Day 348: Pi'ilanihale Heiau, Hana, Hawai’i
📌APIA Every Day (348) - Pi'ilanihale Heiau, located on Maui, is the largest heiau (sacred temple) in Polynesia and one of the best-preserved in Hawai’i. Construction on the building began as early as the 13th century and is believed to have been completed by prominent Maui chief, King Pi’ilani. While not much is known about the original history of the heiau, it’s recognized as one of Hawai‘i’s most significant archaeological sites and offers insight into traditional Native Hawaiian architecture.
The dimensions of Pi'ilanihale Heiau measure approximately 341 feet by 415 feet in length and 50 feet in height. Due to its size, anthropologists initially thought that the structure functioned as a luakini heiau: a sacrificial temple that served large communities and was managed by a high chief or ali'i 'ai moku. However, alternative theories have emerged stating the heiau may have primarily been used as a residence given that “Pi'ilanihale” translates to “house of Pi’ilani.” Operating as a royal compound in this case, the site would have encompassed the king’s living quarters and personal temple. The last descendant of Pi’ilani historically associated with the heiau was likely Kahekili, an 18th-century Maui chief who unified some of the Hawaiian Islands under his rule.
The site remained largely untouched into the 21st century until 1974, when members of the Kahanu-Uaiwa-Matsuda-Kumaewa family donated the heiau and 61 acres of the surrounding land to the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Restoration efforts were then initiated with the goal of preserving and eventually opening the site to the public. Among those involved in the restoration was Francis Kikaha Lono, a direct descendant of King Pi‘ilani. In 1999, major stabilization work was done on the structure with stonemasons from Hana restacking the heiau’s terrace walls. That same year, local community members commemorated the completion of the restoration project that began nearly 3 decades prior.
In 1964, Pi'ilanihale Heiau was designated a National Historic Landmark in recognition of its archeological significance. Today, it serves as the piko or cultural heart of the Kahanu Garden. Further research on Hawaiian heiau across the Islands could still reveal more information about Pi’ilanihale and the broader cultural practices of the early Maui Kings.
Written by Avneet Dhaliwal
LEARN MORE:
National Park Service: Pi'ilanihale Heiau
NPS Gallery: National Register Nomination Form
National Tropical Botanical Garden: Pi'ilanihale Heiau
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