Wailua River State Park facts for kids
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Wailua Complex of Heiaus
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Pōhaku Hoʻohānau (birthing stone) and Pōhaku Piko (umbilical stone), Holoholokū Heiau
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 Location in Kauai
Location in Hawaii
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| Nearest city | Wailua, Hawaii |
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| NRHP reference No. | 66000297 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
| Designated NHLD | December 29, 1962 |
The Wailua River State Park and the Wailua Complex of Heiaus are found on the eastern side of Kauai, a beautiful Hawaiian island. This park is mostly the valley of the Wailua River. It is the only river in Hawaii where boats can travel. Visitors to the park can enjoy kayaking, riverboat tours, and exploring the amazing rainforest. You can even use motorboats and go water skiing on the river.
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What is the Wailua Complex of Heiaus?
The Wailua Complex is a very important historical site. It was once the main center of power for the chiefs on Kauai. It is now a National Historic Landmark. The complex holds the remains of several important ancient structures. These include places of worship called heiau, places of safety known as puʻuhonua, and sites linked to royal births.
Important Sites in the Complex
Here are some of the most important places you can find in the Wailua Complex:
- Hikinaakalā Heiau: This heiau means "Rising of the Sun." It is located at the mouth of the river, next to Lydgate State Park. It includes the Hauola place of refuge (puʻuhonua). This was a safe place for people to go. It also has the Kiʻi Pōhaku, which are ancient petroglyphs (rock carvings).
- Malae Heiau: Also known as Malaea or Makaukiu or Mana Heiau. This is a huge, rectangular luakini heiau. It is almost 400 feet long! You can find it on the south side of the river, just above Highway 56.
- Holoholokū Heiau: This site is also called Kalaeokamanu. It is next to two special stones: the pōhaku hoʻohānau (birthing stone) and the pōhaku piko (navel or umbilical stone). In ancient times, high-ranking women would give birth here. They would also bury the afterbirth and umbilical cords at this sacred spot.
- Poliʻahu Heiau: This is another large luakini heiau. It sits high on a narrow ridge between ʻŌpaekaʻa Stream and the Wailua River.
- Bellstone: Located on the same ridge as Poliʻahu Heiau. This stone was used to announce important events, like the birth of a royal child.
Out of all these sites, only Holoholokū Heiau has been mostly rebuilt and restored.
=Images for kids
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Hikinaakalā Heiau
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Kiʻi Pōhaku image
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Hauola Heiau altar
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Ka Lae O Ka Manu Heiau (from near birthing stones)
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Poliʻahu Heiau (looking inland)
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Poliʻahu Heiau (looking seaward)
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Poliʻahu Heiau view of Wailua River mouth and Malae Heiau hillside
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Poliʻahu Heiau view of Wailua River, Kamokila Hawaiian Village (at right), and Fern Grotto tour boat
History of Wailua
Wailua was a very special place in ancient Hawaii. It was the land of the ali'i (kings). It was also one of the largest ahupuaʻa (land divisions) on Kauai. It is said that King Kaumuali'i, the last independent king of Kauai, loved living in Wailua.
There are Hawaiian heiaus located all along the river. They start from the river's mouth and go all the way up to the top of Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Many legends are connected to Wailua. One legend says that the huaka'i po (Ghost Warriors) walk ancient trails along the river at night, heading up to Mount Waiʻaleʻale. Wailua was once home to many Hawaiian people and holds a rich history.
More Images from Wailua River State Park
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Kamokila Hawaiian Village
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Sketch by Hiram Bingham I
