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Ka Ulu Paoa Heiau &
Keahualaka Platform
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PHOTOS |
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Click on a
thumbnail to see a larger version of the
photo |
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OVERVIEW |
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A short 5-10 minute
hike through almond trees over a rocky
trail, this ancient Hawaiian ritual site has
great views of the ocean. Heiaus are
considered sacred places where kahuna
(priests) performed various rituals and
offerings to gods including animal and human
sacrifices. Only the kahuna and ali'i (high
chiefs) were allowed to enter the heiau.
Today heiaus are still considered sacred
places by the native Hawaiians where ritual
ceremonies are still held.
This heiau is and
Keahualaka Platform
is dedicated to Laka, the goddess
of hula.
It is credited as one of
the places where the hula originated. According to the Lonely Planet
guidebook a hula school operated here which
was considered Kauai's most sacred school
and was attended by students from all the
Hawaiian islands. Volcanic rocks that shore
up the level grassy terraces and other walls
at the site are what remain. Visitors are
likely to see rocks wrapped in ti leaves,
fern wreaths, and other objects which have
been left as offerings to Laka. Visitor's
should respect the placement of these
offerings and for no reason disturb them.
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DIRECTIONS |
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Take
Highway 560 east past Ha'ena all the way to
the end of the road. Take the trail at the
western side of Ke'e Beach marked by a black
volcanic stone wall that goes slightly
uphill. |
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