Stones of Kapaemahu

The Stones of Kapaemahu are four sacred healing stones in Waikiki that honor Tahitian mahu healers and preserve an important Hawaiian cultural story.

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Stones of Kapaemahu

Wizard Stones, Oahu

This ancient site is located in the heart of Waikiki, right on the beach near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. If these four giant stones could talk, they would have an interesting story to tell. Also called The Stones of Life or Na Pohaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni, the Wizard Stones are said to contain the mana (power) of four wizards who came to Oahu from Tahiti a long time ago, possibly around 400 A.D.

According to this ancient legend, the four wizards named Kahaloa, Kinohi, Kapuni and Kapaemahu possessed healing powers. They settled in Waikiki near where today the Moana Surfrider hotel is located. They helped the island residents by relieving their aches and pains and word about these healers spread quickly on the island.

The wizards told the people that they didn't intend to stay on the island. Their intention was to heal, teach and share their knowledge before returning home. Before they left, they gave the people instructions to build a monument in memory of their visit.

On a full moon night thousands of islanders met on the hill behind the neighborhood of Kaimuki (about two miles away from Waikiki Beach) to move four large stones, each weighing a ton or more, to the place where the wizards lived, as they had been instructed.

Before the wizards left Hawaii, they told the people that they would endow these stones with their healing powers. Today, these four stones are still there for people to see. They have been moved onto a platform and fenced in to protect and preserve them. Many visitors come to see the Wizards in Waikiki each day and bring a flower lei to honor these healing stones.

Key Features

Sacred healing stones: Four protected stones in Waikiki near Kuhio Beach
Cultural name: Also known as Na Pohaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni
Traditional story: Honors four Tahitian mahu healers who brought healing knowledge to Oahu
Older nickname: Sometimes called the Wizard Stones of Waikiki
Central location: Near Duke Kahanamoku Statue and the Waikiki Police Substation
Visitor access: Easy to view from the public walkway along Kalakaua Avenue
Visitor note: Stay outside the fence and do not disturb lei, flowers or offerings

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Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the Stones of Kapaemahu?

The Stones of Kapaemahu are in Waikiki near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue, the Waikiki Police Substation and Kuhio Beach along Kalakaua Avenue.

What are the Stones of Kapaemahu?

They are four sacred healing stones that honor four Tahitian mahu healers who, according to tradition, brought healing knowledge to Waikiki.

Why are the stones also called Wizard Stones?

Older signs and guidebooks often used the name Wizard Stones. Today, Stones of Kapaemahu or Healer Stones of Kapaemahu better reflects the cultural story behind the site.

Can visitors touch the Stones of Kapaemahu?

No. The stones are protected within a fenced monument. Visitors should view them respectfully from outside the fence and avoid disturbing leis or offerings.

Is the site easy to find?

Yes, but it can be easy to walk past in busy Waikiki. Look near the Duke Kahanamoku Statue and Waikiki Police Substation on the makai side of Kalakaua Avenue.