Kaua'i - Hawaii - page 876

36 Oasis on the Beach G1
Papaya's Natural Foods (see 37)
37 Safeway G1
38 Shivalik Indian Cuisine G1
39 Tiki Tacos G1
Tropical Dreams (see 37)
40 Wahoo G1
Entertainment
41 Coconut Marketplace G2
Smith's Tropical Paradise (see 8)
Trees Lounge (see 32)
Shopping
Bambulei (see 28)
Marta's Boat (see 10)
42 Nani Moon G1
THE SACRED WAILUA RIVER
To ancient Hawaiians, the Wailua River was among the most sacred places in the
archipelago. The river basin, near its mouth, was one of the island's two royal cen-
ters (the other was Waimea) and home to the high chiefs. Here, you can find the re-
mains of many important heiau (ancient stone temples).
The Hikinaʻakala Heiau ('rising of the sun') sits south of the Wailua River mouth,
which is today the north end of Lydgate Beach Park. In its heyday, the long, narrow
temple (c AD 1200) was aligned directly north to south, but only a few remaining
boulders outline its original massive shape. The neighboring Hauola Puʻuhonua
('dew of life,' 'place of refuge') is marked by a bronze plaque. Ancient Hawaiian
kapu (taboo) breakers were assured safety from persecution if they made it inside.
Believed to be the oldestluakini(temple dedicated to war god Ku, often a place
for human sacrifice) on the island, Holoholoku Heiau MAP is a quarter-mile up
Kuamoʻo Rd on the left. Toward the west, against the flat-backed birthstone