Haleki'i and Pihana Heiau are two of the most accessible of Maui's remaining pre-contact Hawaiian structures of religious and historical importance. Located about 1/4 mile inland on a hill between Wailuku and Waiehu, they overlook Iao Stream, Kahului Bay, Wailuku Plain and Paukukalo Hawaiian Homestead.
According to the State of Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources a heiau is a Hawaiian religious structure which centralized the ceremonies and rituals of old Hawaii. The construction of a heiau was directed by the highest chiefs and required a great expenditure of organized labor. The ceremonies and offerings at a heiau were overseen by a priest or kahunas.
Haleki'i translates to "house of images." It is believed that Haleki'i heiau was a chiefly complex with images placed on the terraces. Kahekili, chief of Maui, lived and worshiped at Haleki'i during religious observances in the 1760s.
Pihana, or Pihanakalani, translates to "gathering place of high supernatural beings." Pihana is recorded as a luakina heiau. Luakini heiaus were dedicated to the god of war, and were built for success in war.
In 1819, the traditional Hawaiian religion was abolished. At this time the images were taken away and the heiaus were abandoned.
Today, a visit to the site begins at a paved parking lot. A short walk up a pathway leads to the Haleki'i site. To the left are the original foundations of the heiau. Notice the terraces on the hillside below the foundations. To the right is a foundation reconstructed in 1958 for a replica of one of the buildings.
About a 1/4 mile walk along a well marked path takes one to the Pihana Site. As you walk look at the hill ahead and to the left. Along its slope you can still see part of the original stone retaining wall. Near the end of the path turn left and walk up the hill and you're at the Pihana site. There's not much visible here other than a marker erected by the State. But consider for a moment, it's believed that human sacrifice took place here.
To find Haleki'i and Pihana Heiau Drive past the Wailuku Industrial Area toward Waihe'e, turn left on Kuhio Place and then left on Hea Place and up the hill.
This is definitely an off the beaten path side trip. When we visited during mid-afternoon we had the site all to ourselves.
View Halekii Pihana in a larger map
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