Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Big Island of Hawaii Sight
Ahuena Heiau
A slice of ancient Hawai'i amid the modern-day Kona, Ahu'ena Heiau was reconstructed by King Kamehameha as his retreat and the place where he mentored his successor Liholiho.
There are three main structures on the "paepae" (stone platform). The first, the Hale Mana which was thatched with ti leaves and trimmed with fern, was where the King and his advisers met, the prince was tutored and prayer was held. The Hale Pahu housed the great ceremonial drum and the large white tower, 'Anu'u was where the high priest received and proclaimed answers he elicited from the gods. Surrounding the buildings are ki'i akua (tiki) which represent various gods. The tallest is koleamakua, the god of healing. He is carved with a bird, the golden plover, on his head which was believed to have led the Polynesians to Hawai'i. Ahu'ena is located behind the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel at the end of Palani Road in Kailua-Kona. Easily seen from the Kailua Pier on Ali'i Drive.
