Luakini

Hāpaialiʻi and Keʻeku Heiau (above, left) on Kahaluʻu Bay

In ancient Hawaii, a luakini temple, or luakiniheiau, was a Native Hawaiian sacred place where human and animal blood sacrifices were offered.

In Hawaiian tradition, luakini heiaus were first established by Paʻao, a legendary priest credited with establishing many of the rites and symbols typical of the stratified high chieftainships of the immediate pre-European-contact period.^[1]

List of currently known or reputed luakini heiaus:

Kauai

• Wailua Complex of Heiaus

Oʻahu:

• Puʻu O Mahuka, "Hill of Escape"^[2]

Maui:

• Loaloa Heiau

Big Island of Hawaiʻi:

• Puʻukohola National Historic Site^[3]
• Moʻokini, birthplace of Kamehameha I^[4]
• Aha'ula^[1] (now engulfed by lava)
• Keʻeku Heiau on Kahaluʻu Bay^[5]

References

1. "Pa'ao From Thrum, Emerson, and Kamakau". Hawaiian Voyaging Traditions. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
2. Fournier, Rasa (27 July 2016). "Hiking Puu O Mahuka Heiau". Hawaii.com. Retrieved 27 May 2018.
3. "Chapter VII: Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site". National Park Service. Retrieved 29 May 2018.
4. Van James, Ancient Sites of Hawaiʻi, 1995, Mutual Publishing, ISBN 978-1-56647-200-5, page 143
5. "Hoʻihoʻi Kulana Wahi pana - Restoring Sacred Places"(PDF). Kamehameha Investment Corporation. 2008. Retrieved 2009-12-28.