Puu O Mahuka State Monument — Attraction in Oʻahu

It's a spooky place. Dating to the 1700's the remains are an inner and outer stone wall with stone wall along a pathway. It's look like a gathering place with seating all the way around some central platform. I know little about native Hawaiian religion so I can't say what it's function was or really even what it looked like with nothing but stone ruin to go by now but, there is said to have been evidence of human sacrifice there, even possibly 3 crewmembers of the famous British explorer George Vancouver who wintered there in 1792, what they called the "sandwich islands", before returning to the north American pacific northwest for his surveying work.

Even though it's only a few miles of road to get to it, when you turn from Pupukea Rd to Puu O Mahuka Rd, the mile or so to the sight is very bad road. it's a bit dangerous. Don't take a carload of children up there. There are places where the asphalt is so bad you have to take to the dirt sides of the roads. Some Drivers in cars with any doubts about ground clearance should not go there. I'm not saying you need offroad experience to drive it but, if you do, it will help. It is NOT for the faint of heart. Even though it's not far, it is very isolated.

It is a sacred site still visited daily by natives. There is an alter at the inland end of the ruin, complete with guardian rooster and fresh offerings. I would recommend not touching a single thing or moving the smallest of rocks while there, not only out of respect, but for your own safety. While Hawaiian culture is loving and inclusive by nature there are hard feelings among some native Hawaiians over what has become of their paradise, and rightfully so. I would hope you could honor them by bringing a pineapple, fruit and native flowers for the altar. Be quiet, be respectful, don't mess with anything, and be just a bit wary. The place itself seems to put you in a heightened state anyway.

Having said all this, it is definitely worth it if you can...

Awesome spot above Waimea Valley where you can learn about Hawaiian culture amidst the ruins of an old temple. There's a half mile trail around the ruins with offshoots that take you to overlooks with spectacular views of the coast and valley below. The gate is open from 7am - 5pm daily - if it's closed then you can still walk in along the paved route. Well...

This is a cool place with an excellent view. If you do visit this monument, make sure you know the history of it or else you just think it's a pile of rocks.

The road there is very narrow and the parking area is about 6 parking spots. So if you have a large vehicle, it might be a little tight and be prepared to pull over to the side so that other cars can...