The Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history and as such, the Aloha State is home to rich historical sites and cultural monuments that were instrumental in the islands’ history. Ancient Hawaiian temples, or heiaus, were built for many reasons, including the treatment of the sick, offering of the first fruits, to start and stop the rain, to increase the population, achieve success in distant voyaging, ensure a nation’s health, or reach peace, for example. You’ll find the remnants of these temples across the Hawaiian Islands, and while all are sacred, there is one heiau, in particular, most have never visited.
Nestled on the eastern edge of the Kawai Nui Marsh on Oahu’s windward coast, Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site is associated with the legend of the menehune as well as various high chiefs of Oahu — including Kakuhihewa in the 15th century and Kualiʻi in the late 17th century.
Brian Governale/Flickr
The heiau’s massive stone platform measures 140 by 180 feet, with outer walls measuring in at up to 30 feet tall. Its size and scale indicating both the chiefly power of its patrons as well as its cultural importance.
Nonbirisuki/TripAdvisor
Many of the stones used in the temple’s construction were thought to have been transported from more than 10 miles away, an impressive feat.
Joel Bradshaw/Wikipedia
Though it likely began as an agricultural heiau, with springs feeding crops of sweet potato, banana, taro, and sugarcane along the fringes of the 400-acre Kawai Nui pond, legend says that Kuali’i, a great warrior chief, converted it to a luakini heiau dedicated to success in war.
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Ulupo likely reached the peak of its importance in 1750 when Kailua was a center of political power, before being abandoned after Oahu was conquered in the 1780s.
Nonbirisuki/TripAdvisor
The historic site became a territorial park in 1954, partially restored in the 1960s, marked with a bronze plaque in 1962 by the State Commission on Historical Sites, and a decade later, in 1972, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Joel Bradshaw/Wikipedia
The site remains sacred to the Hawaiian people, so if you plan to visit, be respectful: stay on the trails, leave only footprints, and take only photographs.
Joel Bradshaw/Wikipedia
Have you ever visited the Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site? Share your experiences and opinions with us in the comments below. And if you’re interested in Oahu’s history as much as we are, might we suggest embarking on this road trip that leads to some of the island’s most impressive historic sites.
Brian Governale/Flickr
Nonbirisuki/TripAdvisor
Joel Bradshaw/Wikipedia
Kimberley42/TripAdvisor
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Address: Ulup? Heiau State Historic Site, Kailua, HI 96734, USA
