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| The first sign is dedicated to Henry Kekahuna, the Hawaiian surveyor who mapped the Kaneiolouma complex in 1959. // Photo courtesy of Hui Malama O Kaneiolouma |
Located only steps away from Poipu Beach, the Kaneiolouma Heiau has long been hidden by overgrowth.
With the recent completion of the public viewing platform, visitors no longer have to ask, "What is this place?" Now they are greeted with five new interpretive signs and an inspiring ocean view.
"This particular place, Kaneiolouma, is a very special, spiritual, and sacred place here on our island,” said Bernard Carvalho, the mayor of Kauai, in a written release. “This place was once hidden, and now it's coming to life.”
The first sign is dedicated to Henry Kekahuna, the Hawaiian surveyor who mapped the Kaneiolouma complex in 1959. The second sign is the Polynesian triangle. The third is the Hawaiian moon calendar. The fourth talks about Kauai's heritage, and the last sign tells the history of the restoration project.
Each sign is written in both English and the Hawaiian language, and measures three feet tall by four feet wide.
The Kaneiolouma complex contains numerous habitation, cultivation, sporting, assembly, and religious structures dating back to at least the mid-1400's.
Near its center, the complex contains the sacred spring of Waiohai, and what may be the only intact Makahiki sporting arena in the state. Once completed, Kaneiolouma will be a cultural center and an educational resource for residents of Kauai and the world.
Visit www.kaneiolouma.org