Natural Hawaii

While many of the heiaus have been destroyed through the ages, some have been restored, and can be visited. Many can be identified by a remaining wall of rock in ruins.

BIG ISLAND

Ahu’ena Heiau

Kailua Kona - Ali’i Dr, near Palani Rd. at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort. Restored in 1812 by King Kamehameha 1.

Heiau O Kalalea

South Point Park. 60 feet long and 40 feet wide, believed to have been built by the “menehune”. Also found here is the ancient Pu’u Ali’i Burial Site, a burial site for Hawaiian royalty.

Kuemanu Heiau

Kailua Kona - Ali’i Dr., a mile south of White Sands Beach Park. The heiau is a stone platform, approx. 100 feet long and 50 feet wide and used by Hawaiian chiefs to pray for good surf.

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau

Honaunau - Hwy. 160,  3 1/2 miles west of Hwy. 11. 180-acre national historic park preserve, containing Pu’uhonua O Honaunau, or “Place of Refuge,” where violators of the ancient Hawaiian “kapu” system sought refuge. One of the best-preserved heiaus. Visitors center open 7:30am-5:30pm. Admission: $2.00 per person.  (808) 328-2288.

Pu’ukohola Heiau

1/4 mile west of the junction of Hwy. 270 and Hwy. 19. National Historical Site. 77-acre park with two other heiaus (Mailekini Heiau and Haleakapuni Heiau) located offshore and submerged in the ocean.

Mo’okini Heiau

Hwy. 270, to mile marker 20, then 2 miles north on a secondary road to Upolu Point, and 1 1/2 miles west from Upolu Point on a small dirt road to the heiau. 280 feet long, 140 feet wide and 25 feet high. Built in 480 A.D. and rebuilt in the 12th century.

Kane'ele'ele Heiau

Hwy. 11 to Punalu’u Rd. to Punalu’u Beach 8 miles east of Na’alehu.  250 feet long and 150 feet wide.

KAUAI

Ka’ulu a Paoa Heiau

Kuhio Hwy. to western end of Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park, to a trail along the shoreline. Dedicated to Laka, the Hawaiian goddess of hula and where she did much of her dancing. Students of the hula still make this pilgrimage.

MOLOKAI

Ili’iliopae Heiau

Kamehameha V Hwy. to the Wailau Trail  Private property. Can be accessed with permission from Destination MoIokai 553-3876. 87-foot-wide and 286-foot-long platform. Was both a place of worship and human sacrifice.

OAHU

Pu’uomahuka Heiau

Kamehameha Hwy. on Pupukea Rd., across from Pupukea Beach and 1 mile north of Waimea Bay. State Monument. The  “Hill of Escape” is the largest heiau on Oahu at 575 feet long and 170 feet wide. Believed to have been built by the menehune.There is a paved trail that journeys around the heiau. Open 7 a.m.-7 p.m.

Ulupo Heiau

Kalanianaole Hwy. to Pali Hwy. North on Ulupo St. and east on Manu Aloha St., south on Manu O’o St. which leads to the YMCA. State Historical Site. 180 feet long and 140 feet wide, believed to have been built by the menehune.

Kuilioloa Heiau

Farrington Hwy. to Kane’ilio Point, at the southwest end of Pokai Bay Beach in Waianae.150 feet long and 35 feet wide. Three platforms surrounded on three sides by the ocean. A place of refuge.

Kaneaki Heiau

Makaha Valley Rd then east on Maunaolu St.  to Alahele St. in the Mauna Olu Estates. 150 feet long and 75 feet wide, comprising an altar, two thatched houses. Originally built between 1470 and 1640, and enlarged and modified  into a war temple. Open 10am-2pm, Tues.-Sun.

Geophysical investigation for the location of a historic heiau, Kawaihae, Hawaii