Ancient Hawaiian Village Coming Back to Life on Kauai

11/10/2016 06:45

KOLOA, Hawaii, Oct. 11, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Located only steps away from world-famous Poipu Beach, the Kāneiolouma Heiau has long been hidden by overgrowth. With the recent completion of the public viewing platform, visitors no longer have to ask, "What is this place?" Now they are greeted with five new interpretive signs and an inspiring ocean view.

"This particular place, Kāneiolouma, is a very special, spiritual, and sacred place here on our island. This place was once hidden, and now it's coming to life," says Kauai Mayor Bernard Carvalho.

The first sign is dedicated to Henry Kekahuna, the Hawaiian surveyor who mapped the Kāneiolouma complex in 1959. The second sign is the Polynesian triangle. The third is the Hawaiian moon calendar. The fourth talks about Kauai's heritage, and the last sign tells the history of the restoration project. Each sign is written in both English and Hawaiian language, and measures three feet tall by four feet wide.

PDF versions of the interpretive signs may be downloaded at: http://www.kaneiolouma.org/library

The Kāneiolouma complex contains numerous habitation, cultivation, sporting, assembly, and religious structures dating back to at least the mid-1400's. Near its center, the complex contains the sacred spring of Waiohai, and what may be the only intact Makahiki sporting arena in the state. Once completed, Kāneiolouma will be a cultural center and an educational resource for residents of Kauai and the world.

About Hui Mālama O Kāneiolouma
Since 1998, thousands of volunteer hours have been given to the restoration work. In 2009 Kauai locals founded Hui Mālama O Kāneiolouma, an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Then in 2010 a landmark agreement with Kauai County formally granted stewardship of Kāneiolouma Heiau Complex to the Hui. This agreement is a model for future restoration efforts in Hawaii.

Contact:
Rupert Rowe
Hui Malama O Kaneiolouma
808-635-5949
Email
Kaneiolouma.org

Video - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2pv2LOJYC0
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161010/426999
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161010/427000