Ka Ulu A Paoa Heiau

USA / Hawaii / Hanalei / Kalalau Trail
 ruins, place with historical importance, cultural heritage / national heritage
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A "Heiau" is a Hawaiian Temple en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heiau
Ka Ulu A Paoa Heiau, located on a terrace above the boulder, Kiloe near Ke'e, the ancient hula temple is reputed to be the birthplace of the hula, an ancient Hawaiian dance that was at one time, a form of prayer. Chanters came to receive the most advanced training possible. To test their skills, they walked across the smooth boulders at the edge of the sea and chanted their mele (chant). If their voices could be heard above the sounds of the waves and the wind, then their training was completed. Students chosen to study hula at Ka ulu a Paoa were the finest in the land, and they lived by strict standards. The heiau is still considered sacred, and visitors are asked to treat it respectfully.

The ruins of the old temple can be found by following a short path just along the sand at the left side of Ke'e beach. The path heads inland after a few hundred yards and up a very small hill. Here you will find the terraces where the hula was performed in ancient times and is still performed today. Modern hula schools still bring their students here to learn and test their skills with the dance where its energy is the strongest.
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Coordinates:   22°13'10"N   159°35'5"W
This article was last modified 11 years ago