolo Kai is one of the biggest temples along the Na Pali Coast. Evidence suggests that it was in use for almost 800 years. Nualolo Kai remains undisturbed and is one of the most well-preserved archeological sites on the island.

Prince Kuhio Park

Location: Lawai Road, Poipu

Facts: Named after Prince Jonah Kuhio, Hawaii’s last royal heir, the Prince Kuhio Park is a historical find that spans over three acres. Among the places worth visiting are an old fishpond and the Hoai Heiau.

Menehune Ditch

Location: 5185 Menehune Rd.

Facts: The Menehune Ditch is an ancient aquaduct supposedly built by the legendary little people of Hawaii, the menehune. Made from lava stones, the irrigation system allowed water from the Waimea River to the taro fields.