Last updated: October 22, 2023
Place
Kū-ka-ʻilimoku
NPS
Quick Facts
Location:
West side of Royal Grounds near kōnane papamū
Amenities
2 listed
Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Scenic View/Photo Spot
A guardian god of governance and warfare, Kū-kaʽilimoku was a patron deity of the ruling aliʽi on the island of Hawaiʽi. Custody of this akua was bestowed upon only the most esteemed aliʽi, in a tradition maintained for nearly four hundred years – beginning with the high chief Liloa bestowing the akua upon his son ʽUmi, and ending with King Kamehameha I placing the akua in the care of his nephew, the warrior-priest Kekuaokalani. See Kū-kaʽilimoku near the former location of a hale kauila – a meeting house – where the highest ranking aliʽi would discuss matters of policy, government, and warfare.