Poli'ahu Heiau

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

View overview Plan Your Visit

Poli'ahu Heiau, Kauai

Poli'ahu Heiau is located within the Wailua River State Park, near the Opaeka'a Falls lookout point. It is one of seven heiau along the Wailua River. The age of the heiau is unknown, though it is believed that it was built by the menehune, the legendary little people of Hawaii. It is believed that the heiau was in use during the 1600s and 1700s, but it may be older than that.

The heiau encompasses a little over an acre. Its rock wall was constructed by interlocking the stacked rocks without use of mortar. The outside wall is 5 feet (1.5 m) high and 5 feet (1.5 m) wide. The rocks had to be brought up here from the river valley below. A heiau of this size was usually built under the direction of an ali'i nui (high ruling chief), who would first consult with his kahuna (priests). The actual building of the heiau was done by the maka'ainana (commoners).

Since Poli'ahu is a rather large and complex heiau, it has been suggested that it was a luakini heiau, a heiau dedicated to the war god Ku. Luakini heiaus could involve human sacrifice as well as offerings of fish and other animals.

Key Features

Large sacred Hawaiian temple site covering a little over an acre
Part of the Wailua River cultural landscape on Kauai's east side
Stone walls are about 5 feet high and 5 feet wide in places
Lava rocks were stacked without mortar
The heiau overlooks the Wailua River valley from Wailua River State Park
Often described as a possible luakini heiau
Near the Opaekaa Falls lookout area and other Wailua sacred places
Wailua River State Park is open daily from 7:00 am to 7:45 pm
Non-resident entry is $5, with a $10 non-commercial vehicle parking fee
Visitors should stay off walls, respect kapu signs and leave all stones in place

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Poli'ahu Heiau important?

Poli'ahu Heiau is part of the Wailua complex of sacred places, an area once closely connected with Kauai chiefs, ceremonies and river valley travel.

What kind of heiau was Poli'ahu?

The site has often been described as a possible luakini heiau, a major temple associated with chiefly authority, Ku and serious ceremonies.

How were the stone walls built?

The walls were built with stacked lava rocks fitted together without mortar, and the stones had to be carried up from the river valley below.

What is the connection between Poli'ahu Heiau and Wailua River?

The heiau overlooks the Wailua River valley, a place long associated with chiefly power, canoe travel, agriculture and important cultural sites.

Why should visitors not move stones at the heiau?

Stones are part of the sacred structure and the archaeological record. Moving even one stone can damage the site and disrespect its cultural meaning.