Pohaku Lanai is a legendary rock on the North Shore that has existed since the time of the native Hawaiians.
“Pohaku Lanai” literally translates to “rock lanai” or “rock veranda.” However, since the official name doesn’t quite capture its essence for many, it’s more commonly known by its nicknames.
The most famous of these nicknames is “Balance Rock.” It’s also called “Bell Rock” because it resembles a bell, and even “Hamburger Rock” for its hamburger-like appearance.
Despite its many names, Pohaku Lanai is actually a sacred rock and one of Hawaii’s most renowned power spots!
It gained fame after being visited by baseball star Shohei Ohtani and featured on television.
Its proximity to Haleiwa Town makes it easily accessible and a popular spot for a quick visit.
Pohaku Lanai: A Hidden Gem for a Peaceful Retreat
Pohaku Lanai is located within Kaiaka Bay Beach Park, a park that faces the ocean.
The vast grassy area is usually uncrowded, and you can often see wild birds and mongooses playing happily.
With ample facilities like restrooms, benches, and showers, it’s also a great place for a picnic.
The sight of this solitary rock in the middle of a grassy field gives it a classic “power spot” atmosphere, and the vibe is exceptional!
If you look closely, you’ll see grass and trees growing on the rock, making it feel almost alive, unlike an ordinary boulder.
Legend has it that this rock, possessing spiritual power, drifted from Tahiti, the ancestral homeland of native Hawaiians. This surely adds to its mysterious energy.
I always wonder how such a heavy, massive ocean rock ended up in the middle of this field.
It’s said that if you place your hand in the crevice between the rocks and make a wish, it will come true. So when you visit, be sure to make some wishes.
It is particularly famous as a power spot for victory prayers, and it is said to grant wishes primarily related to financial luck and career success.
Monkey Pods, the “Happiness Rock,” and Sea Turtles
While most people visit this park to see Pohaku Lanai, there are actually other attractions worth seeing!
First, there is a magnificent monkey pod tree (Samanea saman) that is just as impressive as the famous “Hitachi Tree” known from Japanese TV commercials.
Just like the one from the commercial, there are no other trees growing around it, allowing its branches to spread out in a beautiful circle. Its trunk is thick and truly impressive.
You might not be familiar with the tree from the commercial, but its grandeur is undeniable.
Next is the “rock that brings happiness when you sit on it,” located in the inlet on the west side of the park.
This area is actually called Kapukapukakea, and it’s a place where a heiau (an ancient Hawaiian temple) once stood!
The most prominent feature in this sacred place is a rock shaped like a chair.
It’s like a mini version of “Pele’s Chair” on the east coast of Oahu!
When you touch the rock, you can feel a warm, gentle energy.
This might just be an incredible hidden spot where the energies of two of Hawaii’s great power spots converge!
Finally, you can also spot wild sea turtles near the inlet on the west side of the park.
The calm waters of the inlet and the abundance of seaweed, their food source, attract many sea turtles.
While there are many turtle beaches nearby, this is actually one of the hidden spots where you can see a large number of them!
Basic Information about Pohaku Lanai (Balance Rock)
| Name | Pohaku Lanai |
| Address | 66-449 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| Map | |
| Hours | 7:00 AM – 6:45 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Time required | Approx. 15 minutes or more |
| Restrooms | Yes |
| Parking | Yes (Free) |
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