Near Papaikou in Hawaii County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)
The Legend of Twin Rocks
The village of Kahali'i was located on this large point of land which extends into Onomea Bay. Though the village is gone, the descendants of Kahali'i still remember some of the legends concerning the area's landmarks. One story tells of the origin of two rock formations at the head of Onomea Bau that are said to be a young man and woman, known as the lovers of Kahali'i.
Legend has it that one day, a chief of the village spotted many canoes with sails heading shoreward in their direction. Fearing an attack, the chiefs and village elders held a council to determine a course of action. They decided to build a reef to prevent a landing on their beaches. Not having the means to complete the task quickly enough, they asked the two young lovers to be the guides and protectors of the village by giving their lives. Two willing individuals were found.
That night a decree was sent to all who lived at Kahali'i to remain indoors from sunset to sunrise without making any light or sound, on penalty of death. In the light of the new day, everyone went down to the shorelines where they were amazed to find the lovers gone, and in their place two gigantic rock formations at the entrance to the Bay, attached to each other, as if on guard.
The chief informed the people that no canoe could now pass the treacherous currents swirling around the rocks unless allowed to do so by the guardians. The lovers and their offspring still stand today, sentinels at the head of the Bay.
Erected by Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Churches & Religion.
Location. 19° 48.508′ N, 155° 5.564′ W. Marker is near Papaikou, Hawaii, in Hawaii County. Marker can be reached from Old Mamalahoa Highway near Old Onomea Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway, Papaikou HI 96781, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Onomea Bay (within shouting distance of this marker); "KU" - Hawaiian God (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Remembrance Bell (approx. ¼ mile away); The Spiritual Power of Stones (approx. 5.8 miles away); Mo'oheau Park and Bandstand (approx. 5.9 miles away); Hilo Town Plantation Bell Tower (approx. 5.9 miles away); Lyman House Memorial (approx. 6 miles away); Waiakea Social Settlement Clock (approx. 6.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Papaikou.
More about this marker. This marker is found on the trails inside Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 933 times since then and 141 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 30, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.