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.

Hapaiali'i Heiau: Where warriors become Chiefs, Big Island, Hawaii

The remains of Hapaial'i Heiau (Temple for Elevating Chiefs), a heiau associated with ceremonies involving changes in rank of Ali'i, lie on the grounds of the Keauhou Ohana Beach Resort, across the narrow tidal inlet from Ke'eku Heiau. Not much is known about this Heiau; some traditions hold that it predates Ke'eku Heiau; others maintain it was built around 1812 by Kamehameha the Great.

To reach Hapaiali'i Heiau, park either in the Kahalu'u Beach Park or at Keauhou Ohana Beach Resort. From Kahalu'u, walk onto the Keauhou Ohana Beach Resort property through the gateway in the fence between them and follow the asphalt path to the pool deck, through the lobby of the resort and join the paved path that runs along the end of the Resort driveway. From the Resort parking lot, walk up the drive to the paved path that runs along the end of the driveway. Following along this path, one passes Punawai Spring first, then, where the path runs around the end of the tennis courts the homesite of the Mo'o Twins. Continuing on the path until it ends at a broken concrete bridge among "No Trespassing" signs, the Hapaial'i Heiau is immediately between you and the ocean; all that remains of this once impressive temple are an unpresupposing stack of stones and some tumbling walls. Remember that these are holy religious sites to modern native Hawai'ians; to not trespass, walk or climb on the temple proper; take nothing but photographs, leave nothing but footprints.

For more information on exploring the ancient temples of Hawaii, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com, www.lovingthebigisland.wordsmith.com and www.tourguidehawaii.blogspot.com

Produced by Donald B. MacGowan