Hikiau Heiau

Built by Chief Kalani'opu'u in the 18th century as a major center of Lono worship. Site of the ceremonies receiving Captain Cook in 1779, the first sustained Hawaiian-Western contact.

Chief Kalani'opu'u ruled the island of Hawai'i at the height of traditional Hawaiian civilization. He commissioned Hikiau Heiau as one of the most important temples in the Kona district, dedicated to Lono, the god who brought rain for crops and fish to waters. The heiau was classified as luakini, the most sacred category, where the highest ceremonies were conducted by the highest priests under the direction of the ruling ali'i. When Captain Cook's ships appeared at Kealakekua Bay in January 1779, they arrived during Makahiki, the festival honoring Lono. The coincidence of timing, combined with the visual similarity between ship masts and the kapa cloth standards carried in Lono processions, created an encounter unlike any other. Cook was brought to Hikiau Heiau, seated above the altar, covered in sacred red tapa, and honored with chants and ceremonies. Two weeks later, Cook conducted a burial service for a crewmember at the same heiau, speaking Christian prayers where Hawaiian prayers had been offered. The god of peace and harvest had welcomed visitors; soon the god of war would respond. Cook was killed at Kealakekua Bay on February 14, 1779, after returning with damaged ships and stretching Hawaiian hospitality past its limits. Kamehameha I, who would unite the Hawaiian Islands under his rule, was present during these events. He later rededicated Hikiau Heiau around 1812-1813 when he returned to Hawai'i from O'ahu, celebrating Makahiki at the temple where he had witnessed history turn.