Ili'ili'opae Heiau

The School of Sacrifice

Description

A heiau is an ancient worship temple of the tribal Hawaiians that used to inhabit the islands. The Ili'ili'opae was known as one of the "schools of sacrifice", where sorcerers would go to learn the art of sacrifice (typically human). Today, what is left is a 320 x 120-foot field of stones, but historians believe that the heiau temple was originally about three times this size. Although there are only ruins that remain, the 13th century heiau is one of the largest and oldest in the islands, built on its location overlooking the shore so people approaching the island by sea could see it. This heiau is located on private land, so if you want to see it, you'll have to call for permission to visit. And, as with any spiritual relic, please be respectful when visiting the heiau and don't walk on top of or remove any of the rocks.