The Spiritual Power of Stones

Traditions hold that the larger Naha Stone was brought by canoe to Hilo from the chiefly valley of Wailua on Kaua'i by Chief Makali'inuikuakawaiea centuries ago. It held a place of honor at one of several heiau in Hilo and was associated with traditions affirming chiefly status. Ali'i infants were ceremonially placed on the stone, and if they did not cry, their royal status was confirmed. The ability to move this massive stone was a sign of high chiefly capacity, and Kamehameha I is said to have lifted and moved the Naha Stone in 1789 while in his early 30s, confirming the prophecy that he would become a great warrior king. The upright Pinao Stone has less certain origins but is associated with the Pinao Heiau that once stood on or near the site of this State Library. Both stones are important cultural resources.

Hilo, Hawaii · United States