Kuʻilioloa Heiau

Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu


Along the south side of the bay, Kaneʻilio Point is the site of a terraced-stone platform temple, partly destroyed by the army during WWII, then later reconstructed by local conservationists. The site was used in part as a teaching and blessing place for navigation and fishing. Waiʻanae was one of the last places on the island to accept Christianity, and the heiau (ancient stone temple) continued to be used after the ancient kapu (taboo) system was overthrown in 1819.

Today, the area around the terraces still affords superb coastal views all the way north to Makaha. To get here, start at the parking lot of Pokaʻi Bay Beach Park, walk straight across the lawn with the outrigger canoes at your right and take the path half a mile out to the point.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Pearl Harbor & Leeward O‘ahu attractions

1. Pokaʻi Bay Beach Park

0.15 MILES

Protected by Kaneʻilio Point and a long breakwater, the beach is in need of some maintenance, although the luminescent beauty of the sand is undimmed…

2. Maʻili Beach Park

1.41 MILES

This attractive beach has the distinction of being one of the longest stretches of white sand on the island. The grassy park that sits adjacent to the…

3. Papaoneone Beach

2.11 MILES

This beautiful, mostly deserted half-mile of sand is backed by a few aging condo buildings, including the Hawaiian Princess. If you’re lucky, you may see…

4. Makaha Beach Park

3.01 MILES

This beautifully arching beach invites you to spread out your towel and spend the day. Except for weekends and big surf days, you’ll likely have the place…

5. Kaneʻaki Heiau

3.53 MILES

Hidden within Mauna‘olu Estates, a gated residential community in Makaha Valley, this quietly impressive heiau (ancient stone temple) is one of Oʻahu's…

6. Kolekole Pass

5.11 MILES

At 1724ft, Kolekole Pass occupies the main gap in the Waiʻanae Range. Film buffs may recognize the landscape, as this is where WWII Japanese fighters…

7. Nanakuli Beach Park

5.33 MILES

This beach park lines the south end of Nanakuli in a broad, sandy stretch that offers swimming, snorkeling and diving during the summer. In winter, high…

8. Kaneana Cave

5.93 MILES

The waves that created this giant stone amphitheater receded long ago. Now the highway passes right outside the cave, about 3 miles north of Makaha Beach…