Phallic Rock, Molokai

North Molokai

Located 200 yards from the Kalaupapa Lookout, at the base of Nananhoa Hill, is the six-foot high Phallic Rock. Every island has such a site, but this is probably the best sample. According to legend, the male fertility god, Nanahoa, lived nearby. His wife, Kawahuna, caught him admiring a young girl who was staring at her reflection in a pool. The wife attached the young girl, yanking her hair. Nanahoa was outraged and struck his wife who rolled down the cliff and turned into stone. Nanahoa himself then turned into stone in the form of .... what else?! Throughout the ages, barren women would bring offerings and spend the night at this site in hopes of conceiving a child. Women still come here with their offerings and pray for fertility. Other stones in the area are carved to represent female genitalia. These rocks were then taken home to make the land fertile. Phallic petroglyphs can also be seen on some rocks to the north of the Phallic stone. A beautiful ironwood forest surrounds this area, coating the ground with its long needles and creating a mood of peace and spirtuality.

Directions:

Located in Pala'au State Park at the end of Highway 470 (Kalae Highway). Follow the signs in the park to the pathway.

Useful Information:

Short, uphill, well-maintained path to site· Beautiful scenery

DO NOT disturb the site or any offerings left there