Kūka‘o‘o Heiau and the Landscape of Ancient O‘ahu
SAT APR 12, 9-11 am, with archaeologist and Historian Ena Sroat
$60 per person, including refreshments
Join us for a special Mānoa Heritage Center Perspectives Tour with archaeologist and historian Ena Sroat. This immersive experience explores Kūka‘o‘o Heiau within the broader context of Mānoa’s unique topography, ancient O‘ahu’s political and cultural history, and traditional Hawaiian worldviews.
Blending history, geology, mo‘olelo/stories, and archaeology, this huaka‘i/journey will illuminate how Kūka‘o‘o Heiau expresses Hawaiian cultural values, cosmology, and its role in the shifting religious and political landscapes of O‘ahu.
Through vibrant storytelling, Ena brings the cultural and geographical landscape of Kūka‘o‘o to life, sharing mo‘olelo of:
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Pele’s fiery quest for a new home in Mānoa,
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Kamapua‘a’s exploits and the formation of local springs,
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The pueo/owl of Mānoa and its encounters with the menehune and O‘ahu’s great chief Kakuhihewa.
Discover the renowned ali‘i/chiefs of O‘ahu, including:
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Mailikūkahi, the first paramount ruler of O‘ahu,
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Kakuhihewa, who led a golden age of prosperity in the 16th century,
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Kūali‘i, a warrior chief who reunified O‘ahu’s fractious ali‘i in the 1700s.
We will also explore the history and evolution of heiau in ancient Hawai‘i, their architecture, placement in the landscape, and the role of kahuna pu‘uone/specialist temple architects.
About the Presenter:
Ena Sroat is a historian and archaeologist specializing in Hawaiian cultural landscapes. She has been a docent at Mānoa Heritage Center since 2009, sharing her deep knowledge of Hawaiian history, archaeology, and cultural traditions. Ena has worked extensively throughout the Hawaiian Islands, and her passion for Hawaiian mo‘olelo and the cultural significance of heiau makes this tour an unforgettable experience.
This special program is limited to 12 guests.
Mānoa Through Time is a new public tour series that offers a deeper exploration of Mānoa’s rich history, culture, and landscape. Join experts in their respective fields for an engaging 120-minute tour and conversation that will expand your understanding of this storied valley. Each experience concludes with a chance to continue the discussion over a refreshing cup of Hawaiian herbal tea, grown on-site with the presenter.