Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(guardian spirit), who led their souls back to their bodies. If unattended, their souls
would be forced to leap from Kaʻena Point into the endless night, never to return.
Sights & Activities
Kaneʻaki Heiau
TEMPLE
(
695-8174; end of Maunaolu St; call for hours)
Hidden within a gated residential
community in Makaha Valley, this quietly impressive heiau is one of Oʻahu's best-re-
stored sacred sites. Originally an agricultural temple dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian
god of agriculture and fertility, the site was later used as a
luakini,
a temple dedicated to
the war god Ku and a place for human sacrifices.
Kamehameha the Great worshipped here and the temple remained in use until his
death in 1819. Restorations by the Bishop Museum added two prayer towers, a
kapu
(ta-
boo) house, drum house, altar and
kiʻi
(deity statues), while the heiau was reconstructed
using traditional ohia tree logs and
pili
grass.
To get here, turn
mauka
(inland) off Farrington Hwy (Hwy 93) onto Makaha Valley
Rd. Just over a mile later, follow Huipu Dr as it briefly curves left, then right. Turn right
again onto Maunaolu St, which enters Mauna Olu Estates. Sign in at the security gate-
house (bring your driver's license and car-rental contract).
At the time of writing, public access was closed indefinitely due to vandalism. Call
ahead to ask if the site has since reopened.
Makaha Valley Riding Stables
HORSEBACK RIDING
at this historic ranch for a sunset trail ride with a BBQ dinner and s'mores by the firepit,
or an afternoon horseback ramble through the valley as you learn about Hawaiian cul-
ture, including traditional games and crafts. Advance reservations required.
Sleeping
Makaha has the majority of the vacation rentals available on the Waiʻanae Coast. Browse
(
www.hawaiibeachcondos.com
) and
Discount Hawaii Condos
