Standing above the lands of Kahaluʻu and Heʻeia, Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli is a place of deep cultural significance, shaped by history, moʻolelo, and the enduring presence of the land itself. Its name, meaning “the place of digging,” comes from a legendary contest between the demigod Maui and the gods Kāne and Kanaloa, who raced to dig through the land, forming the distinct ridges and valleys that remain today. Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli is also tied to the powerful moʻo (guardian water spirit) of Heʻeia, with some traditions identifying her as an older name for Meheanu, the protector of Heʻeia Fishpond. The contours of the land—stretching from Waipao down to Kahaluʻu Fishpond—reflect the moʻo’s shape, reinforcing the ancient connection between land, water, and its spiritual guardians.

Beyond its legendary past, Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli holds ties to the sacred stories of Lonomuku (Hina-i-ka-malama), who ascended from this place to the moon. According to the moʻolelo shared in Hiʻiaka’s journey, it was from this puʻu that she left the earth, her husband clinging to her leg, breaking it off and giving rise to the name Lonomuku (Maimed Lono). Other traditions locate her ascent in Hāna, Maui, reflecting the layered histories that connect these wahi pana (storied places) across the islands.

Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli was also home to sacred sites and places of worship, such as Kailikahi Heiau, located on the slopes of the puʻu, about halfway between Pokole Point and St. John’s-by-the-Sea Episcopal Church. Oral history tells of Princess Kailikahi, a woman of extraordinary beauty who was taken and sacrificed at this heiau, her name forever tied to its tragic past.

Further down the coastline, another heiau stood on the point of land between Kahaluʻu and Heʻeia. While its name is the subject of dispute, elders of the region still recall its presence, and the remaining stone formations hint at its former sacred purpose. Together, these sites remind us of the cultural and spiritual depth of Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli and the surrounding lands.

The vision of the Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli Cultural Preserve is to protect, restore, and share the moʻolelo and sacred sites of this region, ensuring they are preserved for future generations.

By restoring Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli and its surrounding cultural sites, we do more than conserve the land—we revitalize a connection to our ancestors, their stories, and the wisdom they left behind. With a true commitment to aloha ʻāina, we can ensure that future generations can walk these paths with reverence, understanding, and a deep appreciation for the sacred history of Puʻū Māʻeliʻeli.