The Hawaiian Islands are home to countless incredible parks, panoramic views, and historic sites, but what if we were to tell you that there is a hidden destination that combines all three of these attractions in one? Nestled in the mountains above some of Oahu’s best north shore surfing spots, far away from the crowds, is the often overlooked Pu’u O Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site, a true undiscovered Hawaiian destination.
Pu’u O Mahuka is the largest such temple on the island of Oahu, and might have been constructed as early as the 1600s.
janhatesmarcia/Flickr Built as a series of three-walled enclosures with rock walls ranging from three to six feet tall by the commoners (makaʻainana) under the direction of a high ruling chief (ali’i nui) and his priests (kahuna).
It appears that the upper, eastern enclosure was built first and then expanded upon. The other two enclosures were most likely added in the 1700s.
Michelle Lee/Flickr
Under the guidance of high priest Ka’opulupulu under Oʻahu chief Kahahana, in the late 1700s, during a period of political upheaval, it is suspected that there was human sacrifice at the temple, perhaps to encourage war success.
Ken Lund/Flickr It is said that, if you visit this historic site at sundown, you will feel the mana (sacred spirit) as well as a mysterious energy that will give you goosebumps.
Due to the temple’s location, Pu’u O Mahuka was thought to have ties with the heiau at Wailua on Kaua’i.
karendesuyo/Flickr Signal fires at these temples supposedly provided visual communication between the islands. The temple was used until 1819, when traditional religion in Hawaii was abolished. During the next century, the site was used for agriculture and pineapple cultivation.
The temple was used until 1819, when traditional religion in Hawaii was abolished. During the next century, the site was used for agriculture and pineapple cultivation.
Ken Lund/Flickr
Pu’u O Mahuka was declared a National Historical Landmark in 1962 in recognition of its importance to Hawaiian culture and history - just a few year after Hawaii became an official American state.
daryll_mitchell/Flickr It was during the 1960s that the cement path around the heiau was created, guiding visitors around the temple and discouraging them from entering and causing damage to the structures.
The altar at the front of the heiau is often covered by fruits and flowers left as offerings by Native Hawaiians and local residents.
Sean Maurik/Flickr
karendesuyo/Flickr
Translating to “hill of escape” in the Hawaiian language, it is rumored that Pu’u O Mahuka was the site from which Pele leaped across the ocean from Oahu to Molokai.
Tony Fernandez/Flickr
Located approximately 300 feet above sea level and covering two acres of the hillside overlooking the famous and beautiful Waimea Bay, the views from this sacred temple are truly second to none.
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
The site can be reached by turning onto Pupukea Homestead Road from Kamehameha Highway and slowly driving up the hillside via a series of short switchbacks. The park is open to the public (free of charge) daily from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m.
janhatesmarcia/Flickr
Built as a series of three-walled enclosures with rock walls ranging from three to six feet tall by the commoners (makaʻainana) under the direction of a high ruling chief (ali’i nui) and his priests (kahuna).
Michelle Lee/Flickr
Ken Lund/Flickr
It is said that, if you visit this historic site at sundown, you will feel the mana (sacred spirit) as well as a mysterious energy that will give you goosebumps.
karendesuyo/Flickr
Signal fires at these temples supposedly provided visual communication between the islands. The temple was used until 1819, when traditional religion in Hawaii was abolished. During the next century, the site was used for agriculture and pineapple cultivation.
daryll_mitchell/Flickr
It was during the 1960s that the cement path around the heiau was created, guiding visitors around the temple and discouraging them from entering and causing damage to the structures.
Sean Maurik/Flickr
Tony Fernandez/Flickr
Megan Shute/OnlyInYourState.com
To be honest, I’ve only heard of this place a few times – and it wasn’t until a few months ago that I ever visited – and its neighbor, Waimea Bay, is easily one of my favorite spots on the island? Tell us, what Hawaiian destinations have you just discovered despite living here for years?
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
