Oahu Guide Blog - All About Oahu

                  Oahu is a land of history & culture. The sacred sites of Oahu like Heiau, pohaku, petroglyphs, caves, rock shelters & fish ponds. Even today, these places are looked upon with reverence & believed to possess miraculous powers. The Waimea Valley & Hale o Lono Heiau still echo of the religious minds of the Hawaiians. Built sometime between 1470 A.D. and 1700 A.D., the Heiau was dedicated to god Lono. Puu O Mahuka Heiau, spread over two acres, overlooks the Waimea Valley. It is the largest temple in Oahu. It was in the 1770s that the high priest Kaopulupulu got many gods installed there. It was probably a sacrificial temple. However, this religion was abolished by the Hawaiian themselves.

                     The first officially recognized ancient site of Oahu is Kukaniloko Birthstones. The Daughters of Hawaii preserved & protected this site. The chief visited this site & arranged two rows of lava rock seats flanked by a central birthing stone. It was believed that these stones could relieve the pains of labor. Sacred drums were beaten to announce the arrival of the newborn. Situated in upper Mahaka Valley, the Kaneaki Heiau is one of the most bewitching temple of Oahu. Looking over the Kahana Bay is the Kapaeleele Koa is a fishing shrine. The fresh waters of the Kawainui Marsh made the chiefs prefer Kailua. Again, the Ulupo Heiau situated on the eastern side of the Kawainui Marsh is believed to have been built by the legendary race Menehune.

                       Along the southern side of Oahu, lies Keaiwa Hieau. It was built under supervision of the chief Kakuhihewa. It was believed that this temple was associated with certain spiritual powers. Imbued with healing powers of the priests from Tahiti, the Na Pohaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni dates back to the 15^th century. These stones are now believed to be located in Kuhio Beach at Waikiki. When you travel along Alapena pool & Kapena Falls, you can witness numerous Nuuanu Petrogylphs. Pele’s chair is visible while passing by the Hawaii Kai Golf Club.