heiau
An ancient Hawaiian temple or sacred place of worship is called heiau in Hawaiian.
Did you know?
- Because of the intense spiritual power associated with a heiau, even the shadow of the structure could be considered 'kapu' and off-limits to certain people.
- Some heiau were specifically designed for healing and medicine, functioning more like spiritual hospitals than traditional churches.
- Some heiau were not buildings at all, but simply a designated sacred grove of trees or a specific natural rock formation.
Examples in context
- He heiau kēia.This is a heiau.
- E hele ana māua i ka heiau.We are going to the heiau.
Example conversation
Kai and Noelani are walking on a hiking trail.
- KaiNoelani, aia ka heiau!Noelani, there is the temple!
- NoelaniHe nani ia heiau.That temple is beautiful.
- KaiE mālama kākou i kēia wahi.Let us take care of this place.
- NoelaniʻAe, he wahi kapu kēia.Yes, this is a sacred place.
