Aloha Authentic: Ahuʻena Heiau

HONOLULU (KHON2) – In the ahupuaʻa of Lanihau, which lies in the moku of Kona here on the island of Hawaiʻi, stands arguably one of Hawaiʻi’s most significant sites.

We are speaking of Ahuʻena Heiau .

The name Ahuʻena translates as “red hot heap” and the word heiau refers to a pre-Christian shrine and place of worship.

Formerly located on Oʻahu in Waipiʻo, Ahuʻena was relocated to Hawaiʻi Island becoming the most powerful heiau there.

Ahuʻena served as a luakini heiau , one where human sacrifices were offered and dedicated to Hawaiian god of war, Kū .

But after time, its purpose had changed.

Because of a period of famine, Ahuʻena was eventually rededicated to Lono , the god of agriculture.

It was by done by the actions of King Kamehameha I, the one who unified all the Islands and established the Hawaiian Kingdom.

In 1812, King Kamehameha I moved back to his home island of Hawaiʻi here at an area known as Kamakahonu .

After reconstructing Ahuʻena Heiau , this became the center of political power for the Hawaiian Kingdom.

But in addition to its significance, it was here which turned the page of time.

Following a life which fulfilled prophecies, it was at Ahuʻena Heiau where King Kamehameha I took his final breath on May 8, 1819.

Prior to his death, he had proclaimed his eldest son, Liholiho , to follow in his place and become King Kamehameha II.

At this time, society was guided by the Kapu System which was the religious, political and social structure.

During his reign, Liholiho sat and ate with his mother and his guardian, an action which forever broke the kapu system.

And after being granted permission to do so, it was here where the first Christian missionaries first arrived in Hawaiʻi sharing the Word of God.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

Did you know? Now you do!