Kuamoʻo Moʻokini facts for kids
Kuamoʻo Moʻokini was a very old Hawaiian priest. He lived around 1100 to 1200 AD. People believe he built the first heiau in Hawaii. A heiau is a special Hawaiian temple or sacred place. His heiau is called Mo'okini Heiau. It is on the Big Island of Hawaii. Some say he was a real person, while others think he might be part of a legend.
Who Was Kuamoʻo Moʻokini?
According to old family stories, called oral tradition, priests at Moʻokini Heiau say Kuamoʻo Moʻokini built this temple in the year 480. This heiau is in the northwest part of the Island of Hawaii.
The name "Kuamo'o" in Hawaiian means "spine" or "road." "Mo'o" means "genealogy" or "family line." "Kini" means "many." So, "Mo'okini" might mean "Long family line."
It is said that Kuamoʻo Moʻokini did not come from the Marquesas Islands. Many other people who moved to Hawaii at that time came from there. Instead, stories say he came from the Persian Gulf in the Middle East.
Later, people from the Society Islands, like Tahiti, moved to Hawaii. One important person was Pa'ao. He brought the religion of Polynesia to Hawaii. He helped make it the Hawaiian religion we know. This included a special custom called Luakini. Pa'ao used Mo'okini Heiau as his temple for Kū. Kū was the god of war and a symbol of strength. Pa'ao also rebuilt the stone walls of the heiau.
A Special Place in History
Kamehameha the Great was born near Moʻokini Heiau. He was born in 1785. A special stone marks his birthplace. It is surrounded by stone walls, right next to the heiau.
Moʻokini Heiau is a very important historical site. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1962. This means it is recognized as a special place in American history. In 1966, it became the Kohala Historical Sites State Monument.
In the past, only the Aliʻi, who were Hawaiian chiefs or royalty, could enter this sacred place. But in 1978, the current priest lifted this rule. Now, everyone can visit this important historical site.
