Oahu Sacred Places

Sacred places on Oahu

Known as “The Gathering Place,” Oahu is the second oldest island of the six main Hawaiian Islands. Hidden within this island is a host of sacred places worth visiting.

Kapaemahu Stones

Location: Kuhio Beach, near the Hyatt Regency in Waikiki

Facts: Near Kuhio Beach, four large stones known as Kapaemahu, Kahaloa, Kapuni and Kinohi can be found. Legend has it that the kahunas or priests stored their powers in those rocks. Today, this prominent landmark shows the rich history of Oahu.

Kaneaki Heiau

Location: Maunaolu St., behind the Makaha Valley Country Club

Facts: The Kaneaki Heiau is a well-known temple near the Waianae Coast in the center of Makaha Valley. Constructed in the 17th century, it was built to honor Lono, the god of agriculture. The Kaneaki Heiau receives visitors from Tuesday to Sunday and is open from 10 am to 2 pm.

Kaneana Cave

Location: Farrington Hwy, near the Makua Military Reservation

Facts: Old legends speak of Nanaue, the son of the shark god Kamohoali'i and a Hawaiian girl. Locals believe that Nanaue resides in the Kaneana Cave. A concrete construction and a simple plaque indicate this cultural landmark.

Kuilioloa Heiau

Location: Pokai Bay Beach Park

Facts: Located at Kaneilio Point is the Kuilioloa Heiau, a temple overlooking the Waianae coast. There are three platforms which represent the levels of enlightenment and spirituality. Views of the ocean engulf three of the four sides of the structure.

Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area

Location: 99-1849 Aiea Heights Dr., Aiea

Facts: Near the end of Aiea Heights Drive is the splendid sight of a 390-acre national park known as the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area where the ruins of a 15th century temple called Heiau Hoola can be found. Here, a Kahuna Lapaau or a medicinal man would use herbs grown in the surrounding areas to heal various ailments.

Kualoa Beach Park

Location: Kamehameha Hwy, near Kualoa Ranch

Facts: Along Kamehameha Highway lies the beautiful area of Kualoa Beach Park. Kualoa translates to “long ancestral background” in Hawaiian. Legend has it that the menehune, the legendary "little people" of Hawaii, built an ancient fishpond here where rituals were celebrated.

Kukaniloko Birthing Stones State Monument

Location: Uakanikoo St., Wahiawa

Facts: Tucked between the two modern structures of Kamehameha Highway and Whitmore Avenue is the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones State Monument. It is, quite literally, the birthplace of Hawaiian royalty. Near the irregularly shaped stones and hidden behind trees, royal women would give birth to the kapu chiefs.

Puu O Mahuka Heiau State Monument

Location: Puu O Mahuka Rd., near Waimea Bay Beach Park

Facts: The Puu O Mahuka Heiau State Monument is Oahu’s largest temple, which covers two acres. Human sacrifices to the gods were once held at Puu O Mahuka Heiau. Today it is still recognized and protected as a historical landmark. People often leave offerings at the heiau.

Royal Mausoleum State Monument

Location: 2261 Nuuanu Ave, Honolulu

Facts: 20 minutes away from Waikiki is the Royal Mausoleum State Monument. It is known as the burial site for Hawaiian royalty from the Kamehameha and Kalakaua dynasties. Open from Mondays through Fridays, visitors will be greeted by the sight of a magnificent kamani tree and a chapel built in Gothic-style architecture.

Ulu Po Heiau State Monument

Location: Kailua Rd., Kaioua

Facts: Why the heiau, or temple, was built is unknown. Some say that it was for agricultural rituals to enhance harvest while others believe it was a luakini heiau, or a temple for war. It is one of the few temples where designated pathways are built for visitors to walk on.

House of Lono

Location: Located near the Waimea Falls Park

Facts: The House of Lono was built in the 15th century as homage to the god Lono. Ancient Polynesians believed that Lono is the god of harvest and rain so they offered sacrifices and prayers to him. The House of Lono is one of the oldest and largest religious sites found on the island of Oahu.

Waimea Falls Park

Location: 59-864 Kamehameha Hwy, Haleiwa

Facts: Waimea Falls Park is a nature park covering 1,800 acres of Waimea Valley. Stories abound of the healing powers of Waimea and several temples have been built in the park. The remains of such heiaus are now recognized as significant archaeological sites.