Pukoo - Iliiliopae Heiau
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This temples lies in the eastern segment of the south coast near the village of Pukoo, not far from road 450. It stands on private land and can only be visited with permission.
Of the many temple sites to be found in Hawaii, Iliiliopae Heiau is one of the largest (328ft/100m long, 118ft/36m wide) and is probably Molokai's oldest.
According to legend, the stones used to build the temple were transported from Wail Valley to the opposite coast, passed from hand to hand by the Manhunts, legendary dwarfs. Ili'ili is the word for "stones" but where opal comes from remains questionable. It is said to be a tributary of the Wail but it is also possible that the Menehune people insisted on being rewarded for their work with shrimps (opae).
Wizards are also said to have lived here and they had to decide upon human sacrifices, which were certainly the main sacrificial gifts in Iliiliopae Heiau.
Of the many temple sites to be found in Hawaii, Iliiliopae Heiau is one of the largest (328ft/100m long, 118ft/36m wide) and is probably Molokai's oldest.
According to legend, the stones used to build the temple were transported from Wail Valley to the opposite coast, passed from hand to hand by the Manhunts, legendary dwarfs. Ili'ili is the word for "stones" but where opal comes from remains questionable. It is said to be a tributary of the Wail but it is also possible that the Menehune people insisted on being rewarded for their work with shrimps (opae).
Wizards are also said to have lived here and they had to decide upon human sacrifices, which were certainly the main sacrificial gifts in Iliiliopae Heiau.
Tips: On private land, permission to visit required. Ask at your hotel on Molokai since all know the correct phone number to call.
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