This site is technically closed. Kane'aki heiau is in Makaha Valley in Waianae on the West side of Oahu. A paved trail leads up to the water tower. A rocky, grassy climb along the fence perimeter opens into a shady, tree covered trail. Just beyond the community garden is the Kane'aki heaiu. It is a large terraced heiau. Sites along the way include an "Ice Pond", a deep cold water pool, a large banyan tree wrapped around its host tree, wild coffee trees with green coffee berries, and a family burial site with rocks to mark the location of a burial. The western side of the island is known as the "jumping off point" into the afterlife.
Bring the utmost respect to this sacred site and walk around the perimeter of the site without touching or entering the site. In case you don't believe me, here is a story that illustrates the point. A friend has stories of the menehune visiting his home for many months (and still to this day, every so often) when he accidentally disrespected a sacred site (not this site), which looked like a pile of rocks on a beach. He visited that place many days a week in the early morning to meditate and each day would move one or two rocks into a different location. This is what disturbed the menehune. In plain sight, with no one near the refrigerator, the ice maker would suddenly turn on, spilling ice all over the floor. Same thing with the water dispenser. Important papers would disappear from the kitchen counter and then reappear in the same location days later. When it was perfectly still with no breeze, the pull handle for the ceiling fans would sway in the non-existent wind. But only for one fan, not both. He sought out a kahuna to help resolve the situation. After a phone call, the kahuna determined it was a minor infraction and provided some instructions to communicate an apology to the menehune. This greatly reduced the menehune activity.
Built in the 16th century, Kane'aki Heiau is considered the best preserved heiau on Oahu. It is located on the island's leeward (west) side in Makaha Valley. One reason why the heiau is in such a good shape is because it has been completely restored. It was reconstructed with traditional ohia tree logs and pili, a bunchgrass, and includes an altar, god images, two prayer towers, a drum house and a taboo house.
The heiau is dedicated to Lono, the god of agriculture and fertility. A large stone at the heiau is “Pohaku o Kane” (Stone of Kane). Kane is one of the major gods and is regarded as the guardian over the heiau up until today. King Kamehameha used to worship here and the heiau was in use until his death in 1812.
The Bishop museum restored this site adding two prayer towers a taboo house, drum house, altar and images of the Gods. Pili grass from the big island and ohia logs were used for the reconstruction.
