Hawaii Island - What is a heiau? An in-depth explanation of the various heiau and their highlights on the Big Island of Hawaii

Hawaii Island, also known as the Big Island

The largest of the Hawaiian Islands, covering approximately 10,430 square kilometers, the island's active volcanic activity causes its topography to constantly change, offering dynamic natural beauty to visitors.

The island has the largest land area in the state of Hawaii, yet its population is only 131 TP3T of the state's total, maintaining its status as a quiet haven where the vastness of nature remains intact.

This low population density provides visitors with the opportunity to experience firsthand Hawaii's unique culture and lifestyle in harmony with nature, and is one of the factors that attracts so many people.

 

Attractions and Major Cities on the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii is home to two major cities, Hilo and Kailua-Kona, located on the east and west sides of the island, each serving as an international airport and an important gateway for tourists.

To explore the island efficiently, a three-hour cross-country drive from Hilo to Kailua-Kona is preferred.

However, a drive around the entire island is an essential part of experiencing Hawaii's rich natural environment.

In the west, luxury resorts line the coastline, while in the east, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park offers visitors spectacular views of the volcanoes.

The northern part of the island is home to places where visitors can explore the history of ancient Hawaiian royalty, while the southern part of the island is home to South Point, the southernmost point in the United States.

Although the Big Island of Hawaii is known for its mild climate, it is recommended that you check the weather conditions of the area you are visiting in advance, as the climate varies greatly from region to region.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two main routes for travel to the Big Island of Hawaii.

The first is to take a direct flight from Haneda Airport to Kona International Airport.

These are operated by Japan Airlines (JAL) and other airlines.

The second option is to stop once in Honolulu on the island of Oahu from another international airport and transfer there to a domestic flight to the Big Island of Hawaii.

Depending on your point of departure and the purpose of your trip, you can choose from these options

The airport on the Big Island of Hawaii is easily accessible from the city center by car, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

However, public bus service is limited, so taking a tour or renting a car is recommended.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

Most guidebooks and pocketbooks on Hawaii introduce sightseeing in Hawaii with a focus on the island of Oahu, a popular resort destination.

Therefore, it may be difficult for us to obtain information specific to the island of Hawaii.

In this issue, we will introduce a great deal about the undiscovered charms of the Big Island of Hawaii!

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

One of the main features of the Big Island of Hawaii is its amazingly spectacular and beautiful nature, which has been left untouched.

The vast expanses of land are filled with nature, almost untouched by man, and each has its own beautiful landscape that is almost perfect.

You can see nature in its natural state, with active volcanoes that are still active, beautiful blue seas surrounding the vast land, mountains so high they almost reach the clouds, and rain forests teeming with tropical plants.

We especially recommend this island for those who do not like the crowds characteristic of resort areas or those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

 

A powerful volcano

The Hawaiian Islands were created by volcanoes, and the Hawaiian Islands in particular are home to many active volcanoes, which can be viewed on tours and drives.

It is popular as a place to see the largest volcano on earth, the most active volcano in Hawaii, the highest volcano in Hawaii, and many other volcanoes.

Seeing lava flows, magma, and craters up close is a breathtaking sight, and you will definitely be overwhelmed by the spirit of the place.

Even if you have never visited Hawaii, you have probably heard the name Kilauea Volcano at least once.

Its famous active volcano is also located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a World Heritage Site on the Big Island of Hawaii, and is a very interesting place to visit.

 

Beautiful Beaches

The Big Island of Hawaii also offers beautiful waters and beaches.

The ocean is crystal clear and is home to colorful coral reefs, tropical fish, and wild dolphins.

For this reason, snorkeling, diving, and other activities that allow visitors to observe the underwater and ocean floor are very popular.

You may also have many other chances to see sea turtles, which are considered a symbol of happiness in Hawaii, and seals on the beach.

The beaches and oceans of the Big Island of Hawaii are so untouched by human hands that they provide a comfortable environment for living creatures.

Another unique attraction of the Big Island of Hawaii is its beaches with black and green sands formed from volcanoes.

In the western part of the country, there are luxury beach resorts being developed, so you can also enjoy well-maintained beaches for resorts.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

With many supermarkets, shopping centers, and shopping destinations scattered throughout the Big Island of Hawaii, shopping is never a problem.

Of course, there are also many restaurants where you can enjoy Hawaiian gourmet food, an absolute must.

Shopping centers with duty-free and brand-name stores are built within resort facilities, especially in the Kona area, and are often adjacent to hotels for easy access.

In Hilo, the largest town on the Big Island of Hawaii, you can enjoy local food, sweets, and local farmers' markets.

Since tourists come from all over the world, there are many restaurants that offer Hawaiian and Polynesian cuisine, as well as hearty American dishes and other vegetarian options.

Loco moco and poke don (bowl of rice topped with sashimi such as tuna), which are familiar to the Japanese, can also be tasted in many places.

Be sure to enjoy shopping and dining while on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Hawaii Island is the newest island in Hawaii.

However, it is said that the civilization of Hawaii was pioneered from this island, as it was the first island to be inhabited by the indigenous Polynesian people.

The first Hawaiian king, Kamehameha the Great, who is credited with unifying Hawaii for the first time, was of course born and raised on the island of Hawaii.

Therefore, there are many places on the Big Island where the great kings and ancient royalty used to live or had their residences, and they are still revered as sacred places.

Ancient Hawaiians also believed in the existence of various deities based on Hawaiian mythology.

The volcanoes and waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are said to be inhabited by goddesses, and four other famous gods are fertility, warfare, the sea, and life.

In addition, cave dwellings and rock carvings (petroglyphs) carved by indigenous people have been found in abundance on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the island is full of spots that retain strong traces of indigenous people and ancient royalty.

Although American culture has completely permeated modern Hawaii, the island of Hawaii has a collection of spots where visitors can experience the history and culture of the indigenous people who are the roots of Hawaii.

A stay on the Big Island of Hawaii will also give you the opportunity to learn more about Hawaii.

 

What is a heiau?

Have you ever heard of an ancient Hawaiian site called a heiau?

A heiau is an ancient site built as a sanctuary where prayers and ceremonies were held to worship the various deities believed in by the polytheistic Native Hawaiians.

Sometimes called temples or temples.

It is said that there was a strong religious element, and taboos (rules, prohibitions, etc.) were established by each god.

It was not like a shrine or temple in Japan where ordinary people would go to pray, but a more solemn place with deep ties to royalty.

Although they were discontinued in the 1800s, more than 150 heiau sites have still been identified on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This is a must-visit place to experience the heritage of ancient Hawaii.

 

Heiau found on the Big Island of Hawaii

 

Let us introduce some of the best places to see heiau on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Puukohola Heiau

 

The most famous heiau on the Big Island of Hawaii is this Puukohola Heiau.

It is built on a hill overlooking the ocean and is also known as Whale Hill because whales can sometimes be seen.

Puukohola Heiau is the largest and most valuable heiau on the Big Island of Hawaii, remaining in its original form.

 

thing to note

Puukohola Heiau is a temple dedicated to the God of War, who is believed to have been worshipped by King Kamehameha I before his rule of Hawaii, as a precursor to overcoming rivals and moving forward to rule the Hawaiian Islands at that time.

The heiau was built in accordance with an oracle from a prophet, and the materials used were rocks from Pololu Valley, near the town of Kapaau in northern Hawaii.

Kapaau is said to be the birthplace of King Kamehameha I, and Pololu Valley is said to be a sacred place where divine power resides.

The power of King Kamehameha I can still be felt today as one descends upon this place, which was filled with his strong ambition to rule and unify Hawaii.

Today, Puukohola Heiau is the main attraction of the National Historical Park, with a trail to the top of the hill.

You can enjoy the view over the surrounding ocean and learn about the ancient history around the heiau at the museum, which is also a good place for sightseeing.

 

Access

Access from the Kona area is closer and more convenient.

It is located about a 30-40 minute drive north of the international airport or Kailua-Kona on Highway 19.

 

Ahuena Heiau

 

Located on Kailua Bay, Ahuena Heiau is a temple dedicated to the gods of fertility (agriculture) and peace.

It is also known as the residence of King Kamehameha I, where he spent the last years of his life after his retirement from the throne until his death.

What you see today is a restored version of the heiau about two-thirds the size of the original.

 

thing to note

Hale-Mana, the largest building on this heiau, was once used as a prayer hall, ceremonial center, and meeting place.

There is also a hut called Hale-Pahu where the drums (pahu) used in the ritual are kept, and in front of the building is a white tower, the Anu'u, which was used for the oracle.

Both of these are the main spots at Ahuena Heiau, but people are not allowed inside the Hale-Mana or Hale-Pahu buildings.

As a sanctuary with such strong sacred meaning, it is still treated with great care today.

The view of Ahuena Heiau on Kailua Bay is so serene and mystical that just looking at it will sharpen your mind.

 

Access

It is built on the grounds of the Courtyard - King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel, about a 15-minute drive from Kona International Airport on Highway 19 and a few minutes walk from Kailua-Kona.

 

Kalalea Heiau

 

There is also a heiau called Kalalea Heiau on the island of Hawaii and at South Point, the southernmost point of the United States.

This heiau is where the ancient Hawaiians worshipped the god of fishing in hopes of a bountiful catch.

 

thing to note

The famous heiau, rock-piled with black rocks, is located next to the precipitous waters of Cape Ka Lae, the first place on the Big Island of Hawaii reached by Polynesians.

It is still protected as sacred land, and it is considered illegal to easily touch the heiau itself.

It is a sacred place where you can enjoy a magnificent view of the divine, befitting the place where the history of Hawaii began.

 

Access

Both Kona and Hilo are about two hours from the international airport and city center, heading south on the island via South Point Road.

Since it is located at the southernmost tip of the Big Island of Hawaii, it is recommended to visit as a destination for a road trip where you can just drive around.

 

Hapaialii heiau.

 

Hapaialii Heiau is a very old heiau, believed to have been built between 1411 and 1465.

The current heiau was restored in 2007 using modern technology.

It is nearly 50 meters long and surrounded by seawater.

 

thing to note

Hapaiali'i - Heiau was used as a place of prayer, much like a temple in Japan.

The "alii" in the name of this heiau refers to rank, meaning royalty.

Legend has it that the site was primarily a place to pray for prosperity, and at the same time, royal women were given mana (divine power) by the gods for their children by giving birth here.

Therefore, by visiting and praying here, you too may be able to sense the mystical power of this place.

There is also a beach park for resorts in the vicinity of Hapaiali'i - Heiau, making it a great place to stop by for a casual heiau.

 

Access

Located approximately 15 to 20 minutes drive from Kailua-Kona and the Kona International Airport, the area offers visitors a wide variety of attractions.

This area is close to where the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort Hotel once stood, and information from 2021 indicates that it was demolished after closing.

However, near that historic site is the beautiful Kahaluu Beach Park, which continues to be a favorite of locals and tourists alike.

 

Ke'eku Heiau.

 

Ke'ekuu Heiau is a heiau built by royalty around the 16th century.

The heiau is famous for the petroglyphs painted on the rocks, which can only be seen at low tide, and there are many legends about the area.

 

thing to note

Ke'ekuu-Heiau is said to be the place where the King of Maui was executed and sacrificed to the gods when he invaded from Maui.

It has been interpreted that the petroglyphs may have depicted the situation at the time as a memorial.

Although the word "sacrifice" may sound a bit terrifying, there is a legend that two black and white dogs, which were the king's war dogs, are still wandering around looking for their masters, or that the two dogs are guarding the site.

Although everything has been elucidated from petroglyphs and there are many theories, the heiau has an unusual history and legend that is unlike any other.

 

Access

This heiau is located very close to Hapaiali'i-Heiau, so please head in the direction of Kahaluu Beach Park as well as Hapaiali'i-Heiau.

It is a 15-20 minute drive from Kona International Airport and Kailua-Kona.

 

Kapuanoni Heiau

 

Located on the grounds of the former Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort Hotel, this heiau is a small temple where a single rock is placed and worshipped.

The ancient Hawaiians are said to have prayed there for a good harvest, and the area was once a sacred site for ancient royalty.

 

thing to note

The hotel that owned the property where Kapuanoni Heiau is located has closed and been demolished, but the heiau continues to be carefully preserved.

And it is still secretly popular as a power spot.

Nearby is a temple called the Fountain of Safe Childbirth, used by royal women, and a power stone shaped like a sea turtle's head, so it is not an exaggeration to say that most of this area is a power spot.

 

Access

It is a 15-20 minute drive from Kailua-Kona and Kona International Airport.

Kahaluu Beach Park is located nearby, and this heiau is on the site of a former resort hotel.

 

Recommended Tours

Here are two recommended tours to visit healing spots and some of the most sacred places on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Natural Lava Bath and Healing Tour

 

Have you ever heard of lava baths?

Lava bath is a warm bath method in which you lie on warm natural lava rocks and warm your body with infrared rays and negative ions for excellent healing effects.

On this tour, you can take a warm bath in natural lava rocks on the Big Island of Hawaii and feel the sacred power filling your body.

Also included is a lunch featuring traditional Hawaiian dishes and a Japanese-speaking guide.

Other attractions include coffee plantations, ancient royal temples where power resides, and the beautiful sea, known as the Way of the Gods.

This tour specializes in healing and purification, so you can fully heal your tired mind and body.

 

Puukohola Heiau, Pololu Valley Tour

This tour allows you to visit both Puukohola Heiau, the sacred site of the first King Kamehameha the Great, and Pololu Valley, an overly beautiful power spot.

Recommended for those who want to learn more about the history of the Big Island of Hawaii through sacred sites and for those who want to visit power spots for healing.

A Japanese guide accompanies the tour, so the explanations are easy to understand and enjoy with peace of mind.

 

summary

Ancient Hawaiian history is essential to understanding deep Hawaii.

There are many heiau on the Big Island of Hawaii where you can experience such history.

While touring heiau that are closely associated with the first King Kamehameha I and his royal family, you may feel a sense of what Hawaii used to be like, as established by the ancient Hawaiians.

When you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to enjoy the great outdoors and visit these sacred and power spots.

You are bound to fall in love with Hawaii even more, including ancient Hawaii!