Visit This Mystical Rock In Hawaii That’s Said To Have Healing Powers

From ancient settlements, Europeans first visiting the islands in 1778, and the establishment of the Kingdom of Hawaii in 1795 to Hawaii’s admittance to the United States of America in 1959, the Hawaiian Islands are steeped in history, heritage, and culture.

The Hawaiian Islands are home to perhaps the most fascinating history in all of the United States, especially when it comes to all things spiritual. You’ve undoubtedly heard about the Kukaniloko Birthing Stones found in the center of Oahu, but have you ever visited Na Pohaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni? Nestled in the heart of Waikiki near the police station along the bustling Kalakaua Avenue, these fenced-off basalt rocks are hidden in plain sight and said to contain mystical healing powers.

Wally Gobetz/Flickr

Originally placed in four different locations along Waikiki Beach in the 16th century by Oahu chief Kakuhihewa, the stones were believed to contain the "mana," or spiritual power of four great kahunas who arrived from Kahiki - the mythical homeland of the Hawaiian people often believed to be Tahiti. These great kahunas helped island residents by relieving their aches and pains, and eventually became well known across Oahu.

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Legend has it that each of these kahunas gave each of their special powers to their respective stones as a gift to the people of Oahu.

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The stones remained on Waikiki Beach until the late 1800s. It is said that Princess Likelike offered leis to each of the stones before entering the waters off of Waikiki Beach, and her husband, the former Governor of Hawaii, A.S. Cleghorn requested in his will in 1910 that the stones not be removed or defaced. His wish was not granted, however, and the stones were moved repeatedly as Waikiki Beach was developed.

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After being lost for decades, these sacred relics were uncovered in 1958 after a bowling alley was demolished. Temporarily nicknamed the "Wizard Stones of Kapaemahu," they were restored and blessed in the 1990s, and renamed Na Pohaku Ola Kapaemahu a Kapuni to prevent any Western wizard-like magical misinterpretation.

Wally Gobetz/Flickr

Though many believe the stones may have lost their mana over the years, we aren’t ready to discount the healing powers of these ancient stones that were once so important in Hawaiian culture. After all, why would countless people bring flower leis to the site every day if they didn’t believe in the mystical powers held by these striking stones?

These sacred healing rocks can be found along Waikiki Beach between the police station and the Duke Kahanamoku Statue. Have you ever visited these sacred stones? What about these 13 spots where you can still experience Old Hawaii?