Halekii-Pihana Heiau State Monument

Halekii-Pihana Heiau State Monument Review

Stand here at either of the two heiau (ancient Hawaiian stone platforms once used as places of worship) and imagine the chief of Maui surveying his domain. That's what Kahekili, Maui's last chief, did, and so did Kamehameha the Great after he defeated Kahekili's soldiers. Today the view is most instructive. Below, the once-powerful Iao Stream has been sucked dry and boxed in by concrete. Before you is the urban heart of the island. The suburban community behind you is all Hawaiian Homelands—property owned solely by native Hawaiians. Currently, access is in dispute, so it's best to call Hawaii State Parks (808/984-8109) to make sure you can get to this site.