An article I wrote for a forthcoming driving-CD of the island of Kaua'i. Visit www.kauaidrivetours.com for more information.
Approaching Wailua from the south, you will see Lydgate Beach Park on your right just before you cross over the Wailua River. This place of sea and sand marks the sacred gateway into the heart of the island. Called hauola or “dew of life,” this area around the river’s mouth was well renown as a place of healing and wholeness. Here many ancient Tahitian voyages would embark and arrive, and many ali’i or chiefs resided. Remnants of large volcanic boulders just off shore create a small, somewhat protected area for swimming and snorkeling. The last king of Kaua‘i, King Kaumualii, used to swim here.
At the north end of Lydgate Beach Park next to the river’s mouth is a heiau erected in the 14th century. The original structure, called Hikina-a-ka-la or “The Rising of the Sun,” rose like a mighty fortress, measuring 80 feet wide and nearly 400 feet long, with walls six feet high and over eight feet thick. Each day at dawn, the sun’s first rays broke through the sea’s salt spray and warmed the stacked stones. Kahuna or priests would greet the rising sun with chants and prayers. They placed wooden statues or ki’i along the river wall to keep watch and sway with the shifting tides.
At the north end of Lydgate Beach Park next to the river’s mouth is a heiau erected in the 14th century. The original structure, called Hikina-a-ka-la or “The Rising of the Sun,” rose like a mighty fortress, measuring 80 feet wide and nearly 400 feet long, with walls six feet high and over eight feet thick. Each day at dawn, the sun’s first rays broke through the sea’s salt spray and warmed the stacked stones. Kahuna or priests would greet the rising sun with chants and prayers. They placed wooden statues or ki’i along the river wall to keep watch and sway with the shifting tides.
Within the heiau walls was a pu’uhonua, a place of refuge for those fleeing a crime. After a few days of performing sacred rights, a refugee would be released without being punished. Various people sought refuge here during times of war.
Today, all that remains are foundation stones amidst a grove of coconut trees. Remember that this heiau is still a sacred place. People often leave offerings wrapped in ti leaves. May these offerings and this sacred place continue to offer healing for all.
Today, all that remains are foundation stones amidst a grove of coconut trees. Remember that this heiau is still a sacred place. People often leave offerings wrapped in ti leaves. May these offerings and this sacred place continue to offer healing for all.
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