Historians believe this village was inhabited from the 1300's until just a few decades ago. The reason people deserted the area is probably due to the lack of fresh water.

It is hard to imagine living and working in this rugged coastal area. The soil is dry and rocky and ocean is often rough and unforgiving.

But generation after generation cultivated and fished and made this area their home. It is a true testament to the persaverence of the human spirit.

The village spreads all along the coastline for miles. Only a small portion of it has been excavated and restored for visitors to view.

From the bluff, you can see miles out to sea. The villagers would watch for the signs of nature to tell them when to fish, when to plant, and when to pray. Ancient gods and goddesses were the religious backbone of this community.

Small huts such as this one were probably used as storage for food, seeds, and tools.

These bamboo poles were lashed together by vines and layers of pili grass were attached to form the walls. Grass and tapa mats were woven to make clothes, sleeping mats, rugs, and more.

This hand-carved item may represent a religious heiau or alter.

The sharp white coral found scattered along the shore had many uses such as hooks, tools, and weapns.