Hawaii Sacred Sites & Ancient Places
Sacred Places in Hawaii
Hawaii's sacred places include ancient heiau, royal birth sites, fishponds, petroglyphs, caves and storied stones that preserve the Islands' cultural heritage.
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Explore Sacred Places in Hawaii
Browse more topics in this Sacred Places in Hawaii guide.
Big Island Sacred PlacesKauai Sacred PlacesLanai Sacred PlacesMaui Sacred PlacesMolokai Sacred PlacesOahu Sacred Places
Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau on Oahu
Hikinaakala Heiau on Kauai
Kalokoeli Fishpond on Molokai
Garden of the Gods on Lanai
Sacred places in Hawaii are places with significant historical and cultural meaning. At many of these sacred places important historic events, such as the births of kings and others major events took place in the past. Today, these places are considered a very important part of Hawaiian culture.
Sacred places are also called ancient sites and include heiau (temple sites or shrines), pohaku (stones), ki'i pohaku (petroglyphs or rock carvings), fishponds and other ancient architectural remains. A common practice when visiting a sacred place in Hawaii is to leave a ho'okupu, a small offering, such as a lei, a fruit, nuts or a plant.
Since these sites are sacred, it is important to be respectful when visiting and to follow some simple rules. Visitors are asked to refrain from climbing or stepping on the ancient remains and to not move or remove any pieces. Below is an overview of a few selected sacred places on each one of the main Hawaiian islands:
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sacred places in Hawaii?
Sacred places in Hawaii are cultural, spiritual or historic sites connected to Native Hawaiian traditions, genealogy, ceremonies, legends and community life. They may include heiau, stones, petroglyphs, fishponds, caves, royal birth sites and places of refuge.
What is a heiau?
A heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple or ceremonial site. Heiau served different purposes, including healing, farming, fishing, navigation, war, chiefly ceremonies and spiritual practice.
Can visitors go to sacred places in Hawaii?
Some sacred places are open to the public, while others are on private land or in protected areas. Visitors should always check access rules before going, stay on approved paths and respect closures, signs and cultural guidance.
How should visitors behave at Hawaiian sacred sites?
Visitors should stay on marked trails, avoid touching or moving stones, never climb on heiau, keep noise low, respect private property and leave each place as they found it. Sacred sites should not be treated as casual photo props.
Should visitors leave offerings at sacred places in Hawaii?
Visitors should not leave offerings unless they are following appropriate cultural guidance. Items left behind can damage fragile sites, create litter or harm the natural environment.
Which islands have sacred places in Hawaii?
All the main Hawaiian Islands have sacred places. Oahu, Maui, Kauai, the Big Island, Molokai and Lanai each have important cultural sites, including heiau, fishponds, petroglyphs, royal sites and legendary landscapes.