It was just one of those days to take a drive and find a site on Oahu that would be interesting to share. I was going into 10th grade at Leilehua High School in Wahiawa in 1971 as our high school in Mililani was not finished yet. A lot of history surrounds this area and I'm going to share a part of this area right outside Wahiawa and the historical significance of the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones Site.
The Wahiawa Plateau used to be forest land and three districts (Waianae, Waialua and Ewa) of ‘old Oahu' extended into this plateau. Known as the ‘uplands' chiefs were born and resided here and it was also the location where the key battles for control over Oahu were fought.
The chiefs preserved their chiefly kapu (pronounced ‘kah poo' and is the code of conducts of laws and regulations). Several heiau (sacred Hawaiian temples) were built around this chiefly area in the slopes and gulches of the Waianae mountain range and facing the Wahiawa Plateau.
Major trails crossed the island of Oahu and met near Kukaniloko. The Waialua Trail started in Waialua and went through Wahiawa down to the Ewa plains. The Kolekole Trail started in Waianae and crossed over the Waianae Range and joined the Wailalua Trail near Kukaniloko.
Wahiawa (meaning rumbling) is where thunderstorms and the voices of ancestral gods welcomed an offspring of highest and divine ranking. Such as being in central Oahu, Kukaniloko is symbolic of the PIKO (navel cord)...... and so symbolizing.....birth.
The royal birthsite here was Kukaniloko (coo kah knee low koe) which was north outside the city of Wahiawa and located in the Waialua district. It included the associated Ho'o'onopahu Heiau (hey ee ow are ) ancient Hawaiian temple and nearby Lihue within the Waianae Uka district. A royal center on Oahu between A.D. 1400-1500 the Kukaniloko Birth Stones Site has been honored as a significant cultural site on Oahu.
From Kukaniloko the open skies might have made this location a prime location for a sort of Hawaiian kind of Stonehenge. A University of Hawaii team from the Institute of Astronomy recorded designs and shapes that may have been used for the movement of stars and such for calendars.
The plaque reads: KUKANILOKO...This site is sacred to the Hawaiian people. As many as 800 years ago, chiefs and chiefesses came here for the birth of their children. A child born at Kukaniloko was assured high -ranking status. Please respect this sacred area. Do not damage the stones by marking them or leaving coins. PRESERVE HAWAII'S PAST FOR THE FUTURE.
As always, it is unlawful to take, excavate, destroy or alter any historic site on state land. Any person who violates this law is subject to a fine of $10,000 (HRS, Chapter 6E-11) DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES, DIVISION OF STATE PARKS.
Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman is a Realtor-Associate® and Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) with Century 21 Liberty Homes in Mililani, Hawaii. With a sharp understanding that a listening ear is the key to a client's needs she serves the island of Oahu (Honolulu County) and all Hawaii Military Relocations, Hawaii Retirees, Hawaii Job Transfers and Hawaii Residents, Home Buyers and Sellers.
© 2007-2012 Celeste "Sally" Cheeseman's Hawaii Real Estate and Relocation Blog.
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This looks like a beautiful site.
Hi Sally - Interesting story about that site. I hope they will put up a new sign, because it really should be respected, and that old one looks like it is hard to read. Beautiful photos too, as usual.
Sally, when I lived in Hawaii and was in public relations, I was very interested in the Big Island historic Hawaiian sites. Sorry to say I don't know more about those in Central Oahu, so thank you for this blog. By the way, I mentioned you in my "100,000" blog today.
Sally:
Is this area a state park or it protected in some way? It would be a shame to lose these important artifacts of the Hawaiian culture. Thank you for sharing this important Hawaiian information with us
Hello Sally and VB always loves to read about the history of certain areas, and this looks like a wonderful place! I have traveled to Southeast Asia many times over the years, and have been in temples that are 4000 years old ... "I love this stuff" Thanks for the read and view of your photographs and video ... wonderful!
VB ;o)
Evelyn: The Hawaiian Civic Club of Wahiawa has been responsible for maintenance, management and site interpretation for the past 50 years. According to our State Park website they have maintained through a partnership with the civic club, friends of Kikaniloko and the state park along with support form the Wahiawa Hospital Association and Wahiawa Community and Business Association.
Imagine it was, say, 700 years ago and you were on Hawaii then . . . what a cool thought!
Sally, thank you for sharing this with us. What a beautiful place!
HI Sally, Like VB said above, I love history too and learning about other places, I have a fond longing for Hawai'i having been there several times over the years. That site looks like you could have a campfire around it right now.
Sally, great information about ancient Hawaiian sites! Every time I read your posts and see the photos I want to jump on a plane.... and see for myself!
You do live in paradise, don't you?
I wonder if they realized back then how special and beautiful their land was for the whole world. .
Too bad I missed that on my trip to Oahu and I drove all over the place!
Beautiful, Sally. I always enjoy reading about the history of your area. I am always amazed at how much you know about where you live and nearby.
Jeff
Sally
Thanks for the Hawaiian history lesson, it was very interesting to read the post.
Good luck and success.
Lou Ludwig
Sally - thanks for sharing some of the magic that makes your Hawaiian Islands so special!
Beautiful and I confess I had forgotten how beautiful your photos are. Thanks for sharing.
Sally - I always love to read the history about any region. Your's are especially intriguing as they are so far from where we live. Very intersting post and informative. Nice photos as always. Hope you are well.