A heiau is a Hawaiian temple. Made in different architectural styles depending upon their purpose and location, they range from simple earth terraces, to elaborately constructed stonen platforms. There are heiau to treat the sick, offer first fruits, offer first catch, start rain, stop rain, increase the population, ensure the health of the nation, achieve success in distant voyaging, reach peace, and achieve success in war (luakini).
Hale O Pi'ilani Heiau, near Hāna on Maui
Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau
Heiau, Mānoa Heritage Center, Honolulu, Hawaii, 2022-1025
An illustration of a heiau at Kealakekua Bay at the time of James Cook's third voyage, by William Ellis
Hawaii is an island state of the United States, in the Pacific Ocean about 2,000 miles (3,200 km) southwest of the U.S. mainland. It is the only state not on the North American mainland, the only state that is an archipelago, and the only state in the tropics.
Pāhoehoe (smooth lava) spills into the ocean, forming new rock
French Frigate Shoals, located in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands, is protected as part of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument.
Nā Pali Coast State Park, Kauaʻi
Partly cloudy conditions and a gentle breeze at 1:43 PM HDT; north is oriented towards the lower right in this photo taken from the International Space Station on June 24, 2022
