Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 4, Number 9, 1 September 1987 — Pahukini Reveals Interesting Past [ARTICLE]

Pahukini Reveals Interesting Past

Pahukini, also known as Mo'okini, is believed to be a "luakini" heiau. At these temples chiefs offered human sacrifices for success in war. The name Pahukini means "40,000 drums," referring to the beating of sharkskin drums that signalled the god's presence on the heiau.

Pahukini is reputed to be one of five heiau built by the high chief Olopana at the beginning of the 12th century. Olopana is said to have eome from "Kahiki," a far-off land sometimes identified with Tahiti. Originally three temples bordered the expanse of fishponds and taro "lo'i" that is now the Kawainui Marsh. The best known is Ulu Po, on the Pali Highway. The third heiau, Honomakani, was destroyed by quarrying before 1930.

Similar to Tahitian "marae" in design, Pahukini is a rectangular stone enclosure measuring about 120 by 180 feet. A second enclosure measuring 32 by 38 and probably of later construction abuts the north side. Inside the heiau are several terraces where onee stood grass sanctuary houses, the oracle tower and wooden carvings of the gods.

Hawaiians may have used the heiau as a cemetery in Christian times, for there are regularly placed stone mounds in the interior. Structurally, Pahukini resembles Pu'u o Mahuka heiau overlooking Waimea Bay. Both are built on natural promontories with panoramic views of the oeean. In 1972, Pahukini was placed on the National Register of Historic Places, but until now it has never gotten mueh attention. — NNP