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Detailed Description
Highway 450
In early times, Molokai was known throughout the islands for its religious mastery and sorcery. Iliiliopae Heiau was the "school" for sorcerers - a very powerful temple known for human sacrifice. This site, built in the 13th Century, is the second largest and possibly the oldest religious site in Hawaii with a stone platform measuring 320 x 120 feet. What remains today is probably only a small portion of the original structure which could clearly be seen by canoes approaching from Maui making it a very formidable site.The stones used to build this heiau were passed hand to hand in a human chain for 8 miles over the mountains via the steep Wailua Trail. Thousands of round, water-worn stones were laid by hand to build this awesome site without the use of any mortar or modern tools. One legend states that the menehune (small people) were the actual builders of the temple and they were rewarded with one freshwater shrimp each. The route of the meneuhune line is now known as the Wailau Trail. Another legend states that Kamalo, a kahuna (priest), lost 9 sons in sacrifice at this temple. He sought revenge and so he prayed to his 'aumakua (shark god) who sent a flash flood which washed away the temple priests and most of the heiau. Historic writings by missionaries in the area attest to the sorcery and ritual sacrifices which were carried out at this site.
Directions:
Take Highway 450 east. Located on the mountain side of the road around Mile Marker #16. The gate to the hike is locked. You must obtain permission from the landowner to enter. It is about a 10-minute hike to the site from the road.
Useful Information:
Located on private land - call for permission to enter the site (808-558-8132)
Molokai Horse and Wagon Ride goes to this site daily
Wear insect repellent
Wear good walking shoes and bring water
No facilities anywhere nearby On the National Register of Historic Places
DO NOT disturb the stones or any offerings left here - this is a historic and religious site - be respectful!
In early times, Molokai was known throughout the islands for its religious mastery and sorcery. Iliiliopae Heiau was the "school" for sorcerers - a very powerful temple known for human sacrifice. This site, built in the 13th Century, is the second largest and possibly the oldest religious site in Hawaii with a stone platform measuring 320 x 120 feet. What remains today is probably only a small portion of the original structure which could clearly be seen by canoes approaching from Maui making it a very formidable site.The stones used to build this heiau were passed hand to hand in a human chain for 8 miles over the mountains via the steep Wailua Trail. Thousands of round, water-worn stones were laid by hand to build this awesome site without the use of any mortar or modern tools. One legend states that the menehune (small people) were the actual builders of the temple and they were rewarded with one freshwater shrimp each. The route of the meneuhune line is now known as the Wailau Trail. Another legend states that Kamalo, a kahuna (priest), lost 9 sons in sacrifice at this temple. He sought revenge and so he prayed to his 'aumakua (shark god) who sent a flash flood which washed away the temple priests and most of the heiau. Historic writings by missionaries in the area attest to the sorcery and ritual sacrifices which were carried out at this site.
Directions:
Take Highway 450 east. Located on the mountain side of the road around Mile Marker #16. The gate to the hike is locked. You must obtain permission from the landowner to enter. It is about a 10-minute hike to the site from the road.
Useful Information:
Located on private land - call for permission to enter the site (808-558-8132)
Molokai Horse and Wagon Ride goes to this site daily
Wear insect repellent
Wear good walking shoes and bring water
No facilities anywhere nearby On the National Register of Historic Places
DO NOT disturb the stones or any offerings left here - this is a historic and religious site - be respectful!
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