Day 101: Wailua Complex of Heiaus, Kauai, Hawai’i
📌APIA Every Day (101) - The Wailua Complex of Heiaus, traditionally named Wailuanui-hoano or "great, sacred Wailua," was the principal residence of Kauai’s paramount chief (ali’i nui) and a site imbued with mana and kapu due to its location of several important heiaus. The constructed heiaus and archaeological findings in the area symbolized the impressive degree of religious, political, and economic power that had evolved on Kauai. Housing several significant sites including Hikinaakala, Holoholoku, Malaeha’akoa, and Poliahu heiaus, a place of refuge called Hauola, ancient petroglyphs, a royal birthstone, and a bellstone, these heiaus served various social and cultural functions.
Four heiaus are commonly referenced in the Wailua Complex of Heiaus: Hikinaakala, Holoholoku, Malaeha’akoa, and Poliahu. Hikinaakala (the rising sun) Heiau, next to the mouth of the Wailua River, was used to welcome the sun, and traditionally, the sunrise was celebrated with chants and prayers. The Holoholoku Heiau, known as Kalaeokamanu Heiau and traditionally called Ka Lae o Ka Manu (the crest of the bird), is believed to be Kauai’s oldest heiau. Nearby is the Pohaku Ho'ohanau, the royal birthstone, and Pohaku Piko, the ceremonial place for women to deliver their child to ensure their chiefly status. Polilahu Heiau, a luakini heiau, is located on a bluff above the Wailua River; legend says that it was built by the Menehune to create large-scale projects, such as temples and fishponds. The Wailua Bellstone, a reddish basalt boulder, was used to announce important events such as royal births or the approach of chiefly or religious processions. Lastly, the Malae Heiau, near the mouth of Wailua River, is a luakini heiau and is the largest heiau remaining on the island and one of the largest surviving temple platforms in the Hawaiian Islands.
These sites, alongside others in Wailua River State Park, point towards Hawaii’s cultural, religious, economic, and political power. They played an important role in the evolution of Hawaiian culture and tradition on the island. The Wailua Complex of Heiaus was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1962.
LEARN MORE:
National Park Service: Wailua Complex of Heiaus
National Park Service: Wailua Complex of Heiau National Historic Landmark Nomination Form
Historic Hawai’i Foundation (YouTube): Wailua I Ke Awawa O Na Ali‘i
Historic Hawai’i Foundation: Wailua Complex of Heiau
Hawaiians: Wailua Complex Of Heiaus
Department of Land and Natural Resources: Wailua Complex of Heiaus
Kawai’i State Parks: Wailua River State Park
On Walkabout: Places on Kauai: The Holoholoku Heiau
#apiaeveryday #hawaiian #hawaiianculture #hawaiianhistory #wailuacomplexofheiaus #kauai #hawaii #wailua #wailuariverstatepark #nationalhistoriclandmark
