The Temple on the Hill of the Whale
Pu'ukohola Heiau, located on the northwestern coast of the
Island of Hawaii, represents one of the last major sacred
structures built in Hawaii before traditional life was forever
changed by outside influences.
Kamehameha constructed the temple in 1790-1791, he had been
successful in conquering Maui, Lanai and Molokai. At this time
he had not yet claimed full possession to his home island of
Hawaii. His cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula remained his chief rival.
While Kamehameha was on Molokai he learned that his cousin was
invading his territory on the Island of Hawaii. His aunt was
sent to consult the prophet Kapoukahi, for guidance as what
could be done to overcome Kamehameha's rival, Kuahu'ula, the
prophet told her that Kamehameha would conquer all of the
islands if he built a heiau dedicated to the family war god,
Kuka'ilimoku atop Pu'ukohola, at Kawaihae.
According to the prophecy, rigid guidelines in the construction
of the temple needed to be employed to please Ku, the war god.
Kapoukahi served as the royal architect to ensure the guidelines
were followed to perfection. For nearly a year Kamehameha toiled
alongside thousands of men as they worked on the huge stone
structure. The heiau was to be built of water-worn lava rock, it
is believed the stones were transported from the seaside valley
of Pololu. A human chain, of about 20 miles long was formed and
the rocks were transported hand to hand to the top of
Pu'ukohola.
When other rival chiefs learned of the ongoing construction,
they decided to attack Kamehameha while his warriors were
occupied building the temple. The invasion could be successful
in either of two ways: it would eliminate Kamehameha and the
threat of his army to rival chiefs, or interfere with the
specific rituals required to build the temple, displeasing the
god Ku. The chiefs of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai reconquered their
islands then joined forces with the chiefs of Kauai and Oahu.
They sailed to attack Kamehameha, who in turn counterattacked,
routed the invading armies and resumed work on the temple.
The heiau was completed during the summer of 1791. Kamehameha
invited his cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula to the dedication ceremonies.
Kuahu'ula knew he would be facing is demise, yet came willingly.
There was a scuffle when Keoua arrived, he was slain with almost
all of his companions. The body of Keoua was carried up to the
top of the temple and offered as a sacrifice to Ku.
Keoua Kuahu'ula's death ended all opposition on the island of
Hawaii, and the prophecy began to come true. By 1810, Kamehameha
the Great, through conquest and treaties was the King of all
Hawaii.
Related Internet Resources:
http://aloha.150m.com/puukohola.htm