Puu o Mahuka Heiau - North Shore of Oahu, Hawaii
Posted by: 
Shorelander
N 21° 38.502 W 158° 03.543
4Q E 597370 N 2393463
A commanding heiau on the heights overlooking the North Shore of Oahu.
Waymark Code: WM9QYW
Location: Hawaii, United States
Date Posted: 09/21/2010
Views: 14
Puu o Mahuka Heiau is the largest heiau, or temple, on Oahu. Covering almost 2 acres, the heiau was likely constructed in the 1600s, and was in use until 1819. It was built with three walled enclosures of varying heights, with a paved inner section. It was used by high priests (kahuna) and chiefs (ali'i nui), including Kamehameha I, the uniter of the Hawaiian islands. Many sources indicate it is likely that human sacrifices took place at this site; some suggest that three of the crew of the Daedalus, which were scouting the area in 1792, were sacrificed here, although that is speculation.
The access to the site is via a bumpy dirt road from Pupukea Homestead Road, itself a winding (although paved) road just up from the main highway. Use care when coming to the site, and of course, please use care at the site and preserve it for future generations. Treat it with reverence, as Native Hawaiian practitioners still consider it sacred ground.
Street address:
Pupukea Homestead Road
Honolulu, HI USA
County / Borough / Parish: Honolulu
Year listed: 1966
Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Information Potential
Periods of significance: 1700-1749, 1750-1799
Historic function: Religion (Ceremonial Site)
Current function: Landscape, Religion
Privately owned?: no
Primary Web Site: [Web Link]
Secondary Website 1: [Web Link]
Season start / Season finish: Not listed
Hours of operation: Not listed
Secondary Website 2: Not listed
National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed
|
Visit Instructions:
Please give the date and brief account of your visit. Include any additional observations or information that you may have, particularly about the current condition of the site. Additional photos are highly encouraged, but not mandatory.