Kauai Sacred Places Ancient Landscapes
Kauai, the Garden Island, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spots on the planet. The scenery is varied and wonderful to behold. But the rustic landscapes of Kauai are more than just backdrops for famous movies, and its waterfalls more than pretty introductions to fantasy TV shows. This landscape was, and continues to be, sacred. The natural landscape is steeped in native Hawaiian legends, and the shores and valleys abound in the remains of sacred temples, shrines, and villages from over 1500 years of thriving human populations. The pictures here barely scratch the surface of the natural and cultural sacred landscapes that are Kauai. Enjoy. Mahalo.
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The spectacular Kalalau canyon, on the rugged northern Na Pali coast were once filled with four ancient temples and numerous terraced agricultural fields.
Along the northern coast of Kauai, near the present day towns of Hanalei and Princeville, taro has been extensively cultivated for at least eight 800 years. Taro was a staple crop in ancient Hawaiian times, and is still important today. Nearly 70 percent of the taro grown in the State of Hawaii comes from the taro fields of Kauai
Waterfalls abound on the island of Kauai. Many of these waterfalls figure prominently in the ancient legends of the island. Pictured here is Wai-ehu Falls, better known as Wailua Falls. According to ancient legends, a lizard serpent once lived here, and exacted a toll for those wishing to cross. If this mo'o found reason to dislike the traveler, she would shove them off the cliff. Members of the Royal class (Ali'i) would often demonstrate their bravery by jumping off the falls, a deadly endeavor that is no longer practiced.
The region around the Waimea River abounds with sacred sites and natural features. One of these is Opaeka'a Falls. One the ridge top adjacent to the falls is the major temple site of Poli'ahu.
Near Opaekea'a falls is the important Poli'ahu Heiau (temple). Poli'ahu is not an ordinary Heiau, but in a class of temples known as a 'luakini.' Luakini's were build only by the paramount chiefs. As a temple dedicated to the war god, Ku, human sacrifices likely took place here.
A short distance east of Poli'ahu along the Wailua River, lies the Holoholoku Heiau. This complex is believed to be one of the oldest on the island of Kauai. Pictured here is the large rock enclosure.
Immediately adjacent to the rock enclosure lies the Holoholoku Heiau. This Heiau is believed to be a place of refuge where violators of Kapu (taboos) could come for absolution, provided they made it here alive. Just to the left of this small enclosure are two large rocks known as Pohaku Ho'ohanau or birthing stones, where women of the royal class are said to lean against to ease labor pains. Upon birth, the child's umbilical cord would be carefully wrapped and placed in the crevices of the adjacent rock shelter.
Artificial fishponds were critical sources of food for the island's residents. Such ponds were among the highest status symbols of the Chiefs and Priests. The Menehune fishpond, near they present day town of Lihuie was build on the bend of the Hule'ia River. A huge stonework levee, nearly 2300 feet long was build to separate the river from the fishpond.
A key temple complex in Poipu Beach Park reserve is the Kahua O Kaneiolouma. Here the remains of temples, fishponds, and terraces abound. Most importantly, a Kahua is located here. A Kahua is a large, flat area surrounded by stone platforms where sporting events took place. This is believed to be the the last surviving Kahua in all of Hawaii. This complex is undergoing extensive restoration and stabilization, and plans are to open it to the public in the near future. Native Hawaiin artist James Kanani Kaulukukuki carved four magnificent wooden akua's (god images) and erected them on a rock platform on one corner of the site.
For more information: The sacred places shown here barely scratch the surface of the rich heritage of Kauai. The book, "Ancient Sites of Kaua'i - A Guide to Hawaiian Archaeological and Cultural Places" by Van James is an excellent, non-technical guide to this heritage.