Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau State Monument facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau
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View from bridge over ʻ Wailuku River
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Location | Hea Pl. off Kuhio Pl. from Waiehu Beach Rd. |
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| Nearest city | Wailuku, Hawaii |
| Area | 10-acre (4.0 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 85002972 |
| Added to NRHP | 25 November 1985 |
The Halekiʻi-Pihana Heiau State Monument is a special park in Wailuku, Maui. It covers about 10 acres. This park is home to two very important ancient Hawaiian temples called heiau. These temples are named Halekiʻi and Pihana. They sit on a high ridge near the mouth of the ʻIao Stream.
Both Halekiʻi and Pihana were connected to powerful Hawaiian chiefs. Experts called archaeologists have studied them closely. From this spot, you can see the rich Nā Wai ʻEhā region. This area is known as the 'Four Waters' because it is watered by the Wailuku, Waikapu, Waiheʻe, and Waiehu streams. The entire heiau complex was added to the National Register of Historic Places on November 25, 1985. This means it is a very important historical site.
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What is a Heiau?
A heiau (pronounced HEY-ow) is an ancient Hawaiian temple or place of worship. These sacred sites were built for many different purposes. Some were for healing, some for farming success, and others for war. The heiau at this monument are luakini heiau. This means they were important temples used by chiefs for war and other major state ceremonies.
The Pihana Heiau
Pihana means 'fullness' or 'gathering'. It is also sometimes called Piihana or Pihanakalani, which means 'gathering of the supernatural'. This heiau started as a small temple between the years 1260 and 1400.
Pihana's Expansion
Between 1410 and 1640, Pihana became much larger. It was used as a home and a luakini temple for a chief named Kiʻihewa. He lived around the same time as Chief Kakaʻe, who was the father of Kahekili I.
The Halekiʻi Heiau
Halekiʻi means 'image house' or 'Tiki House'. This heiau was built along the top of the hill around the same time Pihana was expanded. People say that Chief Kihapiʻilani was the one who suggested building it.
Expanding Both Heiau
Both Halekiʻi and Pihana were made much bigger between 1662 and 1705. This is when they got their current shape. Pihana was also improved and turned to face the island of Hawaiʻi. This happened during a time of fighting between the islands, from 1684 to 1778.
Pihana's Rededication
In 1790, a very important event happened. The forces of Kamehameha I won the deadly Battle of Kepaniwai. After this victory, Kamehameha's son, Liholiho, honored Pihana again. He rededicated it, which means he officially set it aside for its sacred purpose once more.
