Lahaina is a popular tourist town with many restaurants, lots of shopping and tons of art galleries. At one time Lahaina was the art capital of the world. The Lahaina art galleries feature famous local artists and renowned international artists.
When we visit Lahaina it is either because we have guests or we are on our way to Napili coast. Either way we always visit Banyan Tree park to see one of the world's largest banyan trees that spans a city block. The mystical Hauola Stone is just steps away from the banyan tree. Sometimes the stone is partially submerged under water and it is actually pretty underwhelming for almost all of our guests, but since it is so close by we still visit. However, if you are interested in Hawaiian culture or ali'i history you will enjoy seeing this sacred pohaku in the bustling town of Lahaina.
The Hauola Rock is a sacred chair-shaped rock near the rocky shoreline of the Lahaina Harbor, in Maui, Hawaii. Depending on the tide, the rock can be partially submerged in sea water. Hauola means "to extend life and health".
During the ancient times, healers would send their patients to sit on the Hauola Rock and let the brackish water, a combination of the ocean and fresh water flowing down from the nearby West Maui Mountains, wash off their illnesses. Healing stones, such as the Hauola Rock, were important components in ancient Hawaiian medical practice, along with herbal remedies, special diets and massage.
Apart from healing, the rock is also an important royal birthing stone. In the early 1400, women of royalty would come to Lahaina to give birth on the rock. A child born on the stone, and whose umbilical cord was hidden in a crevice on the rock, instantly gained royal status and and considered as a potential leader. The Hauola Rock is only one of the numerous royal birthing stones in Hawaii. When a woman of royalty fails to give birth on such sacred place, her child's royal privileges would be forfeited.
