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Haena
Haena State Park
The spectacular Waikanaloa And Waikapalae Caves were shaped by the
ocean about 4,000 years ago. Legend gives all the responsibility to
Pele, the goddess of fire. Swimming is too hazardous here and not
allowed. You’ll find the caves at the end of Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56).
Kauluapaoa Heiau and Keahualaka Platform
This area is said to have been the birthplace of hula and is filled
with legends about Pele, her sister Hiiaka and her lover Lohiau.
Poipu
Prince Kuhio Park
An ancient fishpond and the remarkable Hoai Heiau are located in
this three-acre historic park. This is also the location of the
birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio, the last designated heir to the
throne of Hawaii. The park is privately owned, but open to the
public. It is located on Lawai Road near the Prince Kuhio Resort.
Waimea
Menehune Ditch
This is an ancient irrigation system said to have been built by
Hawaii’s legendary “little people,” the menehune, who were known for
their ingenuity in engineering.
Wailua River State Park
Along the Wailua River was one of the two large centers of life on
Kauai in the times before the arrival of Captain Cook and company on
the islands. Today you can find a complex of heiaus, petroglyphs,
birthing stones and archeological sites.
The highlights of this 1000-acre state park are:
Hikinaakala Heiau
The Hikinaakala Heiau is located on the southern bank at the mouth
of Wailua River on Lydgate Beach Park. It was built around the year
1300. Its name means “rising of the sun” and it was the place for
celebration of the sunrise every morning. Across from it is a
Puuhonua, a place of refuge, a zone of immunity for anyone, who
needed to escape punishment.
Wailua Petroglyphs
The rock drawings are often covered by sand, but the river and ocean
currents expose them from time to time. Here you can see petroglyphs
of people, animals and abstract forms.
Kalaeokamanu Heiau
It is believed that this heiau is one of the oldest on Kauai. It is
located on Kuamoo Road, past the Coco Palms Resort.
Pohaku Hoohanau
This is a group of rocks and boulders, where the ancient chiefs were
born. Pohaku Hoohanau is also on Kuamoo Road, across from the
Kalaeokamanu Heiau.
Poliahu Heiau
This big heiau is believed to have been the site of human
sacrifices. It has a picturesque setting on a bluff with a great
view of Wailua River. The Poliahu Heiau is located on Kuamoo Road,
one mile north of the Kalaeokamanu Heiau.
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