Ancient Hawaiian Village Coming Back To Life

Located only steps away from Poipu Beach, the Kāneiolouma Heiau has long been hidden by overgrowth, but 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, Kāneiolouma, is a very special, spiritual and sacred place here on our island. This place was once hidden, and now it’s coming to life,” said Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho.
The first sign is dedicated to Henry Kekahuna, the Hawaiian surveyor who mapped the Kāneiolouma 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.

The Kāneiolouma complex contains numerous habitation, cultivation, sporting, assembly, and religious structures dating back to at least the mid-1400’s. Near its centre, the complex contains the sacred spring of Waiohai, and what may be the only intact Makahiki sporting arena in the state. Once completed, Kāneiolouma will be a cultural centre and an educational resource.