Hidden within a gated residential community in Makaha Valley, this quietly impressive heiau is one of Oʻahu's best-restored sacred sites. Originally an agricultural temple dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture and fertility, the site was later used as a luakini, a temple dedicated to the war god Ku and a place for human sacrifices.
Kamehameha the Great worshipped here and the temple remained in use until his death in 1819. Restorations by the Bishop Museum added two prayer towers, a kapu house, drum house, altar and kiʻi (deity statues), while the heiau was reconstructed using traditional ohia tree logs and pili grass.
To get here, turn mauka off Farrington Hwy (Hwy 93) onto Makaha Valley Rd. Just over a mile later, follow Huipu Dr as it briefly curves left, then right. Turn right again onto Maunaolu St, which enters Mauna Olu Estates. Sign in at the security gatehouse (bring your driver's license and car-rental contract).
At the time of writing, public access was closed indefinitely due to vandalism. Call ahead to ask if the site has since reopened.
