Precontact Hawaii's culture was filled with many gods and temples strewn throughout the islands. Some are found on mountaintops, some in valleys, but all are sacred, and many are still standing today.
Those who want to experience a visit to a heiau must remember that these sites are sacred, like a church, so visitors are expected to treat them as such.
No one should touch or move anything on the site. Visitors are never to take or leave anything or desecrate these sites in any way.
One of the more easily accessible heiau on the island of Kauai is located alongside the Road in the Wailua River State Park. The Poliahu Heiau sits on a bluff high above the Wailua River with views that continue to the coastline and ocean. Historians say this heiau was a luakini heiau where human and animal sacrifices were made to the war god Kukailimoku. This heiau was large and grand, with several structures that provided status to Chief Kaumualii, who reigned over the island.
One of the more popular heiau to visit on Oahu can be incorporated into a wonderful hilltop hike. Located at the Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area at the very end of Aiea Heights Drive, visitors will find this la'au lapa'au or medicinal heiau just inside the entrance to the park. Those wanting to explore the area that yielded numerous healing plants are welcome to enjoy the popular 4-mile loop trail that winds through eucalyptus, strawberry guava, and bamboo.
Located on a bluff overlooking the Kahului and Wailuku areas on the island of Maui, this state park is home to a duo of heiau built to honor Maui’s warrior Chief Kahekili. Access to this site can be found at the end of Hea Place via Waiehu Beach Road to Kuhio Place. The 10-acre site offers free admission and self-guided tours.
The Big Island is home to some of Hawaii's most significant archeological sites. The largest and most important is located about an hour's drive north of Kailua-Kona and is well worth a stop if not for views of the ocean, dolphins, wintering whales, and, on a clear day, views of the summit of Haleakala on the island of Maui. Pu’u Kohola is the war temple or luakini heiau of Kamehameha the Great. It is from Pu’u Kohola in the 1780’s Kamehameha gathered warriors and firearms and executed his unification of the Hawaiian Islands. An impromptu visit to Pu’u Kohola offers a valuable cultural experience that can be ranger-led or via downloading the tour to your smartphone.
A visit to any one of the heiau in the Hawaiian Islands is a treat for those wanting to enjoy these unspoiled spots and gain insight into the life and religion of native Hawaiians. It just takes a few minutes to soak up the experience, and admission to all these sites is absolutely free.
