Pohaku Lana'i

Oahu Ancient Site Guide

Pohaku Lana'i

Pohaku Lana'i is a balancing limestone formation at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park in Haleiwa, tied to Kahiki legend, chiefly worship and North Shore fishing traditions.

Pohaku Lanai
Pohaku Lanai

Pohaku Lana'i, Oahu

What looks like a giant stone mushroom are actually two limestones, one sitting on top of the other . This ancient site is also referred to as a balancing rock. The lower portion is about 6 feet (1.8 m) high and the top one is balanced on the lower platform. Altogether the two rocks are about 12 feet (3.7 m) high and 93 feet (28.3 m) in circumference.

Legend has it that the limestone floated ashore from the distant land of Kahiki. Hawaiian chiefs used to worship their local god here. It is also believed that the stone was used as a lookout point for fishermen.

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Location, Parking and Directions

Pohaku Lana'i is located on the west side of Kaiaka Bay Beach Park at 66-449 Haleiwa Road in Haleiwa on Oahu's North Shore. Enter the park and follow the road through the beach park; the balancing rock can be spotted near the park road. The map marker identifies the Pohaku Lana'i area within Kaiaka Bay Beach Park.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pohaku Lana'i?

Pohaku Lana'i is at Kaiaka Bay Beach Park in Haleiwa on Oahu's North Shore, on the west side of the park near the road through the beach park.

What is Pohaku Lana'i?

Pohaku Lana'i is a natural balancing rock formation made of two large limestone rocks, one sitting on top of the other.

How large is Pohaku Lana'i?

The lower portion as about 6 feet high. Altogether, the two rocks are about 12 feet high and about 93 feet in circumference.

What legend is connected with Pohaku Lana'i?

Local tradition says the limestone floated ashore from Kahiki, a distant ancestral homeland referenced in Hawaiian and Polynesian stories.

Can visitors climb on Pohaku Lana'i?

No. Visitors should not climb on, carve, mark or disturb the balancing stones. View the formation respectfully from the ground.

What else is nearby?

Nearby places include Kaiaka Bay Beach Park, Haleiwa, Haleiwa Alii Beach Park, Waialua Beach and other North Shore coastal stops.