temple site

Description

The stone "Heiau" at Puukohola is one of the last major sacred structures built in Hawaii before outside influences permanently altered Hawaiian life . Constructed in 1790-1791 by Kamehameha 1, this Heiau, or temple, played a crucial role in the ruler's ascendancy. It endures as one of Hawaii's most important historical monuments. By 1790, Kamehameha, whom many believed destined to rule all of the Hawaiian islands, had invaded and conquered Maui, Lanai and Molokai. Yet he was not able to lay full claim to his home island of Hawaii because of opposition from his chief rival and cousin Keoua Kuahuula. While on Molokai, Kamehameha sent his aunt to seek direction from the prophet Kapoukahi, who told her that Kamehameha would conquer all the islands if he build a large "Heiau" dedicated to his family war god Kukilimimoku atop Puukohola, "Hill of the Whale." Evidently, it worked. Kamehameha I became the first ruler to unite the islands under one royal house. The Hawaiians were familiar with human sacrifice. Victims unfortunate enough to encounter the altar known as Hale o Kapuni Heiau, became the subjects of an unusual and elaborate ceremony. The altar is accessible during low tide, but at high tide becomes submergedÖ in shark infested waters, no less. We see the dorsal fins of the blacked tipped reef sharks occasionally, in the water around the old temple site. I get the creeping sensation that there is a residual memory at work in the shark's habits. They were once the grateful recipients of human victims at this very spot. Sponsored by: http://www.dbigisland.com - an interactive map of the Big Island http://www.experiencekiheimaui.com - an eco-friendly vacation rental in the heart of Kihei, Maui.