Kaunolu Village Site facts for kids
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Kaunolu Village Site
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Halulu Heiau from Kamehameha house site
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 Location in Hawaii
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| Nearest city | Lānaʻi City, Lanaʻi, Hawaii |
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| Area | 640 acres (260 ha) |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000303 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHL | December 29, 1962 |
The Kaunolū Village Site is a very old fishing village found on the south coast of Lanaʻi, an island in Hawaii. This village was left empty in the 1880s. It is the biggest set of old buildings left from a time before Europeans came to Hawaii.
This amazing archaeological site is very well kept. It shows us how Hawaiian culture changed over many years. Because it is so important, it was named a U.S. National Historic Landmark in 1962. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. This means it is a special place protected by the government.
Contents
Exploring Kaunolū Village
The site actually has two old villages. They are on both sides of a dry riverbed called Kaunolū Gulch. This gulch sometimes has sudden floods after big rainstorms higher up the island. The village on the west side was called Kaunolū. The one on the east side was named Keāliakapu.
Life in the Village
The land around Kaunolū is very dry, and there isn't much fresh water. But the bay at the end of the gulch is a safe place for boats. It also gives people access to great fishing in the deep ocean. This area is below the tall cliffs along the island's south coast.
Ancient Hawaiian people were skilled fishers. They used special lures made from bone. These lures helped them catch large ocean fish like tuna. Some of these old lures were found in Ulaula Cave. This cave is a small lava tube near the village.
Famous Visitors and Legends
King Kamehameha I, a very important Hawaiian ruler, often came here to fish. The place where his house once stood is right across the gulch from a special temple called Halulu Heiau. This spot is high up on a cliff above the bay.
Halulu Heiau and Ceremonies
Between 1778 and 1810, King Kamehameha I held important ceremonies at Halulu Heiau. A heiau is a Hawaiian temple or sacred place. This particular heiau was likely used for important events and to honor the gods.
Another powerful chief, Kahekili, who was a rival of Kamehameha, also visited this area in the late 1700s.
Kahekili's Leap
Near the heiau, there is a famous spot in the cliff called Kahekili's Leap. It's a natural gap in the rock. The story says that Chief Kahekili would ask his warriors to jump from this cliff into the sea below. This was a way for them to show how brave they were.
Gallery
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National Historic Landmark plaque
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Kamehameha I house site
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Kahekili's Leap
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Walls of Halulu Heiau
