Ku'emanu Heiau, Keauhou Historic District: Ancient temple to the Surfing Gods, Big Island HI

Located just south of mile marker 4.5 on Ali'i Drive, adjacent to Kahalu'u Beach Park, stands perhaps the only ancient temple in the world dedicated solely to the sport of surfing. This heiau is part of the greater Keauhou Historic Area of heiau and temple precincts. Ku'emanu was a luakini heiau (a temple where human sacrifice was practiced) and on the north side of the site is a laupa'u, or bone pit where the remains of the sacrificed were discarded. After surfing, Ali'i washed themselves of saltwater in a nearby brackish pool called Waiku'i (pounding waters); the pond has become brackish and stagnant in recent times. This is a particularly striking place to photograph the sun or moonset, through the legs of the upraised anu'u platform.

Parking can be tight during times of good surf, and Ali'i Drive can be hazardous to cross.

This place is still sacred to native Hawai'ians so remember to be especially respectful of this unique site. Do not disturb, nor take as souvenirs, offerings left upon the anu'u platform. Remember: take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.

For more information on exploring the Big Island of Hawaii in general, and ancient temples, beaches and surfing there in particular, visit: www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com.

Produced by Donnie MacGowan; written, directed and filmed by Donald MacGowan; original musical score by Donald B. MacGowan. All media copyright 2008 by Donald B. MacGowan; all rights reserved.

Kuamo'o: Where the Hawai'ian Gods Died, Big Island, Hawaii

Kuamo'o Battle Field/Lekeleke Burial Ground

Melancholy, lonely, desolate; this beach cut into the fresh scar of an a'a flow marks the place where the Hawai'ian gods died at the battle of Kuamo'o. In 1819, the year before the Christian missionaries arrived in Hawai'i, forces loyal to Kamehameha II and Queen Ka'ahumanu fought to overturn the kapu system and the pagan Hawai'ian religion in favor of Christianity. Kahuna Kekuaokalani led the last supporters of the old ways and the old gods and fought a desperate battle here to preserve their ancient way of life, and lost. Their graves, numbering in the several hundreds despite the official-looking marker at the site, are under the numerous, large stone altars erected by the victors over the very spots the warriors fell.

A walk along the dirt road that bisects the battlefield is ineffably sad and a little creepy. However, the road soon climbs into dryland forest along the lava ocean cliffs and provides some memorable hiking and sunset views.

Kuamo'o Battlefield is located at the very end of Ali'i Drive, somewhat appropriately. No facilities.

For more information on exploring the Big Island of Hawaii in general, and the ancient villages and temples of Kona in particular, visit: www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com.

Produced by Donnie MacGowan.

Paniau Heiau: Bulldozed Remains Of A 500 year old King's Palace; Keauhou Historic District, Kona Hawaii

Lonoikamakakahiki Residence and Paniau Heiau

This is a good example of the embarrassment of riches in West Hawai'i in terms of our archaeological heritage, and the disrespectful and wasteful way which we deal with these important resources.

Here at Lonoikamakakahiki Residence is a king's palace, 500 years old, and built by one of Hawai'i's greatest kings, King Umi. This site was later inhabited by at least two other important kings (Lonoikamakakahiki and Kalanio'pu'u) as well as Kamehameha the Great. In any other state this would be an archaeological treasure, a park or preserve, but certainly showcased and cared for. In this case, in Hawai'i, a very few remnant walls were grudgingly reprieved from the bulldozer's blade when the Kona Surf and Racquet Club was built by the Bishop Estate (Kamehameha Schools); the rest of this historical treasure was bulldozed into oblivion for all time. It is not even generally available for causal viewing, locked away behind the Kona Surf and Racquet Club's iron gates where only paying Club guests and pedestrian visitors can see it. Of course, there is no available (legal) parking nearby, but if you are willing to walk the half mile or so up Ali'i Drive, parking is available at Kahalu'u Beach Park.

Produced by Donald MacGowan.

For more information, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com and www.lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com.