Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site
Ulupo Heiau State Historic Site, Ancient temple site in Kailua, Hawaii
The stone platform of Ulupō Heiau measures 140 by 180 feet with walls reaching up to 30 feet tall, displaying ancient Hawaiian construction methods.
The temple reached its highest significance around 1750 but was abandoned after the conquest of Oahu in the 1780s by Maui chief Kahekili.
The temple transformed from an agricultural shrine for crop fertility into a war temple under the reign of warrior chief Kuali'i in the late 1700s.
Visitors can access the historic site Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM through the adjacent YMCA.
The massive stones used in construction were transported from Kualoa, over 10 miles away, demonstrating the engineering capabilities of ancient Hawaiians.
Location: Honolulu County
GPS coordinates: 21.38583,-157.75278
Latest update: March 12, 2025 17:19
The Hawaiian Islands offer beaches with white, black, and red sand, formed through volcanic activity and coral erosion. Coastal areas display tide pools, sea caves, and lava formations. Inland, hiking trails lead through rainforest valleys to waterfalls and historic Heiau temples, which served as ceremonial sites for the Polynesian inhabitants. The volcanic geology has created lava tubes, craters, and calderas that are now accessible to visitors. Botanical gardens preserve native plant species, while archaeological sites like ancient settlements and petroglyph fields provide insights into pre-European history. The islands also feature limestone caves with marine fossils and reefs suitable for snorkeling.
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