The Wailua River flows to the Pacific Ocean, creating a natural playground that was claimed as a sacred site for the Ancient Hawiians. Today, Lydgate Beach Park provides recreational facilities while caring for the heiau ruins.
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| The surf keeps rolling in ... |
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| ... to the golden sands of Kaua'i. |
From the Wailua Heritage Trail (at this link),
On the southern banks near the Wailua river mouth is Hauola —a place long associated with the traditional practices of health and healing. The adjacent Hikinaakala Heiau served as a place to worship the akala (sun).
It is said that the entirety of Wailuanuiaho`ano was a pu`uhonua or sanctuary of peace and safety.
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| The trail follows the river up country ... |
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| .... to land that Hawaiians revered. |
Above are the 'Opaeka 'a Falls. From the Wailua Heritage Trail at this link,
`Opaekala`ole are native fresh water shrimp that were once plentiful in the mountain streams throughout Kaua`i. Kamokila and Kawelowai were giant mo`o or lizard `aumakua—spirit guardians that watched over the fresh water and land resources of Wailua.
What animal would you like as your 'aumakua (spirit guardian)? One randomly selected commenter wins a book choice from my convention stash. This giveaway is open to all readers. Comments are open through Saturday, Junly 7, 10 pm in Hawaii. I'll post the winners on Sunday, July 8.
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
Mahalo,
Kim in Hawaii
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| Near the river is Birthing Stones where ali'i (royal) women gave birth. It doesn't look too comfortable. |
Beautiful pics. I love them. I think I would like a dragon as my spirit animal
ReplyDeleteAmazing photos.
ReplyDeleteEagle perhaps? I love to soar high in the sky. :) There is something majestic about them too.
Hey, Kim! We were in Kauai this past March and fell in love with the island. We actually kayaked up the Wailua river, then hiked up to a not so "secret" waterfall for a picnic lunch. Quite a magical day. We're going back next year (and you know how much I love to fly), so I'll try to see the ancient Hawaiian sites this time. Those birthing stones look awful, I must say.
ReplyDeleteI would choose a humpback whale for my spirit animal. Got out on a boat to see some during our trip as well and I had goose bumps all over me when I saw them.
Oh, I have to pick a cat lol. But a Griffin would be the best of both worlds!!!
ReplyDeleteFor an animal I would pick a dog.
ReplyDeleteA bird I'd pick an owl.
Probably some sort of bird.
ReplyDeleteMaybe a wolf
ReplyDeleteI would like my spirit guardian to be a panther.
ReplyDeleteI think I'd like an orca to be my 'aumakua
ReplyDeleteLike dove. Or elephant
ReplyDeleteKimh
i love bird
ReplyDeleteI would like my spirit guide to be hawk.
ReplyDeletehawk :)
ReplyDeleteveranika_ursula@yahoo.com