Keauhou Holua Slide, Ancient stone slide in Keauhou, Hawaii, United States
The Keauhou Holua Slide is an ancient stone course built from layered volcanic rock on which Hawaiian nobles raced wooden sleds during competitions. The structure consists of stacked lava stones carefully arranged to form a sloped track, now visible as a historic landmark near the Kona area.
This slide originated in ancient Hawaiian times as a place where the ruling class held competitions and demonstrated their prowess. The original track has changed over centuries, with portions lost, yet fragments of the historic structure still remain visible today.
Hawaiian nobles of both sexes gathered here to race wooden sleds down the slope, a pastime that tested their skill and courage. This sport was deeply woven into their way of life and demonstrated status within society.
The slide is visible from Alii Highway, located near the Kona Country Club golf course clubhouse in the Keauhou area. Access is straightforward and the historic remains are easily spotted from the road.
The construction used carefully layered pahoehoe lava rocks topped with pili grass, a method designed to minimize friction and allow sleds to reach high speeds. This technical approach reveals how ancient Hawaiians engineered their sporting facilities with precision.
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