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Attraction >Landmark
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Description and Basic Information ::
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 Located on hallowed ground, Heiaus are sacred sites used by native Hawaiians in the worship of their gods and other sacred rituals. There are two general forms a Heiau may take, either walled or of a simple platform design. Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau is of the former type. Sitting on a bluff overlooking Waimea Bay on O’ahu's fabled North Shore, Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau is the largest Heiau on O’ahu, and certainly the most famous.
It consists of three adjoining enclosures divided by piled lava stone barriers totaling 550 feet in length. The Heiau was originally constructed in the 18th century, though probably on a site that had been sacred long before. As with other native Hawaiian stone structures, particularly Heiaus, its construction is attributed to the menehune, magical 'little people' who appear only at night and finish their work by morning. Now if only the Highway Division could hire them.
Pu'u O Mahuka means 'hill of escape' in Hawaiian. Perhaps this refers to an escape from this life, for the Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau was a Luakini Heiau. Such Heiaus were dedicated to Ku, the Hawaiian god of war, and were places of human sacrifice. The victim, usually a chief defeated in battle, was hung upside down, his sweat collected, and then beaten to tenderize his flesh before the inevitable feast that was to follow. It is believed that three crewman of English Captain George Vancouver's ship Daedalus met just such an unfortunate end here in 1794. Though the human sacrifices have been done away with in our more prosaic age, local Hawaiians still make offerings at the Heiau, as you may gather by the gifts of rocks wrapped in ti leaves, fruit, or leis left on the Heiau's stones.
Today the Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau is registered as a National Historical Landmark and administered under the Hawaii State Park system. Its location offers the visitor stunning views of Waimea Bay below and the North Shore as it extends all the way out to Kaena Point, as well as a fascinating insight into native Hawaiian culture.
It's easy to get to the Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau by bus or car. Simply gain Kamehameha Highway and head towards the North Shore. At the Foodland in Pupukea turn towards the hills on Pupukea Road and head about 2/3 of a mile up a switchback road to the Heiau. For its journey along the North Shore Kamehameha Highway is a two-lane road, and can get pretty crowded on the weekend when the surf is up. If possible, plan your trip out on a weekday to avoid the crunch. By bus you should catch number 52 in front of Ala Moana Center and let the driver know where you want to go. Be warned the journey may take up to two hours, but at $1 it may be the cheapest, and most scenic, 30 mile rides around. |
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:: Hawaii >Oahu :: |
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