Native Hawaiian Practitioners Complete Traditional Masonry Restoration at Kāneiolouma Heiau Complex
Native Hawaiian practitioners have completed the restoration of traditional masonry walls at the Kāneiolouma Heiau Complex. A grant from Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation trained a new generation in the uhau humu pōhaku method.
Native Hawaiian practitioners have completed the restoration of traditional masonry walls at the Kāneiolouma Heiau Complex in Poʻipū, Hawaii. The project restored 410 feet of ancient walls.
Hui Mālama O Kāneiolouma announced on Thursday the completion of the uhau humu pōhaku reconstruction efforts. This traditional method of building stone walls without mortar was supported by a grant from the Historic Hawaiʻi Foundation.
The primary objective of the initiative was to train a new generation of practitioners in this ancient construction technique. The training program provided participants with hands-on experience in the restoration process, contributing to the preservation of significant cultural heritage.
The Kāneiolouma Heiau Complex is a notable archaeological and cultural site, and its restoration ensures its preservation for future generations. The work concluded on August 12, 2026.