VISITING A HEIAU
You are invited to visit the traditional Hawaiian religious sites listed in this website. However, you are asked to remember that these are religious sites which are still sacred to the Hawaiian people. As historic sites, these places are also fragile and subject to damage and collapse. Please visit with respect and care for these important places.
View the heiau from the exterior. Please do not climb on or over the rock walls. The stacked roof is unstable and may collapse.
It is unlawful to take, excavate, destroy, or alter any historic site on state land. Any person who violates this law is subject to a fine of $10,000 (HRS Chapter 6E-11)
Wrapping a rock in a ti leaf is not a traditional offering. This damages the plants and the integrity of the heiau structure.
Offerings of coins, candles, incense and similar items cause long-term damage.
The historic sites of Hawaii are unique resources that are fragile and cannot be replaced. Please help us protect Hawaii's past for the future.
You are invited to visit the traditional Hawaiian religious sites listed in this website. However, you are asked to remember that these are religious sites which are still sacred to the Hawaiian people. As historic sites, these places are also fragile and subject to damage and collapse. Please visit with respect and care for these important places.
View the heiau from the exterior. Please do not climb on or over the rock walls. The stacked roof is unstable and may collapse.
It is unlawful to take, excavate, destroy, or alter any historic site on state land. Any person who violates this law is subject to a fine of $10,000 (HRS Chapter 6E-11)
Wrapping a rock in a ti leaf is not a traditional offering. This damages the plants and the integrity of the heiau structure.
Offerings of coins, candles, incense and similar items cause long-term damage.
The historic sites of Hawaii are unique resources that are fragile and cannot be replaced. Please help us protect Hawaii's past for the future.
EAST SIDE East between Lihue-Kalapaki and the North Shore. The unpretentious "everyday" paradise, referred to as the "Coconut Coast", where the majority of the population resides. Boasts the largest percentage of accommodations, shops and historical sites. WAILUA RIVER COMPLEX Located off Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) along the Wailua River in Wailua River State Park. (East Side) Wailua River State Park encompasses 1,000 acres along the Wailua River. As one of the two chiefly centers on Kauai in pre-contact times, the park includes the Wailua Complex of Heiau, petroglyphs, birthstones, and agricultural fields. Besides the Wailua River, the park has some of the island's best waterfalls, including Wailua Falls and Opaekaa Falls. Following are important historical sites open for visitation: Hikinaakala Heiau: Located on southern bank at mouth of Wailua River; accessed from Lydgate Beach Park off Kuhio Highway. Hikinaakala is translated as "rising of the sun". It was at this heiau, built around A.D. 1300, that the dawn was celebrated with prayers and chants. Adjacent to the heiau was Hauola, a "puuhonua" or place of refuge, where one could escape punishment and find safety during war. Interpretive signs are available at the site and brochures can be requested from the State Parks office in Lihue. Wailua Petroglyphs: Located on the southern bank near the rivermouth. Sometimes the river and ocean currents remove the blanket of sand that covers the boulders along the riverbank. On several of these boulders are petroglyphs, including human forms, fish, and geometric forms. You might also see the grinding surfaces on these boulders where stone adzes were sharpened and polished. Kalaeokamanu Heiau: Located along Kuamoo Road, past the Coco Palms Resort. This heiau is believed to be one of the oldest on Kauai and the site where several religious traditions were introduced. Pohaku Hoohanau (Birthstones): Located along Kuamoo Road, adjacent to Kalaeokamanu Heiau. This birthplace of alii (Hawaiian chiefs) is marked by several large boulders. A child born here was assured high-ranking status. Poliahu Heiau: Located along Kuamoo Road, about 1 mile above Kalaeokamanu Heiau and across from Opaekaa Falls. The large heiau is situated on a bluff overlooking the Wailua River. Believed to have been a luakini (sacrificial) heiau, this site consists of stacked boulder walls and stone paved floors. Interpretive signs are available on the oceanside of the heiau and a brochure is available upon request from the State Parks office in Lihue. SOUTH SHORE
South between the West Side and Lihue-Kalapaki. The sunniest side of Kauai - former "playground" of Hawaii's royalty. Blessed by many beaches and spectacular snorkeling sites. CHURCH OF SAINT RAPHAEL THE ARCHANGEL Located midway between Koloa and Poipu (South Shore) Tel. (808) 742-1955 Marking the spot where in 1841 the first Roman Catholic mission was permitted in the islands. MAHAULEPU BEACH To reach Mahaulepu from Poipu, take Poipu Road to the Hyatt Regency Kauai. Continue on Poipu Road (which becomes a private unpaved dirt road) approx. 3/4 mile beyond the hotel to a Stop Sign. Turn right at the Stop Sign and continue about another 3/4 mile to a dirt parking lot. Turn left at the parking lot and go to a second, shadier parking lot. Note: Beach access along the private dirt road is restricted to daylight hours. (South Shore) Two miles of some of the most beautiful shoreline on Kauai's south shore. An area of great scientific importance to archaeologists, biologists, and geologists. The Mahaulepu shoreline is the last significant undeveloped shoreline near the popular centers of the island. A very important ocean wilderness. Petroglyphs occasionally visible depending upon tidal action. Popular windsurfing, swimming, beachcombing and shoreline fishing area. Daylight access only. No food or water. PRINCE KUHIO PARK Located about one mile before Spouting Horn on Lawai Road, Poipu (near Prince Kuhio Resort). (South Shore) A privately owned approximately 3-acre historic park containing the impressive Hoai Heiau, an ancient fishpond, and the Prince Kuhio Monument commemorating the birthplace of Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalanianaole, the last royally designated heir to the Hawaiian throne. Open to the public. WEST SIDE
West between the North Shore and the South Shore. Home to a string of charming old plantation towns and the longest continuous stretch of sandy beach in all the islands (approx. 14 miles). The "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" - Waimea - dominates the interior. COOK'S LANDING Located on the oceanside of Lucy Wright Park and across the Waimea River from Russian Fort Elizabeth; off Kaumualii Highway. (West Side) The site where Captain James Cook first came ashore in the Hawaiian Islands in January 1778. The site is marked by a bronze plaque denoting its National Historic Landmark status. COOK'S MONUMENT Located in Waimea Town at Hofgaard Park. (West Side) Statue commemorating the first European explorer who set foot in Hawaii when he landed at the mouth of the Waimea River in January, 1778. HANAPEPE VALLEY OVERLOOK Located halfway between Kalaheo and Port Allen on Highway 50 (Kaumualii Hwy), just after Mile Marker 14. (West Side) A remarkable panorama of a classic Hawaiian valley, much of it still planted in taro. An ancient Kauai battleground. KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY - PLANTATION VISITOR CENTER Located at Eleele Town, near Hanapepe (West Side) Tel. (808) 335-0813 Hawaii's largest coffee estate growing 100% arabica on over 3,000 drip-irrigated acres. Near here, Hawaii's first coffee plantation was established over 150 years ago. The Visitor Center is situated in the midst of coffee trees and contains pictures and video explaining modern coffee production. Free admission. MENEHUNE DITCH Located in Waimea. Traveling west, cross the Waimea river bridge and turn right on Menehune Road (3rd road after bridge - at Big Save store). Go approx. 1-3/10 miles along Menehune Road to the Ditch. (West Side) Remnant of ditch lined with cut and fitted stone that diverted irrigation water from upper Waimea Stream to the taro fields in the lower valley. This site is said to have been built by the "menehune", a legendary people known for their engineering feats. NUALOLO KAI Located in Na Pali Coast State Park - remote location - access only by permitted boat tours (West Side) An interpretive trail with brochure takes you through an archaeological complex of walled enclosures, house platforms, and heiau. This heiau is the most impressive along the Na Pali Coast. It consists of walled terraces, paved platforms, and a spring. This may have been an agricultural heiau where ceremonies were conducted to insure a good growing season. RUSSIAN FORT ELIZABETH STATE HISTORIC PARK Located on the east bank of the Waimea rivermouth off Kaumualii Highway (Hwy 50) in Waimea. (West Side) The star-shaped fort is a reminder of Russia's short-lived adventure (1815-1817) in the Hawaiian Islands. An earthen berm covered with a stacked boulder wall is a unique mix of European and Hawaiian construction styles. Interpretive signboard with brochure for a self-guided walk. Site offers commanding views of Waimea Bay, Waimea River, and Cook's Landing. (See also Russian Fort Alexander in Princeville.) SALT POND COUNTY BEACH PARK Located west of Hanapepe in the lee of Puolo Point, adjacent to Port Allen Airport. From Kaumualii Highway (Route 50), take Waialo Road (Route 54) to the park. (West Side) Adjacent to the only functioning Salt Ponds in the Hawaiian Islands - where the ancient Hawaiian process of producing rock salt by evaporating seawater is still practiced. Swimming conditions are normally safe except during periods of high surf. Good snorkeling area and a popular surfing and windsurfing site. Lifeguard services are provided by the County. |
WAIMEA SUGAR MUSEUM
(Located adjacent to Waimea Plantation Cottages) 9400 Kaumualii Highway Waimea, HI 96796 (West Side) Tel. (808) 337-1005 for information and reservations (required). Authentic historic sugar mill camp and ruins of the Waimea Sugar Mill. Discover how people from many countries came to live in Hawaii and how the plantations provided for them. The camp dates from about 1900. Access is through the Plantation Lifestyles Tour that is offered several times each week. Please call the museum for current information on dates and times of tours. Tour starts in the lobby of Waimea Plantation Cottages. Reservations are required. WAIMEA UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST (Formerly known as the Waimea Foreign Church) 4548 Old Road Waimea, HI 96796 (West Side) Tel. (808) 338-9962 A coral church completed in the 1850's. Called the "Foreign" Church because the services were held in English for any nationality. LIHUE-KALAPAKI Southeast between the South Shore and East Side. Site of the island's gateway city of Lihue, county seat of Kauai overlooking Kalapaki Bay. Although a blend of resort amenities, the feeling is still that of a sugar town ALEKOKO (MENEHUNE FISHPOND) OVERLOOK From Lihue, follow Rice Street which becomes Waapa Road (Hwy 51) toward Nawiliwili Harbor. At the junction with Nawiliwili Road (Hwy 58), take Nawiliwili Road toward the bay to Niumalu Road. Turn left and go to Hulemalu Road Lookout. (Lihue-Kalapaki) A 900-foot fishpond said to be the handiwork of the mythical menehunes (Hawaiian elves) who built it in one night 1,000 years ago. Great view of Nawiliwili Harbor and mountains. Interesting site with interpretive signs constructed, in part, by high school students. GROVE FARM MUSEUM P. O. Box 1631 Lihue, HI 96766 (Lihue-Kalapaki) Tel. (808) 245-3202 The oldest, intact sugar plantation center of operations in Hawaii acquired in 1864 by George Wilcox, the son of missionary teachers. Original buildings and furnishings preserving the life style of the sugar plantation from the period 1864-1978. Guided tours by reservation only. $10 requested donation for adults and $5 for children 5-12 years old. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. LIHUE LUTHERAN CHURCH 4602 Hoomana Road Lihue, HI 96766 (Lihue-Kalapaki) Tel. (808) 245-2145 Hawaii's oldest Lutheran church - started in June 1881 by German immigrants who came to work at the Lihue Sugar Plantation. Their long experience on board ship was reflected in the architecture of the church. The floor slants like the deck of a ship; the balcony is the Captain's Bridge; the ceiling is like the bottom of the ship; the lights are ship lanterns; the pulpit, the Forecastle. NORTH SHORE
North between the West Side and the East Side. A magical 30 mile long haven containing the idyllic tropical paradise of Hanalei Bay and Valley and the rugged Na Pali Coastline. A living "movie set" where lushness takes on a whole new meaning. HAENA COUNTY PARK Highway 56, past Haena Village. (North Shore) Maniniholo Dry Cave: Ancient sea cave. This is a dry cave without water. Caution, unsafe swimming due to strong riptide. HAENA STATE PARK End of Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56), Haena. (North Shore) Scenic wildland park offering spectacular views of Na Pali Coast, swimming at Kee Beach, and includes: Waikanaloa And Waikapalae Wet Caves: Ancient sea caves formed during a higher stand of the sea, probably 4,000 years ago. Legend has it that they were dug by Pele, the Fire Goddess, when she was on Kauai. The water in the caves fluctuates with the tides and swimming is not permitted. Kauluapaoa Heiau And Keahualaka Platform: Located at Kee at end of Kuhio Highway; access along shoreline trail from Kee Beach. These adjacent sites are both associated with the traditions of hula and the legends of Pele, her sister Hiiaka, and her lover Lohiau. Breathtaking views including offshore Lehua Island. HANALEI VALLEY SCENIC OVERLOOK Just past the Princeville turn off on Highway 56 (Kuhio Hwy), Hanalei. (North Shore) Beautiful sweeping vistas of Hanalei Valley and the sea, especially at sunset. A National Wildlife Refuge for endangered waterfowl - where most of the taro in Hawaii is grown. On July 30, 1998, the Hanalei River which starts high on the slopes of Mount Waialeale and flows over 16 miles through Hanalei Valley to Hanalei Bay, was designated as an American Heritage River, one of only 14 rivers nationwide selected to receive this classification. HOOPULAPULA HARAGUCHI RICE MILL P. O. Box 427 Hanalei, HI 96714 (North Shore) Tel. (808) 651-3399 The only remaining rice mill in Hawaii located within a National Wildlife Refuge in Hanalei Valley, usually not accessible to the public. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and dating back to the late 1880s. Learn about Hawaii's agriculture and cultural history, view endangered native waterbirds, and explore the cultivation and uses of taro, a traditional Polynesian food source. Guided public tours (fee/reservation required) and free school tours available. LIMAHULI GARDEN AND PRESERVE NATIONAL TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN Haena, HI (North Shore) Tel. (808) 826-1053 The National Tropical Botanical Garden is a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of tropical plant diversity, particularly rare and endangered species. The NTBG includes four gardens and three preserves in Hawaii and one in south Florida. One of the four gardens in Hawaii is on Maui and three are on Kauai. NTBG literature provides the following overview of its Limahuli Garden and Preserve on Kauai. For more information, please visit the NTBG website: "Backdropped by towering peaks sculpted by eons of wind and rain, tours of these lush 17 acres of garden and rain forest offer visions of natural beauty and intriguing Hawaiian culture. Walk the land where taro still thrives on ancient lava rock terraces. Learn about native plants of the Islands, the plants brought by the Polynesians, and introduced species invading Hawaii's natural habitats." Guided and Self-guided tours. RUSSIAN FORT ALEXANDER Located at the end of Princeville Road off Kuhio Highway, in front of the Princeville Resort. (North Shore) The fort is a reminder of Russia's short-lived adventure (1815-1817) in the Hawaiian Islands. Information is available on site. (See also Russian Fort Elizabeth State Historic Park in Waimea.) ST. SYLVESTER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH Kolo Road Kilauea, HI 96754 (North Shore) Tel. (808) 828-2818 Octagonal shaped with a uniquely designed roof. Inside are murals painted by Jean Charlot, a famous island artist. WAIOLI HUIIA CHURCH 5-5393A Kuhio Highway, Hanalei, HI 96714 (North Shore) Tel. (808) 826-6253 The Waioli Mission was established in 1834. The mission hall is the oldest surviving church building on the Island of Kauai. The church, completed in 1912, reflects the American Gothic architectural style so popular in New England. The shingled church has a belfry tower which houses the old mission bell. Both buildings are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. WAIOLI MISSION HOUSE MUSEUM Hanalei, HI 96714 Mailing address: P. O. Box 1631, Lihue, HI 96766 (North Shore) Tel. (808) 245-3202 1837 missionary house restored in 1921. Historic house furnishings, plants and trees, traditional Hawaiian horticulture. Guided tours of a distinctive piece of Hawaiian architecture. Free admission. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places. |