Central O'ahu
These uplands of Wahiawa in central O'ahu were a place where chiefs were born, where famed chiefs lived, and where key battles for the control of O'ahu were fought. The royal birthside of Kukaniloko and the associated heiau of Ho'olonopahu were within the Waialua district. Nearby was the royal center of Lihu'e within the lands of Wai'anae Uka. To the south were the houses and fields in the uplands of the 'Ewa district.
Beginning with the birth of Kapawa in the 1300s or possibly earlier, Kukaniloko became recognized as the royal birthsite on O'ahu. Birth at Kukaniloko assured a child high-ranking status and the privileges of this status. It also maintained the purity of the royal lineages which gave chiefs their godly status and the right to be leaders.
A child born in the presence of the chiefs was called he ali'i, he akua, he wela - a chief, a god, a blaze of heat.
The birth of a child at Kukaniloko was witnessed by 36 chiefs. Then, the child was taken to the nearby waihau heiau called Ho'olonopahu where the purification rites and cutting of the umbilical cord were overseen by 48 chiefs. The sacred drums stored at Ho'olonopahu were beaten to announce the royal birth.
Kukaniloko was used as a royal birth site into the 17th Century. Several renown chiefs, such as Ma'ilikukahi and Kakuhihewa, were born here. The reign of these chiefs was marked by good deeds, peace and prosperity
Directions:
Take H1 West bound to H2. Take H2 north to exit 5 (Wahiwa). Take Kamehameha Avenue north through Wahiawa to Whitmore Avenue. Opposite Whitmore Avenue, turn left onto the dirt road that appears to lead into a pineapple field. The stones are located a few yards down this road.
Hawaii-Guide Tips/Info:
These sites are sacred to the Hawaiian people and should be treated with the utmost respect. Do not move or remove anything from these sites.
Do not climb or walk on the rock walls and platforms.
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