HONOLULU (KHON2) — A new study has uncovered that Hapaialiʻi Heiau – an ancient Hawaiian religious site – served as a sophisticated seasonal calendar.
The research, published in Waka Kuaka, highlights the advanced scientific knowledge of Native Hawaiians, showing how the heiau helped track seasonal changes critical for agriculture and fishing.
Conducted by Professor Albert Kim from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and civil engineer Brenton Sasaoka, the study used modern mapping and mathematical analysis.
It found that stones in the heiau were strategically placed to align with the sun’s position, marking the winter and summer solstices.
These alignments helped guide cultural practices and resource management.
“This research shows that Hawaii’s ancestors were master astronomers and engineers,” said Kim. “By applying modern methods, we can better preserve their technological achievements.”
The team’s work also revealed the heiau’s potential for desalination, a surprising discovery.
Melia Talagi, a Native Hawaiian professor at UH Manoa, praised the research for blending Western science with traditional knowledge.
While the study offers new insights, researchers said more work is needed to fully understand the heiau’s functions.
The Hapaialiʻi Heiau was reconstructed by Kamehameha Schools in 2007, and the researchers thanked Māhealani Pai for her cultural guidance.