Kapaa in Kauai County, Hawaii — Hawaiian Island Archipelago (Pacific Ocean)

Houola

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 22, 2013

1. Houola Marker

Inscription. Houola (dew of life) is the name passed down from ancient times for this place at the mouth of the Wailua River. Historical accounts suggest a pu'uhonua (place of refuge) was located here where one could escape punishment and find safety during war. The religious center of this place is Hikinaakalā.

1700s The massive walls, 6 feet high and 11 feet wide enclose the sacred area. A row of wooden images known as ka pae ki'io Wailua stand near the river mouth and watch over Hikinaakalā.

1800s In 1819, the traditional Hawaiian religion is abolished. Around 1850, a house is built and a garden of sweet potatoes and coconut trees is planted within the walls.

1900s Rocks are removed and used in roadbeds, leaving only the foundations of the once massive walls. Hikinaakalā and the other heiau of Wailus, were designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962.

Erected by State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Places. A significant historical year for this entry is 1819.

Location. 22° 2.604′ N, 159° 20.135′ W.

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Marker is in Kapaa, Hawaii, in Kauai County. It is on Nalu Road 0.4 miles east of Leho Drive when traveling north. Marker is at the end of Nalu Road in Lydgate State Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kapaa HI 96746, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, it is in North America,

in Polynesia,

in the Pacific Ocean,

in North Pacific,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Albert S. Morgan Sr.'s Lydgate Pools (approx. 0.2 miles away); Poli'auh Heiau (approx. 1.3 miles away); Wai'ale'ale (approx. 1½ miles away); Maunakapu and Wailua River (approx. 1½ miles away); Roxy Theater (approx. 2½ miles away); The Kapa'a Japanese Stone Lantern (Ishidoro) (approx. 2.7 miles away); Kōloa Jodo Mission (approx. 12.6 miles away); Koloa, Birthplace of the Hawaiian Sugar Industry (approx. 12.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kapaa.

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 22, 2013

2. Houola Marker

Photographed by Bill Kirchner, May 22, 2013

3. Houola

Aston Aloha Hotel is in the background.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on June 8, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 762 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 8, 2013, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Syd Whittle was the editor who published this page.