Pohaku Lanai is a legendary rock on the North Shore that has existed since the time of the indigenous people.
Pohaku Lanai literally translates to “rock veranda,” but since the official name does not quite ring a bell, it is often called by its nicknames. Haha.
By the way, the most famous nickname is Balance Rock, and it is also sometimes called Bell Rock because of its bell-like shape, or Hamburger Rock because it looks like a hamburger.
Although Pohaku Lanai has various names, it is actually one of the leading power spots in Hawaii as a sacred rock!
It also became famous because baseball player Shohei Ohtani visited it and it was broadcasted on television.
It is highly accessible since it is close to Haleiwa Town, making it a popular spot that you can easily drop by.
Pohaku Lanai is a Hidden Spot Where You Can Find Peace of Mind
Pohaku Lanai is located inside a park facing the ocean called Kaiaka Bay Beach Park.
There are hardly any people on the vast grassy grounds, and wild birds and mongooses are always happily playing around.
It is well-equipped with restrooms, benches, and showers, so it is highly recommended for having a picnic.
Since it is a rock standing alone on such a lawn, it gives off a true power spot vibe with an outstanding atmosphere!
If you look closely at this rock, grass and trees are growing on it, so unlike ordinary rocks, it feels almost as if it is alive.
To begin with, there is a legend that it drifted from Tahiti, the homeland of Native Hawaiians, and is a rock with spiritual power, so it must truly have a very mysterious energy.
I always wonder why such a heavy and large sea rock exists in the middle of a plaza.
It is a power spot where it is said that your wishes will come true if you put your hand in the gap between the rocks and make a wish, so please try making various wishes when you visit.
It is famous as a power spot for praying for victory in battle, and in terms of fortune, it is said that wishes mainly related to financial luck and work luck will come true.
By the way, Shohei Ohtani visited here in 2016 during his time in Japan before moving to the Major Leagues. The year after he prayed here, his transfer to the Angels was decided, and he achieved a major breakthrough afterward, making it a proven power spot!
Monkeypod Tree the Same Size as the Famous Hitachi Tree
Many people come to this park to see Pohaku Lanai, but there are actually other highlights as well!
What stands out exceptionally on the premises is a magnificent monkeypod tree that is just as impressive as the famous “Hitachi Tree” well-known in Japan.
Just like the famous tree, there are no other trees growing around it, so its branches spread out in a beautiful circular shape, and its trunk is thick and incredibly splendid.
Looking at the picture, you probably might not even be able to tell the difference between this and the famous tree. Haha.
A Rock That Brings Happiness & A Spot Where Sea Turtles Gather in Large Numbers
The “rock that brings happiness when you sit on it” located in the cove near the west side of the park is also actually a hidden tourist spot!
The area around here is called Kapukapuakea, and it is a place where a heiau (an ancient Hawaiian temple) used to exist in the past!
The most prominent object in such a sacred place is a rock shaped like a chair.
It feels like a mini version of “Pele’s Chair” located on the east coast of Oahu!
When you touch the rock, you will feel a warm and cozy energy.
Perhaps this is an incredible spot where two major power spots in Hawaii are combined!
Also, wild sea turtles can often be seen near the cove on the west side of the park.
Due to the calm environment of the inner bay and an abundance of seaweed for food, many sea turtles are often swimming around.
Especially during the summer season when the ocean is calm, you might be able to see more than 30 sea turtles in sight.
There are many sea turtle beaches in the surrounding area, but this is actually one of the hidden beaches where a massive number of sea turtles gather!
Basic Information of Pohaku Lanai (Balance Rock)
| Name | Pohaku Lanai |
| Address | 66-449 Haleiwa Rd, Haleiwa, HI 96712 |
| Map | |
| Business Hours | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| Closed | None |
| Time Required | From about 15 minutes |
| Restroom | Available |
| Parking | Available (Free) |
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