Pohaku Pa'akiki
Pohaku Pa'akiki is a sacred lava rock located in the nearshore waters of Kaupo Beach on O'ahu's windward coast. While it may appear ordinary, Hawaiian legend tells of its significance as a spiritual offering site for sweet potato farmers who worshipped the shark god Kamohoali'i. This mythological rock represents the connection between the land, ocean, and ancient Hawaiian beliefs about respect, offerings, and protection.
Pohaku Pa'akiki, Oahu
Pohaku Pa'akiki is a lava rock that lies in the nearshore waters of Kaupo Beach on Oahu's windward coast. The rock looks ordinary and just like any other rock on the beach. But there is an ancient legend about this one that's quite interesting. In the old Hawaii this rock was sacred to sweet potato farmers in this area. Every day they offered ‘awa root to the shark god named Kamohoali'i.
A fishermen one day tried to provoke the farmers and threw shark tails into the ocean near this rock, angering the shark god who then one day decided to eat the fisherman. The shark god first ate the fisherman's feet, but couldn't eat his buttocks because of their smell. The shark god after that pledged to never eat human flesh again. He also didn't allow any other sharks to attack humans between Waimanalo and Makapu'u.
Key Features of Pohaku Pa'akiki
- Mythological lava rock: Located in the shallow waters off Kaupo Beach, associated with a legendary shark god tale.
- Spiritual offering site: Used by ancient Hawaiian farmers to offer 'awa root to the shark god Kamohoali'i.
- Protective legend: Story tells how the shark god spared the coast between Waimanalo and Makapu'u from attacks.
- Tide-dependent visibility: Rock is more visible during low tide and partially submerged at high tide.
- Accessible beach location: Easily found across from Sea Life Park on O'ahu's eastern shore.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who was the shark god Kamohoali'i?
Kamohoali'i was a revered shark god in Hawaiian mythology. He was respected by fishermen and farmers who made offerings in exchange for protection and prosperity.
What is the story behind Pohaku Pa'akiki?
Legend says a disrespectful fisherman angered the shark god by throwing shark tails into the ocean. The god ate him - except for his foul-smelling buttocks - and then swore off eating humans, protecting the coastline instead.
Where is Pohaku Pa'akiki located?
It lies in the shallow water just offshore of Kaupo Beach, located between Waimanalo and Makapu'u across from Sea Life Park.
When is the rock most visible?
Pohaku Pa'akiki is best seen during low tide when it is not submerged by the ocean.
Why did farmers worship at this rock?
Sweet potato farmers believed offerings made here would ensure good harvests and maintain harmony with the ocean spirits, especially the shark god.