SITES: SACRED & HISTORICAL
(See also Museums / Galleries , Historical Tours)

VISITING A HEIAU

You are invited to visit the traditional Hawaiian religious sites listed in this website. However, you are asked to remember that these are religious sites which are still sacred to the Hawaiian people. As historic sites, these places are also fragile and subject to damage and collapse. Please visit with respect and care for these important places.

• View the heiau from the exterior. Please do not climb on or over the rock walls. The stacked roof is unstable and may collapse.
• It is unlawful to take, excavate, destroy, or alter any historic site on state land. Any person who violates this law is subject to a fine of $10,000 (HRS Chapter 6E-11)
• Wrapping a rock in a ti leaf is not a traditional offering. This damages the plants and the integrity of the heiau structure.
• Offerings of coins, candles, incense and similar items cause long-term damage.

The historic sites of Hawaii are unique resources that are fragile and cannot be replaced. Please help us protect Hawaii's past for the future.

AHUPUAA O KAHANA STATE PARK
52-222 Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83), Kahana
(Windward Oahu)
Tel. (808) 237-7766
5,228.7 acres. Scenic wildland valley. Swimming, bodysurfing, beach-related activities, picnicking, camping and viewing of Huilua Fishpond at beach area. Hardy family hike (4.9 miles) and fruit picking in lushly vegetated forest; picnicking in coconut grove; pig hunting in public hunting area. A "living park" under development where Hawaiian families live nurturing and fostering native culture. Crafts instruction. Tours of cultural sites. Park open during daylight hours. Free admission. Call for tour reservations and information.

CULTURAL LEARNING CENTER AT KAALA
Kaala Farm
P. O. Box 630
Waianae, HI 96792
(Leeward Coast)
Tel. (808) 696-4954
A living Hawaiian cultural learning and science center. Collections include native Hawaiian plants; varieties of taro, banana, ti; native Hawaiian tools. 4-hour guided visits with hands-on learning activities for children including taro planting, lauhala weaving, poi pounding, traditional fishing techniques and survival skills. Advance reservations required.

IOLANI PALACE STATE MONUMENT
364 South King Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(Downtown Honolulu District)
Tel. (808) 538-1471
The only royal palace in the United States - served as Hawaii's capitol until 1969. Guided tours of palace. Free admission to grounds; charge for tours.

KANEAKI HEIAU
Ala Hele Street (In Mauna Olu Estates)
Makaha, HI 96792
(Leeward Oahu)
Tel. (808) 695-8174
A 17th century temple dedicated to Lono, god of Harvest and Fertility. Human sacrificial site. Free admission. Note: Only open at certain times.

KANEANA CAVE
Farrington Highway, Keawaula
(Leeward Oahu)
A 450 foot cavern - legendary home of Nanaue, the Shark god's son. Admission free.

KAWAIAHAO CHURCH
957 Punchbowl Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(Downtown Honolulu District)
Tel. (808) 522-1333
White coral church built in missionary times. Free admission and tours.

KEAIWA HEIAU STATE RECREATION AREA
End of Aiea Heights Drive, Aiea
(Honolulu District)
384.5 acres. Forest recreation: picnicking, camping and hardy family hiking (4.8-mile loop trail - Nov.21/05 closed until further notice); rustic facilities. Remains of a 15th century heiau hoola (temple of healing) and specimens of medicinal plants on display.

KUALOA BEACH PARK
49-479 Kamehameha Highway
Kaneohe, HI 96744
(Windward Oahu)
Spectacular view of Koolau Mountains and Mokolii Island (nicknamed "Chinaman's Hat" for its cone shape). Picnicking. The park is listed in the National Register of Historical Places because of its great importance in the life of the native Hawaiian people.

KUKANILOKO BIRTHSTONES STATE MONUMENT
Intersection of Kamehameha Hwy (Hwy 99) & Whitmore Ave.
Wahiawa, HI 96786
(Central Oahu)
A complex of approximately 180 stones - ancient Hawaiian royalty came here for the birth of their children. Open daily. Free admission.

PUU O MAHUKA HEIAU STATE MONUMENT
Pupukea Road
Pupukea, HI 96731
(North Shore Oahu)
Oahu's largest sacred place of ceremony - a national historic landmark. Spectacular north shore overlook. Reputed sacrifice site of Captain George Vancouver's watering party in 1793. Free admission.

QUEEN EMMA'S SUMMER PALACE
2913 Pali Highway
Honolulu, HI 96817
(West Honolulu District)
Tel. (808) 595-3167
Former summer home of Queen Emma and King Kamehameha IV. Built in 1874, the royal summer home has been restored to its original Hawaiian-Victorian setting. Hawaiian artifacts; Hawaiian quilts; special exhibits; arts and crafts demonstrations and classes; Hawaiian quilting and Hawaiian language classes; guided tours. Admission charge.

ROYAL MAUSOLEUM STATE MONUMENT
2261 Nuuanu Avenue
Honolulu, HI 96817
(Nuuanu District)
Tel. (808) 587-2590
Final resting place for two of Hawaii's royal families: the Kamehameha and Kalakaua dynasties and their retainers. Free admission. Call for information on tours.

ULU PO HEIAU STATE MONUMENT
Manu Oo Street
Kailua, HI 96734
(Windward Oahu)
Temple allegedly built by mythical menehunes (Hawaiian elves). Free admission. Great picnic site.

WAIMEA VALLEY AUDUBON CENTER
59-864 Kamehameha Highway
Waimea, HI 96712
(North Shore Oahu)
Tel. (808) 638-9199
A historic nature park on 1,800 acres with over 6,000 species of plant life in world class botanical gardens. Hundreds of acres of strolling paths, hiking trails, picnicking, birdwatching, a 45 foot waterfall and rich archaeological sites. Botanical and environmental self-guided tours. Admission charge.

WASHINGTON PLACE
320 South Beretania Street
Honolulu, HI 96813
(Honolulu / Capitol District, Downtown Area)
Tel. (808) 586-0248
Built in 1847, Washington Place was the home of Hawaii's last reigning monarch, Queen Liliuokalani, and has served as the official residence of the Governor of Hawaii. It is now a museum for people who wish to learn more about Hawaii's history. Tours are free. Reservations needed.