Kauai Ancient Sites

Kauai Ancient Site Guide

Kauai Ancient Sites

Find Kauai ancient sites, sacred Hawaiian places, fishponds, heiau, caves and cultural landmarks, from Alekoko Fishpond and Wailua River sites to Hikinaakala Heiau, Royal Birthstones, Maniniholo Dry Cave and Poliahu Heiau.

Ancient site directory

Kauai Ancient Sites

Browse Kauai ancient sites, including historic Hawaiian places, cultural landmarks, sacred areas and important places connected to island history.

Hauola City of Refuge

Hauola City of Refuge is a sacred Kauai puuhonua at the mouth of the Wailua River, beside Hikinaakala Heiau and Lydgate Beach Park.

Hikinaakala Heiau

Hikinaakala Heiau is a sacred Kauai sunrise temple at the northern end of Lydgate Beach Park, near the Wailua River mouth.

Holoholoku Heiau

Holoholoku Heiau is a sacred Kauai site in Wailua, located near the Royal Birthstones and the Wailua River cultural landscape.

Maniniholo Dry Cave

Maniniholo Dry Cave is an easy roadside cave across from Haena Beach Park, known for Menehune legend, cliffside geology and north shore scenery.

Poli'ahu Heiau

Poli'ahu Heiau is a large sacred Kauai temple site in Wailua River State Park, known for lava rock walls, river valley views and Wailua cultural history.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best ancient sites to visit on Kauai?

Alekoko Fishpond, Hikinaakala Heiau, Holoholoku Heiau, the Royal Birthstones, Maniniholo Dry Cave and Poliahu Heiau are among the notable ancient sites on Kauai.

Where are many of Kauai's sacred Hawaiian sites located?

Many important Kauai ancient sites are in the Wailua area, including heiau, royal birth sites and places connected to the Wailua River cultural landscape.

Can visitors walk around Kauai ancient sites?

Some sites have nearby viewing areas or short access paths, but visitors should stay on marked routes, avoid climbing on stones and treat sacred places with respect.

What is Alekoko Fishpond known for?

Alekoko Fishpond, also called Menehune Fishpond, is known for its lava rock wall, Huleia Stream setting and long connection to Hawaiian aquaculture and local legend.

Which Kauai ancient site is near Haena Beach Park?

Maniniholo Dry Cave is located across from Haena Beach Park on Kauai's north shore and is known for its large cave opening, geology and Menehune legend.