Ulupo Heiau historic hawaiian religious site near Kailua on Oahu, Hawaii.

© Steve Heap/Shutterstock

Ulupo Heiau State Monument

Kailua


Rich in stream-fed agricultural land, fishing grounds and protected canoe landings, Kailua was an ancient economic center that supported at least three temples. Ulupo – once bordered by 400 acres of cultivated fishponds and taro fields, which are now encompassed by Kawai Nui Marsh – is the only heiau (ancient stone temple) left to visit. It measures 140ft by 180ft, with walls up to 30ft high.

Construction of this imposing platform temple was traditionally attributed to menehune, the ʻlittle people’ who legend says created much of Hawaii’s impressive stonework, finishing each project in one night. It’s thought the temple’s final use may have been as a luakini, a place for human sacrifice dedicated to the war god Ku. Good interpretive panels provide an artist’s rendition of the site as it probably looked in the 18th century. The tiny, tree-shaded parking area feels suitably hidden and melancholy. The heiau is a mile southwest of downtown Kailua, tucked away behind the YMCA at 1200 Kailua Rd. Use the access road off the main highway.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Kailua attractions

1. Hamakua Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary

0.83 MILES

Downstream from Kawai Nui Marsh, this tiny nature preserve provides more habitat for rare waterbirds, including the koloa maoli (Hawaiian duck), aeʻo …

2. Kawai Nui Marsh

1.4 MILES

One of Hawaii’s largest freshwater marshes, Kawai Nui provides flood protection for the town and a habitat for endangered waterbirds, and is also one of…

3. Kalama Beach Park

1.61 MILES

Kalama Beach Park, 1 mile north of Kailua Beach Park on Kalaheo Ave, is the best place to park for a great walk. Climb over the grassy lawn to a much more…

4. Kailua Beach Park

1.96 MILES

A wide arc of sand drapes around the jewel-colored waters of Kailua Bay, bookended by formidable volcanic headlands and with interesting little islands…

5. Lanikai Beach

2.46 MILES

Just southeast of Kailua, Lanikai is an exclusive residential neighborhood fronting a gorgeous stretch of powdery white sand overlooking two postcard…

6. Nuʻuanu Pali State Wayside

2.96 MILES

About 5 miles northeast of Honolulu, turn as indicated to the popular ridgetop lookout with a sweeping vista of Windward Oʻahu from a height of 1200ft. As…

7. Bellows Field Beach Park

3.45 MILES

An extenuation of stunning Waimanalo Beach, this beach park is only open to civilians on weekends (and national holidays), as it fronts Bellows Air Force…

8. Hoʻomaluhia Botanical Garden

3.64 MILES

The dramatic ridged cliffs of the Koʻolau Range are arrayed in front of you like an Imax screen at Oʻahu’s largest botanical garden. It encompasses 400…