Hapaiali'i HeiauA historical landmark on The Big IslandNestled in Keauhou near Kahalu'u Beach Park a ....

Hapaiali'i Heiau

A historical landmark on The Big Island

Nestled in Keauhou near Kahalu'u Beach Park and the Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort, you'll discover two meticulously reconstructed heiaus, Hapaiali'i Heiau, and Ke'eku Heiau. Kamehameha Schools undertook the restoration efforts in 2007, breathing new life into these ancient sites. Hapaiali'i Heiau, in particular, holds a rich historical legacy dating back to the 1400s, with carbon dating pinpointing its construction between 1411 and 1465.

The meticulous reconstruction process unearthed a fascinating facet of Hapaiali'i Heiau—it functioned as a solar calendar. Standing behind the center stone on the top platform allows for precise seasonal observations, with the ability to align the heiau with other key points. During the winter solstice, the sun descends directly over the southwest corner of the platform-like structure, while at the summer solstice, it sets over the northwest corner. The expansive platform measures 150 feet by 100 feet, enveloped by water during high tide.

Creating this monumental heiau originally took thousands of commoners approximately a decade. However, with modern machinery assisting the 2007 reconstruction, Hapaiali'i Heiau was recreated in just four months, preserving its historical significance for future generations.