SITES OF THE WEST SIDE
Halekuamano [Kaalipuaa, Mana, C4- site )
Halekuamano was a heiau; Kalaipuaa was the land in which it was located. this heiau was built by the gods (literally...."came from the night") and belonged to Lono (chief ?) This is where the things used in the hula was thrown (HENVI,HMs 43,#16. Informant Keo 1885).
Hauola,[ Hoea Valley, Hauola, Waimea, C3-1, site 16]
Site 16. Hauola heiau, in Hoea valley at the base of Hauola ridge. A heiau of two divisions. 76 x 97 and 113 x 136 feet including evident widths of two houses on side of entrance. Inner smaller section, well paved with large flat stones, stands 4 feet above outer section. Heavy walls outline the structure which stands from 4 to 8 feet high according to slope of the land: it is of open platform character; of pookanaka or awaawa class. Kane and Kanaloa are its deities. In best condition of all Kauai heiaus seen (Thrum 1907:36-48). The site is on a talus slope that extends upward from a stream gulch to the base of a ridge. Upstream from the structure is a natural amphitheater. On a large, well paved platform (fig. 23) is placed a smaller unpaved platform, its back side marked by a facing terrace 3 feet in height.
Thrum describes this smaller platform as the location of house sites and says that the passage along its southern wall was the entrance to the heiau. There is nothing to distinguish it now. The third platform at a higher level is enclosed at the back by a wall 4 feet wide and 2 feet high, and on the side by a wall 6 feet wide and 3 feet high on the inside, and 5 feet on the outside. This upper platform is excellently paved with flat lava slopes 15 to 20 inches wide and filled with river pebbles.
At the front of this platform is a long, narrow pit with an inner wall 7 feet thick and an outer wall 5 feet thick. Between the platform and the inner wall of the pit there is a definite break, 2 feet wide which has been loosely filled with small stones. The paving of the platform makes a definite edge along its side of this break. Also the paving of the lower platform seems to make an edge across the front in a line with this break, and in one place for 20 feet it is quite definite. This would all indicate that the pit and the extension of the lower platform were later additions.
The heiau is made of the local stone, a reddish lava, some of which has been slightly waterworn. Coral is found on the paving. The walls are well built of selected pieces carefully piled. (Bennett 1931:103).
Above the heiau of Hauola rises the abrupt and precipitous hill of the same name, This is a plateau of 20 acres, fully 800 feet high, and was fitted out as a most perfect Puu-kaua, or fort. This was last used on the occasion of Kamehameha's threatened invasion of 1804. (Thrum 1907, I:49-69).
Hauola heiau. From (Kuapa's) its 12 x 20 platform can be seen three-fourths of a mile away. The heiau of hauola was built, according to traditions gathered by Mr. Valdemar Knudsen, to commemorate the recognition of Ola as a Prince of the Royal House. The heiau is built in the Hoea gulch with a vast amphitheater of cliffs back of it. This amphitheater makes a quick, clear and loud echo, and when the hordes of common people filled the surrounding hill sides at least fifty thousand strong, and shouted in unison, it is said that the roar was heard in Hanalei, clear across the island. From the area marked out as being the area covered by the standing crowd of the congregation the number of those present might easily reach one hundred and fifty thousand (Thrum 1907,I:49-69).
Ola
Born and raised in obscurity and being a splendid specimen of a stately race, he, at his majority, walked boldly into the sacred precincts of the temple. Being unknown he was seized, bound, and condemned to death. his mother, following with the insignia of his rank and proof of his birth, soon obtained his release and established his position as one fit to rule. Later , on becoming king of the whole island of Kauai he made a great reputation as a wise and farseeing ruler. Kapuahi-a-Ola where he built his war canioes: Kikiaola, the great irrigation ditch of the Waiamea (sic)valley ; Kalo-a-Ola, in the high cliffs of Milolii; Kiipapa-a-Ola, the corduroy road over the great swamp of Alakai, are but a few names commemorating his magnificent reign.
When fully established in his authorty, King Ola built the heiau at Hauola to commemorate his rescue and identification as of royal lineage. This story is parallel to that of King Umi of Hawaii.
Hikinaakala [Waimea, C3 ]
Site 2. Hikinaakala heiau ,in Waimea village. Its foundations still to be seen, runs 272 feet along the road by 75 feet at east end and 81 feet at its west end. Some report it as a place of refuge, while others assert that the crossing of the river to Makaweli was the puuhonua of this section of ancient Kauai. (Thrum 1907:36-48). Hofgaard (27,p.12) writes: "before the road was raised and all the flat lands filled in opposite to Puuhonua, the place must have been nearly 3 feet higher than the surrounding country.(Bennett 1931:152).
"These were the largest heiaus of waimea that I have seen and have known. I saw one man offered as a sacrifice in the heiau of Hikina-a-kala. He was a sorceror who was sacrificed with his small son. The older boy ran away and saved himself. Namanu was the name of the boy but I have forgotten what the man's name was. Namanu died recently. The heiau was on the seaward side close to the road near the spot where Issac Kapuniai's house stands.
When that man was placed on the altar, I saw it for I was near the heiau, outside of the fence looking in. The altar was built up high and could be plainly seen from the outside. I saw the man raised up and laid on it. Many of us saw this deed which was customary one in our olden times. This is what I know concerning this heiau.
I do not know what chief built the heiau nor have I heard. I guess it was Kaumuali'i who built it." (HEN VI Hms Misc. 43.Informant Kanakahelela 1885).
Hooneenuu [Kaunalewa gulch, Waimea, Kona district, C4].
In Kauanalewa gulch (south side), 250 feet mauka of government road, a formerly walled heiau of two tiers, one six feet above the other, platforms paved, each 20 x 30 feet where rites of circumcision were performed (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Howea [Waiawa, Waimea/ Kona District, C , site ]
Howea was the principal heiau of that land. mr. Knudsen now owns the land that the heiau stood on. This is an ancient heiau. I do not know which chief built it but guess it may have been either Kaeo or his grandfather. I do not know the name of the priests who officiated in it (HEN VI,Hms 43,informant Kanakahelela 1885)
"...these are the things of which this heiau was well known in the olden days. There was a man named Ola whose mother was Kahapula. At one time, long ago, there was a battle fought between those of Waimea and those of Kekaha. In this battle, Ola one of Waimea's warriors was taken captive by (the warrior of )Kekaha and was taken to the heiau with the idea that he was to be killed next day. But on the night before he was to be sacrificed, Kahapula, his mother, heard of it while she was in the uplands of Mahaikona, makaweli. She took two kukui nuts and juggled with them as she wenmt straight down to waiawa where the heiau stood. her son was held captive within. As his mother went along casting up her kukui nuts, she chanted a song as was customary in the olden days. This game was called kimo puili and this was the chant she used...
Part 1. Two days the came in,
Two days remained away
etc., ect.
Part II. That is one; that is two;
That is three; that is four;
Neither side has won the game
They clashed, clashed (till the noise)reached the skies
The fifth was indistinctly heard
The sixth led up to the seventh
the eight is for Kamalalawalu (a chief of Maui)
The ninth ran away
ran crookedly into a circle
I have completed a fiery circle, once.
"..thus went the old woman till she passed the waters of Waimea, and on to the plains of Kekaha till she reached the palin of Waiawa. She went up outside of the heiau. The kukui nuts that she juggled with did not fall out of her hand once so she knew that this was a good omen and she would have no trouble in going into the heiau. She felt encouraged and went in to get her son. When she entered she saw that every one had fallen asleep and only her son, who was bound with ropes, was awake. She untied the ropes to free him and together they went out and ran away to hide themselves from the guards. When the guards awoke, they found their prisoner gone and they were disappointed indeed.
The mother and son went home in peace. The son made a walled ditch for the purpose of raising water to a higher elevation. It was a good deed for the water still flows in that ditch to this day. That place is called Kikiaola. "(HEN #15)
Kaahu. [ Waimea,Waimea/Kona District,C ,site 3]
Site 3. Kaahu heiau (Thrum's description)(Bennett 1931:152).
Kaahu. Waimea. An unwalled sacred place;flat ground. (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Kahe [ Miloli'i Valley, Waimea-NaPali District, C9- site ]
Mentioned by Francis Gay, (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Kahelu (Kahelu, Mana, Waimea/Kona district, C5-3 , site 10 ]
At Kahelu near ManaA heiau of platform character at base of the hill, about 6 feet high in front. Not of large size. (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Kaleinakauhane [Pokii, Waimea/Kona district , C 3- site ]
Pokii, Waimea. A flat sacred place, whence the souls took their plunge to Po-the nether world. (Thrum 1907;36-48).
Kanaloa [ Waimea ?]
An interesting adjunct to the heiau of Hauola is the sacred hill of Kanaloa. This is a sandstone knoll rising high out of the sand plain, and from this safe distance of a mile all those who from some reason or another were afraid to mix unguardely in a crowd, could watch unmolested the services of the temple. Being dedicated to Kanaloa- the most sacred name- this hill was a sort of temporary place of refuge and is approached with reverence by the natives to this day. (Thrum 1907,1:49-69).
Kaneheenalu [ Mokihana Ridge, Waimea/Kona District, C3- site 7 ]
Site 7. Kaneheenalu heiau, on Mokihana ridge. (Bennett 1931:152).
Kaneheenalu.Waimea. A paved heiau in good preservation (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Kapaula [Kaulaula Valley, Waimea/Kona district, C6-1, site 4]
Site 4. Kapaula heiau, on the north side of Kaulaula valley, about 100 feet above the base of the talus slope on Haeleele ridge (see fig. 21.). The structure consists of a platform paved with flat blocks of lava 14 by 16 inches in area on which is a second platform paved with stones 4 to 6 inches in diameter. The larger platform is built up 3 feet in front while the back side is level with the ground. The small platform is flush with the back of the large one and within 7 feet of the edge while the other side of it a single row of stones faces a 1-foot terrace, extending from the back corner of the small platform to the corresponding back corner of the large platform. There is a flat space behind this line of stones that might be considered a third terrace .(Bennett 1931:100).
Kauhiawaa [Kamalino, Mana. Waimea/Kona district , C4- site ]
Kauhiawaa was the second heiau, also located at kamalino (HEN VI,Hms 43,#16, informant Keo 1885).
Kaulonokane [Kamalino, Mana,Waimea/Kona district, C4- site ]
Kaulonokane was the first heiau on the western side. It was located at kamalino, the canoe landing from which the canoes sailed out to Kaula. there the sacrificial hogs were killed and then laid on the canoes going to Kaula (HEN VI,Hms 43,#16 , informant Keo 1885).
Kaunuenuhe [Mokihana ridge, Waimea/kona district C3- site 41]
Site 41. Kaunuenuhe heiau; on Mokihana ridge at the elevation of 1550 feet on the regular trail. the top of the knoll is roughly round, 80 by 96 feet. There is evidence of stone paving still to be seen, though it is much disturbed, 20 feet straight in from the inland side are four stones that resemble a fire place. this paving covers the whole top of the knoll which has been flattened, probably naturally. It is like site 18. the edges are washed out and no side delineation remains. Coral is found and a few river stones (Bennett 1931:111) A paved heiau in good preservation. (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Kaunualoa [Kekupua,]
Kaunualoa heiau. Stood at Kekupua. heiau in which human sacrifices were offered, victims were carried (from Kuanalili heiau) to Aakukui or to Kaunuloa. Kapuahi and Aimoku were priincipal priests who officiated in these heiaus. Kaumualii owned these heiaus. (HEN VI, Hms 43,#15, informant Kanakahelela 1885).
Kaunuokane [Kunini gulch, Waimea/Kona district, C3-10, site 32]
Sits on a pali, on the south side of Kunini gulch. As the pali is steep and narrow and the heiau is correspondingly narrow and rises steeply on the slope, it can best be described by referring to figure 26, where the exact measurements are given. The heiau consists of a series of 8 small, terraced platforms of different sizes that rise one above the other till the steep rocks are reached at the back. Some of the side walls are 20 feet high, and where the facing is preserved the work seems well done. These walls are really no more than facings to the natural sides of the pali, though in some places quite a little work has been done to make the platforms level. The facing is done in layers, each layer being about two feet thick and laid outside the first one. Three layers of thickness could be determined. The sides seem to run continously from the lowest platform to the back of the structure, getting higher as the new platforms are higher than the preceeding ones. The broken rock used gives a recent appearance to some of the work which is deceiving. The walls are unique for heiau on kauai (see Pl. IV,A).(Bennett 1931:107,108 An open platform heaiu in good preservation.(Thrum 1907:36-48).(Thrum 1907:36- 48).
Ke-'a'a-li'i (Kea-ali'i) [Keaalii,Waimea valley,Waimea/Kona district C3-20, site 23].
Site 23. Keaalii heiau, at Keaalii on the west side of the waimea river behind the first Japanese temple. This structure is reported by some to be the heiau described by Captain Cook but, though the location seems about correct, so little remains that the rumor cannot be substantiated. Imbedded in the ground are fragments of its foundations but the outline is no longer traceable. There are other fragments, however, that would make it over 150 feet in length, and 100 feet in width. (Bennett 1931:104). At Keaalii, west side Waimea river. Destroyed years ago and its stones used for fences. Fragments of foundation shows it to have been about 60 feet square. (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Ke'a'ali'i. The heiau of Keaalii is farther down, close to E.L. Kauai's saloon on the land now owned by Lovell. That is also a large heiau and was the one in which Lono (Captain Cook) was offered a pig when he came here to Kauai.(HEN VI<Hms Misc 43,informant kanakahelela 1885).
Ke-akua-mele (Ke-ahua-mele). [WaimeaValley, Waimea/Kona district, C3-14, site 28]
Site 28. Keakuamele heiau, on a high point on the west side of the Waimea river. This heiau has an excellant view of the valley. TRhere are a number of small piles of rocks any one of which could be deemed sacred. The location is excellant.(Bennett 1931:107)
Keahuamele.Waimea.An unenclosed small pile of rocks;a sacred place.(Thrum 1907:36-48).
Ke-one-kapu [Waimea, Waimea/Kona district,C3- site 6]
Site 6. Keonekapu, mentioned by Thrum as an unidentified site (Bennett 1931:152).
Keonekapu. Waimea. site not identified. Referred to by Kamakau as a place of refuge in time of Kahamaluihi[the chief].(Thrum 1907:36-48).
Ko-pahu [Poki'i,Waimea/Kona district C3-, site 5]
Site 5. Kopahu and Kaleinakauhane (both have the same number) located by Thrum at Poki'i, Waimea. (Bennett 1931:152).
Kopahu. Pokii,Waimea. A flat sacred place.(Thrum 1907:36-48).
Kiha-wahine [Mana, Waimea/Kona district ,C4- site ]
Kihawahine was another heiau, Kapu was the officiating priest and kaukahilau was the chief who owned them. Pakala, Kipohopoho,Pohakuloa and Kihawahine was built by Kaeo, the chief and Kekukahiko was (his)priest. (HENB VI ,Hms 43,#16,informant Keo 1885).
Kuapa [Pahau,Waiawa, ]
Kuapa,near Waiawa.A village shrine 18 x 28 feet. (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Kuapa, near Waiawa, has a small heiau about 18 x 28 feet, but it, like the Waiawa heiau, was but a village shrine. The Waiawa heiau is situated about 200 feet up the pali, on a ledge, with a very commanding outlook. From its 12 x 20 platform Hauola.........? (Thrum 1907,I:49-69).
Priest Kalanikini and the heiau of Kuapa. This little story is told of it. When Lono was ruling chief of Kauai, he went out to fish on the fishing ground called kahio. Puukapele is its landmark, when Puukapele appear to be directly above Kaunuohua, a hill in Niihau that is its landmark. Haliinoni a spring that was used by all on Lehua (was another). Makana was another landmark when it appears close to Kahaunaakeaulepe will appear to be turned sideways. See that Makana draws close to it. Kawaihoa was still another landmark when it appears to be placed over Puuokama. These were the land marks of that fishing ground. While the chief was fishing there, the fish took his hook, rushed into a hole and came out on the otherside. An ekaha (sea palnt) stood at the opening on the other side and the twine wound around it. The chief tugged but the hook was not loosened, for it was held fast. The chief tugged for he hated to lose his hook and line. No matter how much he pulled, it could not be loosened. He commanded all the kahunas all around Niihau and Kauai to try. When all the kahunas sailed (to the spot) they prayed but it did not unloosen. None of the kahunas were successful.
Kalanikini was sent for at Pahau where he lived with kapus at that time in the little heiau called Kuapa. He released himself of the kapus and went out to meet Lono on the fishing ground. The chgief had no desire for food although the people took food to him. The kahuna asked,"why did the chief send for his servant?" The chief answered,"I sent for you to try to get my hook. It is held fast and how can it be loosened?" The kahuna said."It can be freed.Let me offer my prayers and if it goes well without breaking, then I will dive in. If my prayer is not well uttered then it may not be loosened." Then the kahuna uttered his prayer till he reached the end. he said."all is well, I shall dive and when I free iyt, I will pull on it and so must you. if your hand feel a burning sensation then you pull me up. Do not let anyone else pull me up or I'll die. You pull me yourself." The chief agreed and he dived in.
When he dived to the bottom he saw that the line led into a hole. He followed where the line led into the hole and saw a silvery fish outside of the hole with the line wound around the trunk of the ekaha. he reached out and broke off the ekaha, drew in the fish, wound the line about himself and came out through the hole entered by the fish. he pulled on the line and the chief knew by that time (his hook) was freed. he pulled with all his might and as soon as the man appeared he died. He was drawn up too fast and when he reached the surface he was dead. The chief hurriedly laid them (the kahuna and the fish) on the canoe and took them to the heiau of Pohakuloa. There Kalanikini was worked over till he revived. The name of the hook was Manaiakalani (HEN #16).
Lewa-ula [Mokihana ridge, Waimea/Kona district C3- site 40]
Site 40. Lewaula heiau, on Mokihana ridge on the main trail. (Thrum's description). The cattle pen is still there though none of the original heiau structure can be determined (Bennett 1931:111).
Lewaula, Waimea. An open heiau with stone foundation, made into a cattle pen some years ago by Aka .(Thrum 1907:36-48).
Ma-haihai {Makaweli side of Waimea river.Makaweli./Kona district, C2- site 43]
Site 43. Mahaihai heiau, now completely destroyed. The location was ttaken from an old map made by Frances Gay (Bennett 1931:111).
Mahaihai, Makaweli, east side of Waimea river. destroyed. site not identified (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Maka-akiaki [Waimea Valley, Waimea/Kona district, C3-13,site 29]
Site 29, Makaakiaki heiau, near the Waimea ditch line on the west side of the Waimea river, a little above the menehune ditch, on an open flat space of jutting rock
The view of the valley is fine. There are a few large boulders, but the location is naturally smooth. It consists of a 50 by 30 foot platform roughly paved now, but with evidence of small pebbles being used as finishing. It is backed by a wall 1 stone high and 7 feet wide. In front of this platform is a large flat space dropping off at the front edge in a steep slope which runs to the road. Back of the heiau another flat space extends 50 feet to the irrigation ditch. It is said that the hula was taught here.(Bennett 1931:107).
Maka-hoe (Maka-hoa) [ Niu ridge, Kaunalewa, Waimea/Kona district, C4-1, site 11]
Site 11. Makahoe heiau and village site on Niu ridge, Kaunalewa. A small platform village shrine.( Thrum's description). On the inland side of Niu ridge small valleys are found with small streams and a few taro terraces. Petroglyphs were reported for this area. (Bennett 1931:102).
Makahoa. Niu, Kaunalewa. A village shrine. (Thrum 1907:36-48).
Niu (name of area and not of temple) [Niu,Kaunalewa.Waimea/Kona district]
A similar heiau exists at Niu, Kaunalewa, about 4 1/2 miles from the coast and at an altitude of 1200 feet. This village had about half an acre of taro land besides the dry crops to depend on. Evidently this heiau, like that of Paehu, was but a village shrine and was supported by a scattered mountaineer population. (Thrum 1907,I:49-69).
Pa-ka-la [Mana. Waimea/Kona district ,C4- site ]
Pakala was another heiau .(HEN VI,Hms 43,#16.informant Keo 1885)
Pe'e-koa [Waimea valley, Waimea/Kona district, C3-8, site 34).
Site 34. Peekoa heiau, in Waimea Valley. (Thrum's description). The road running up the Waimea valley leads to Camp 4. Across the river from this camp there is a broad flood plain used for sugar cane. The inland end of this plain is shut off by a low pali that juts out with a little peak on the end. A structure that may be this heiau is located on the side toward the sea from this pali. The site overlooks the portion of the valley including Camp 4 which still has taro patches around it. It is not more than 30 feet above the river level, and is the only stonework thereabouts. It is a simple stone platform 30 by 20 feet. The end toward the sea shows slight indication of having been walled. the front is well faced and is 4 feet high. It is made of large lava rock and paved with small stones. on the back corner there is a shallow pit, 4 feet in diameter, surrounded with a wall 3 feet wide and 1 foot high. The reported location of Peekoa heiau is on the other side of the river, on the first pali toward the sea from the camp. No structure was found there. (Bennett 1931:108).
Peekoa. Waimea. An open platform heiau in good preservatiuon .(Thrum 1907:36-48).
Pohakoeleele. Waimea.
A paved heiau in good preservation.(Thrum 1907;36-48) It is indicated now by a house site and a long river wall on the east side of waimea river shortly above the branch. It is barely above the river level and on the flood plain - a poor site for a heiau.(Bennett 1931:107)..
Pohaku-loa [Mana at Kanalo, Waimea/Kona district, C4- site ]
Pohakuloa was another heiau and was located at Kanalo. Kaeo built it. The ruling chief Lono took the body of Kalanikini to Pohakuloa heiau where he was revived.(HEN VI,Hms 43,#16.informant Keo 1885).
Poli-hale [Polihale,Waimea/Kona district C7-2,site 1]
Site 1. Polihale heiau, a four-terraced structure on the seashore at the base of Polihale cliff.The base is almost obscured by the sand which covers it. The three outer edges of the first platform have a wall 8 feet wide which ranges in height on the inside from 1 foot along the front to 3 feet at the junction with the second platform. The front facing is a perpendicular wall. The wall at each side of the second terrace has a width throughout of 8 feet. The third platform measures 13 by 89 feet, and the fourth measures 21 by 89 feet. The facing of the fourth terrace is slightly bowed out making a curved front; the back side is faced with a 5-foot wall and backed by boulders on the talus slope which continues upward. The steps of the platforms are quite definitely though roughly finished. The heiau is paved throughout and is in good condition despite the heavy growth of lantana. The outside walls are perpendicular and vary in height to meet the slope of the talus. They are made chiefly of waterworn stone, though other rock from the talus has been used. On the front edges of he second and fourth platforms are piles of loose stones indicating religious observances at some time.(Bennett 1931:99).
Polihale. Kolo,beyond Mana. This heiau was found to be of four terraces and a base, built on the seashore at the foot of a cliff of same name. It measured 70 feet on the front, widening at near middle of second terrace to 89 feet. Total depth 104 feet. These terraces ranged from 8 to 5 feet above each other, and beginning at its base of 6 feet depth, they ran back 33, 31,14 and 20 feet respectively into the cliff. All stone paved, open platforms; heavy side walls 8 feet thick; base and lower terrace walls badly damaged by sea storms. Conical pile of loose stones on front edge of second and fourth terrace and two mounds on latter gives evidence of comparative recent observances. Thrum 1907:36-48).
Respecting Polihali, or Polihale, a large five-terraced platform heiau at the foot of a cliff of same name, beyond Mana, Kalapii a native of Kaunalewa told me of things about the local tradition from his father, who was a very old man when he died. In 1853 he was said to be the oldest man in Waimea district and claimed to have been a small boy at the same time of Cook's visit[ Jan. 1778] which he remembered. He had been circumscised and wore a malo at the time of the battle at Koloa (Mahaulepu) beach,Kauai [ 1809]. On that occasion he was present for the first time at a human sacrifice. twelve warriors from Hawaii, captured with many others in the battle, were killed in honor of the war god on the open platform of the Polihali(sic) heiau, He was then about 16 years of age .(Thrum 1907,I:49-69).
Pounoni was another heiau.It belonged to Kaneiki.(HEN VIHms 43,#16C.Informant Koa 1885).
Pua-ola [Waimea valley.Waimea/Kona district ,C3- site 4]
Site 4. Puaola heiau. (Thrum's description)(Bennett 1931:152). Puaola. Waimea. An open platform heiau in good preservation.(Thrum 1907:36-48).
Waiawa (name of location and not of heiau) [Waiawa, C3-29/30 site 14 ]
Site 14. two small heiaus, near Waiawa, described by Thrum as a 12 by 20-foot shrine, an an 18 by 28- foot shrine.(Bennett 1931:102).
Waiawa. Of platform character 12 x 20 feet. A shrine.(Thrum 1907:36-48).
Wai-la'au (Wi-la'au) [Waimea, Waimea/Kona district, C3-12 ,site-30. ]
Site 30. Wailaau (Wilaau) heiau, on Mokihana ridge at the side of a sloping bluff on the east side of Waimea river. The structure consists of three platforms. The lowest platform has a rough frontage, utilizing the natural rock that forms the talus slope. The rock used is all local lava. The pavement of the front platform is rough;in the others it is a little better, but all of it is badly torn up (fig. 25). All stones in the walls and pavement are blocks of basalt from local sources. (Bennett 1931:107).
Wailaau or Wilaau.Waimea. An open platform heiau in good preservation.(Thrum 1907:36-48).
1. Kikiaola Aqueduct
Legend. In olden days the Hawaiian people had a hard time bringing water to the taro patches in Waimea flats. King Ola asked his kahuna or magician, Pi for help. Pi told him to make a kapu so that no one could go out of his house at night. All the people stayed in their houses. The chickens were shut up and the dogs muzzled, so that everything was quiet.
Pi arranged a great pile of stones on the cliffs above the valley. Each stone was the same size and shape. Then he went into the mountains to call the menehune to build a watercourse. From the cliffs each menehune took one stone and laid it into place. The stones were so carefully fitted that no water leaked between. The watercourse was finished in one night and was given the name Kiki-a-Ola, Ola's water-lead.
To show their thanks the people of Waimea gathered a great quantity of shrimps, the menehune's favorite food. The menehune had a great feast and made a lot of noise. There were so mnay shrimps that after the menehune had eaten all they could, there was still a large pile left over. These turned into rock and became known as Pu'u-'opae, the shrimp hill. [Hadley, Williams 1969]
Site 26. menehune irrigation ditch, on the west side of the Waimea river where the pali meets the river.
The ditch consists now of a wall of cut stone blocks standing 2 feet higher than the road and running from the pali about 200 feet up the edge of the road. How much still remains beneath the road cannot be determined but the suggestion is that it extends clear down to the river. The stones that can be seen today are shown in figure 24. The stones of this ditch are squared off on all sides but the inside. Some of the blocks are squared all around. The object was to have the stones fit closely together and present a smooth, flat surface on the river side. On the inside, where the fill was of dirt or stone or both, the roughness was perhaps beneficial. The size of the blocks shows great variation, some measuring 5 feet in length and over 3 feet in depth and width. There was no attempt to cut them all the same size. The masonry shows true coursing in some places, but it is by no means consistent, and many square joints, with the corners of four stones meeting at one place are found. The jointing found in several places has caused great comment. The joints now to be seen are marked in figure 24. The jointing consists of a projection down from the lower corner of a stone fitting into a notch in the upper corner of a stone.; the lower corner of a stone fitting into a notch in the upper corner of a stone below; a combination of the two and a projection forward on the lower corner of a stone; and a notch that distinquishes the rough inner end from the cut-bottom edge of the stone. The purpose of this jointing does not seem to be primarily for locking stones together, it is not consistent enough for that purpose.
As Vancouver noted, the top of the wall served as a pathway as well as a causeway. The numerous joints between the first and second layer of stone seem to be for the purpose of keeping the top at a level. The general level of the top, even in the disturbed condition is easily seen. The difficulty today is that the lower part of the wall is covered by the road and the extent of the jointing cannot be determined. The joint from behind is chiefly to avoid cutting off the rougher inner end. Also this joint would hold the wall steadier by overlapping the stone beneath and offsetting the outward pressure of the fill. Of course, some of the jointing was probably the easiest method of fitting the stones together. The theory of the level top is only questioned in one place where a stone, undoubtedly in the top row, instead of being cut at a level, is cut slanting obliquely inwards.
The quarry mentioned in the legend is 7 to 8 miles distant from the ditch and on top of a ridge. It is not near a permanent stream where the stones might be floated on rafts. The similarity of the stone at this place with that used in the wall has given rise to the legend. The stones could well have been secured at a much nearer place. The stones were probbaly roughly dressed at the point of quarrying, but the final fitting was done just before they were placed as the joints could hardly have been planned. The method of cutting is not known, but a pecking and grinding process was probably employed. The fracture of the stones will not permit much splitting. In several places are drill holes undoubtedly made with steel drills, though these are unquestionably recent additions. [Bennett 1931]
Kiki-a-'Ola ditch or Pe'ekaua'i ditch
1890's a " horse road" was built alongside the ditch but at a level near the base of the ditch and only slightly higher than the river.
In 1920-22, a tunnel was cut through the wall where the aqueduct met the cliff.
In 1924 the tunnel completed, a road was built nearly to the top of the stone wall and destroying the wall that curved around the cliff. The major wall face was destroyed in some sections and in other parts the wall was covered and refaced with large rocks and faced on the side facing the river. Removed sections of the old wall was then used to face this newer wall.
In 1928, a plaque was placed to acknowledge this as a significant historical site.