Holoholoku Heiau
Holoholoku Heiau is one of Kauai's oldest sacred sites, believed to have been used for human sacrifice in ancient Hawaii. Positioned beside the Royal Birthstone in Wailua River State Park, this once-feared heiau reflects the solemn religious customs of the Hawaiian kapu system. Though the original structure was repurposed and later vandalized, the stone foundations remain, offering a powerful reminder of its historic significance.
Holoholoku Heiau, Kauai
It is believed that Holoholoku Heiau was used for human sacrifice in ancient Hawaii, mainly prisoners of war. Others who were killed here were those who had broken a kapu (who had done something that was forbidden, such as walking in the shadow of a chief). Holo-holo-ku means (run run stand fast) in the Hawaiian language. Curiously enough, the heiau is located right next to the Royal Birthstone (Pohaku Ho'ohanau), the sacred site of royal births on the island.
In later years the heiau was vandalized. The wife of Kaumuali'i, the last king of Kauai, then used it as an enclosure to raise pigs. She chose the heiau as a sign that the old religious Hawaiian traditions should be forsaken in favor of Christianity. Today, only the stone foundation remains of the original construction.
Key Features of Holoholoku Heiau
- Sacrificial temple: Used for human sacrifice, primarily war prisoners and kapu violators
- Spiritual site: Located next to the Royal Birthstone, where Hawaiian royalty were born
- Historical transformation: Later converted into a pig enclosure by the queen, symbolizing religious shift
- Stone foundation remains: Only the base of the original heiau still exists today
- Accessible location: Situated off Kuamoo Road in Wailua River State Park with nearby cultural landmarks
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Frequently Asked Questions
Was Holoholoku Heiau really used for human sacrifice?
Yes, it's believed the site was used to execute prisoners of war and those who broke sacred kapu laws in ancient Hawaii.
What is the connection to the Royal Birthstone?
Holoholoku Heiau is located next to Pohaku Ho'ohanau, the stone marking the sacred site of royal births on Kauai.
What happened to the heiau after traditional practices ended?
The site was repurposed as a pigpen by the wife of the last king of Kauai as a symbolic break from the old religion.
Where is Holoholoku Heiau located?
It is located on Kuamoo Road (Highway 580), about 0.2 miles from Highway 56, within Wailua River State Park.