Hale o Kapuni Heiau

The submerged remains of Hale o Kapuni Heiau, a temple dedicated to shark akua, are believed to lie just offshore. It was built by a chief whose family revered sharks, believing that the family's 'aumākua could become physically present within sharks. A Hawaiian family often revered a specific animal species in the belief that the spirit of a helpful ancestor might appear as one of that species during times of distress. The extent, construction date, and exact location of Hale o Kapuni Heiau are unknown.

Puako, Hawaii · United States