The Wailua area of Kauai was the home of Kauai’s royalty and was considered a sacred place for ancient Hawaiians. Today, you can visit many ancient Hawaiian Heiaus or temples and relics in this area. There are a total of  7 Heiaus located in the Wailua area from the Wailua River to the top of Mt Wai’ale’ale.  You will also find ancient petroglyphs, a bellstone and the royal birthing stone where the kings of Kauai were born.

Ancient Hawaiians had a complex culture and religious system. Heiaus were built to sacrifice both animals and even humans to please the gods and provide good crops and good weather to the islands. To keep the peasants in line, a system of “kapu” or “forbidden” laws were put into place by the Hawaiian royalty. The penalty for breaking a kapu law was often death – not only for the violator but often times for the perpetrator’s family as well. Needless to say, this harsh system of punishments also needed a way that people could also redeem themselves so a system of places of refuge were created for islanders where they could seek forgiveness from their transgressions.

At Lydgate Park in Wailua off of Hwy 56, you will find one of the ancient places of refuge. People accused of violating a royal law would make their way, often with their pursuers hot on their heels, to the place of refuge. After performing whatever rituals the priests there instructed them to do, they would be absolved of their sins and allowed to return home.  Turn left from Lydgate Park just outside Wailua and you will come to Hikina’akala Heiau. The ancient stone walls surrounding this 1 acre Heiau used to be 6 foot high by 11 feet wide.

Take Hwy 580 inland toward the Opaeka’a Falls. Just before you reach the falls you will find Poli’ahu Heiau, a large war temple located on a 1 acre bluff on the north bank of the Wailua River. Park in the Opaeka’a Falls parking lot and walk across the highway to the Heiau to take a look.