heiau

Heiau are traditional Hawaiian temples and sacred sites used for religious ceremonies by ancient Hawaiians. The term heiau encompasses a wide range of structures, from simple lava-rock altars to large, enclosed complexes. They were built by aliʻi (chiefs) and kahuna (priests) and were dedicated to various gods and deified ancestors, including the major deities Ku, Lono, and Kanaloa, as well as local guardian spirits. The arrangement and scale of a heiau often reflected its purpose and the resources of the community.

Typical heiau consist of stone walls that enclose one or more terraces and a central platform or altar. Some were modest, while others were elaborate and extensive, sometimes occupying hillsides or coastal locations. A subset, known as luakini heiau, are associated with ritual sacrifice and war, while others served healing, agricultural fertility, or protection rites.

Across the Hawaiian Islands, hundreds of such sites were built from the early settlement period through the 18th and early 19th centuries. After contact with Western missionaries and changing political structures, many heiau declined or were damaged, and some were dismantled. Today they are valued as archaeological and cultural resources, protected by law and studied to understand pre-contact Hawaiian religion and society.

Prominent examples include Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, a national historic park that preserves a sacred precinct and refuge area. More broadly, heiau remain central to understanding Hawaii's indigenous religious heritage, and continuing cultural practices and stewardship aim to preserve them for future generations.