THE RESTORATION OF HĀPAIALIʻI HEIAU: THE ELEVATION OF A COMMUNITY THROUGH ETHNOASTRONOMY

Abstract

This thesis explores the interpretation of astronomical associations in the reconstructed heiau of Hāpaialiʻi in the ahupuaʻa of Kahaluʻu. Hāpaialiʻi sits in the Kona district on the western shore of Hawaiʻi Island and is one of several heiau in an important chiefly center. Its restoration, beginning in 2007 through the efforts of Kamehameha Schools (KS), was based on archaeological and historical research to identify foundation stones and surface features. Developing a holistic framework for interpreting the orientation of features and walls involved using standard archaeoastronomy alongside Indigenous methods, such as kilo, and personal experimentation through observations of seasonal astronomical patterns. These observations helped re-establish how Hāpaialiʻi Heiau could function as a ritual calendar and restore the site’s active role in contemporary Hawaiian cultural practices, from practicing Hawaiian ritual to strengthening community bonds through Hawaiian heritage.