Puka Island
Posted by: 
Glenn
N 21° 38.883 W 157° 54.850
4Q E 612359 N 2394264
The arch at Kukuihoolua Islet was created when strong waves constantly undercut the edge cutting right through the rock and creating a sea arch.
Waymark Code: WMF7R
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 06/18/2006
Views: 39
A plaque at this location recounts the tale of Mo'o, a hero of ancient times who fought and defeated the local giant lizard monster.
The Legend of La'ie Point:
Laniloa, The Mo'o
This point of land that extends out into the ocean is called Laniloa. According to legend. This peninsula was originally a "Mo'o" or giant lizard. Standing upright ready to kill any intruder.
After Kana (a legendary warrior) and his brother had rescued their mother from Moloka'i and had taken her back to Hawaii. Kana set out on a journey to kill all the Mo'o in the islands. In time, he arrived in La'ie where the Mo'o had been killing many people. Kana easily defeated the Mo'o taking its head. He chopped it into five pieces and flung them into the ocean. The pieces of the lizard's head can still be seen today as five small islands lying off-shore their original names were Kihewamoku, Moluaaniwa, Pulemoku, Malualai and Keauakaluapa'a'a.
Source: "Hawaiian Legends" by William Rice, Bishop Museum Bulletin, Honolulu, HI 1923.
One of the five islands is not an island, but a lava sea arch. It is an island with a puka, or hole, carved into it by the waves. It is stunning to watch the waves breaking through the puka and would be a challenge for even a serious photographer to capture the moment.