Post #385267 by christiki295 on Sat, Jun 7, 2008 2:17 AM

Ahu Ena Heiau, Kona @ King Kamehameha Beach Hotel

This very well restored religious site is easily visible on a small promontory around the bay from Kailua Pier. This was the personal heiau of King Kamehemeha the Great. It is now located on the grounds of the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel but the public are allowed visit the site during the day. Reconstructed by King Kamehameha the Great between 1812-1813, the Ahu'ena Heiau is one of the most important of Hawaii's historic sites. The heiau was dedicated to the god, Lono, who was the Hawaiian God of peace, agriculture and prosperity. Several tall ki'i akua (statues of gods) stand guard around the perimeter of the main building. Members of Kamehameha's council often met with him here as this was the seat of his government until he died in 1819. There are a number of Information plaques located around the site which fill you in on the history of the place as you stroll around its grounds. The Hotel puts on guided tours and Lu'aus here.

http://www.hawaiiweb.com/hawaii/html/sites/ahuena_heiau.html

[ Edited by: christiki295 2008-06-07 02:18 ]