Hawaii’s power spots offer such immense healing effects that the entire island is often called a healing point.
It is said that a mysterious power called Mana (spiritual energy) has resided here since ancient times.
Various power spots, including magnificent scenery that heals daily fatigue, pleasant breezes, and spiritual atmospheres, are scattered everywhere.
In this article, the tour guides at Aloalo Travel have compiled a list of 10 recommended popular power spots in Hawaii!
We have gathered spots that are particularly powerful and popular, so please use this as a reference for your trip to Hawaii.
Ulupo Heiau
Ulupo Heiau is a hidden power spot in Hawaii spreading across the wetlands of Kailua.
It is a massive Heiau (temple) measuring 42 meters in length, 54 meters in width, and 10 meters in height, and is said to be the oldest temple on Oahu dedicated to Lono, the Hawaiian god of agriculture!
Originally, it was a place to pray for a good harvest, but as conflicts with other islands began to occur, it changed into a place for offering sacrifices.
It was registered as a historical cultural property in 1962 and continues to be protected as a sacred place to this day.
It is one of the very powerful spots, so please visit to feel the energy of Hawaii.
Ulupo Heiau is One of Hawaii’s Leading Power Spots
It is said that the legendary little people called “Menehune” from Hawaiian mythology built Ulupo Heiau by piling up stones in a single night!
Because it is such a mysterious place, it is said that if you strongly wish for your dreams and hopes here, the energy of the earth will bring them closer to reality.
Various plants such as mango, papaya, kukui, and taro grow lushly in the surrounding wetlands, creating an environment where it makes sense that ancient Hawaiians believed the god of agriculture resided there.
The ancient priests, known as Kahuna, were well versed in the effects and benefits of these plants and used them as medicine according to the condition of the sick and injured.
Since the plants grew in a power spot, it may have been thought that they possessed mystical powers!
Kaneana Cave
Kaneana Cave is a hidden power spot located in the northwestern part of Oahu.
Since there are two caves here, Upper Makua and Lower Makua, they are collectively known as Makua Cave, but generally, it is called Kaneana Cave.
Lower Makua, which is common as a tourist spot, is a cave created by seawater erosion about 150,000 years ago, measuring about 11m in height, 6m in width, and 150m in length.
On the other hand, Upper Makua is a trekking spot with superb views known only to those in the know, and compared to Lower Makua, it feels like a small hollow.
This Kaneana Cave is said to be the cave through which the souls of the deceased pass and is filled with sacred energy.
It is not an area commonly visited for sightseeing, but if you are interested in hidden power spots, please check it out.
Upper Makua at Kaneana Cave
Upper Makua is a fairly steep trail course.
To reach the entrance, walk north along the road from the parking lot for about 1 minute.
Around where there are some road signs, there are tire tracks in the grass; if you enter there and follow the path, you will arrive at the cave.
On the way, the path splits between continuing up the steep slope and turning right; go to the right.
You can arrive in about 20 minutes one way, but it is slippery and a very steep slope, so it is suitable for advanced hikers.
By the way, entry to Upper Makua is restricted for environmental protection and safety reasons, so if you climb, you do so at your own risk!
Inside this cave is also called the womb of the earth, and it is said that ancient people used to meditate in this place to gain energy.
There are various legends, such as spirits of little people living in the back or that it connects to the North Shore.
Since the scenery is spectacular, you may see people climbing it, but please be very careful if you decide to climb.
Lower Makua at Kaneana Cave
Lower Makua is easily accessible and is common as a tourist destination.
When you park your car in the parking lot, there is a guardrail on the opposite side, and the cave is just beyond that.
You can go inside the cave, but it becomes a dead end relatively quickly.
Incidentally, entry to this Kaneana Cave was historically forbidden in Hawaiian legends because a shark god named Nanaue lived there.
If you take photos inside the cave, orb-like objects may appear, but there is no need to be afraid of this!
In Hawaii, there is a belief that orbs are “spirits,” and having them appear in photos is considered very lucky.
If an orb appears in your photo, it might be a sign that something happy is about to happen.
Kualoa Beach
Kualoa Beach is a holy power spot representing Hawaii.
It is one of the places with very important meaning in Oahu’s history and was once considered the most sacred sanctuary.
It is said that in ancient Hawaii, successive chiefs brought the children of their clan to this place to teach them their traditions.
The fact that you can spend time here in a relaxed manner might be thanks to the sacred power emanating from the land!
There are not too many people, so you can spend time as if it were a private beach.
It is a place you can stop by even for a short time, so please try to visit if you have the chance.
Chinaman’s Hat Seen from Kualoa Beach
What you see off the coast of Kualoa Beach is called Mokolii Island.
It came to be called “Chinaman’s Hat” because it resembles the hats worn by Chinese immigrants.
In Hawaiian mythology, it is said that a god defeated a giant lizard and threw it into the ocean, which became Mokolii over many years.
In Hawaii, eyes tend to be drawn only to the beautiful scenery, but learning the history of the land in addition to just looking is the real thrill of sightseeing.
By the way, although it is an uninhabited island, entry is not prohibited, so plans to explore by kayak are also popular!
The Kualoa area is a spot with a high degree of freedom, whether staying for a day to enjoy activities or just stopping by during a drive to enjoy the scenery.
Kukaniloko Birth Stones
Kukaniloko Birth Stones is Hawaii’s most famous power spot for safe childbirth prayers.
Because Hawaiian royalty once used it as a place for childbirth, it is said to bring blessings for safe delivery and conceiving children.
It is said that this area possesses a mysterious spiritual power (Mana) that eases the pain of childbirth.
Following the legend that it was actually used for about 700 years from the 11th to the 18th centuries, it gradually became a topic among those wishing to be blessed with children.
It is a very important place for Hawaiians, so please strictly observe the rules of visitation and value manners when visiting.
Is Kukaniloko Birth Stones Off-Limits? Manners to Remember
Kukaniloko Birth Stones is located in an area called “Wahiawa,” right around the center of Oahu.
In Hawaiian, it means “navel,” and it is a place that has been cherished and protected as the center of the island since ancient times!
Perhaps because of this, it has a somewhat unique atmosphere, making it a comfortable spot where you can always feel a gentle breeze and the scent of nature.
However, when you visit Kukaniloko Birth Stones, the gate to the parking lot is closed as if to say, “No entry here!”
Previously, the parking lot was open as an accessible tourist site, but many visitors had poor manners, such as climbing on the stones or writing graffiti. As it became popular, management became difficult.
Therefore, in 2017, measures were taken to surround the Birth Stones area with stones and prohibit entry inside, but since that did not have much effect, there is a background where the entrance is now currently closed.
These are measures taken as a last resort to pass on the precious land protected since ancient times to the next generation!
So, basically, it is currently off-limits, and if you enter without permission, you may be asked to leave.
If you really want to visit, you can make a reservation for a visit from the official Kukaniloko Birth Stones website, so it is recommended to request from there and enter officially.
If you enter at your own risk, please visit with respect, acknowledging that this is a very important place for the people of Hawaii.
- Do not step on or climb the stones
- Do not write graffiti on the stones
- Do not leave trash or offerings
If you follow manners such as these, the people of Hawaii are very generous and kind to travelers!
How to Enter Kukaniloko Birth Stones
It is said that the way you enter Kukaniloko Birth Stones is also important.
From the parking lot, if you walk for about 2 to 3 minutes along the straight red dirt road flanked by bushes on both sides, you will see a place that clearly has a different atmosphere from the surroundings.
There are two large stones radiating a great presence like a gate; this is the entrance to Kukaniloko Birth Stones.
It is said that if you greet these stones, those with strong sensitivity will feel a sensation of being accepted like “Welcome!” or conversely, a sensation of being pushed back like “Do not enter!”
Even those who are insensitive to spiritual matters will likely feel some mysterious atmosphere.
The fact that eucalyptus and palm trees grow only in that area may also be amplifying the mystical atmosphere.
Beyond that point, a path of 18 symmetrical rocks continues on both sides.
It is said that when childbirth actually took place, a total of 36 royal men sat on these rocks and watched over the birth.
Since the child being born was a future king, they served as witnesses.
Passing through the path of rocks, there is a grove of eucalyptus and palm trees, and the 18 large and small rocks scattered beneath them are known as the Birth Stones group.
Birth Stones for Fertility and Safe Delivery
Many large stones and stones with unusual shapes are placed in the Birth Stones group.
All rocks are considered power stones, and it is said that each holds a different meaning and role.
The rocks actually used for childbirth are truly mysterious, as they feel warm to the touch even on cloudy or rainy days.
Records remain that in ancient Hawaii, if a commoner entered this place, they were executed on the spot.
It is that sacred, and it is a place that Hawaiians still protect with great care, so to reiterate, please strictly observe manners when visiting!
Keaiwa Heiau
Keaiwa Heiau is a healing spot where ancient Hawaiians treated illnesses and injuries.
Hawaii has several ruins of Heiau (similar to shrines or temples), but this one is known as a power spot specifically specialized in healing power.
Keaiwa means “mystery” or “incomprehensible” in Hawaiian. It is said that in the past, experts with healing powers called Kahuna (modern-day doctors) used medicinal herbs gathered from nearby herb gardens to treat the sick and injured, making it a place like a hospital.
Perhaps because of that, whenever I visit here, I feel like my condition improves.
Since it is on a hill about 300m above sea level, the spectacular view from there and the refreshing breeze passing through alone will make you feel better.
Keaiwa Heiau is a Sacred Place for Hawaiians
When you visit Keaiwa Heiau, you may see people praying for the treatment of illness or injury.
For Hawaiians, a Heiau is a place more important than anywhere else.
It is popular as a power spot, so many people visit for sightseeing, but be sure to take care not to defile their precious place!
Unlike collecting soil from a stadium or a souvenir, taking stones from a Heiau as a memento is absolutely prohibited!
In fact, this is a serious offense in Hawaii, and fines can be thousands of dollars, so please be careful.
Also, some people leave lays or fruits as offerings, but this is not recommended as it causes issues with wild animals and pests.
It is best to go with a mindset of paying respects with a feeling of respect for Hawaiians.
Aiea Loop is Great for Trekking
Keaiwa Heiau is located at the entrance of the approximately 1.6 square km Keaiwa Heiau State Recreation Area.
If you go further back, there is also a trail course called the Aiea Loop!
It is a popular walking spot bustling with locals on weekends, so it might be nice to come and work up a light sweat.
It is a reasonably long route, but since it is a cool place, it will likely feel pleasant.
Let’s enjoy the most refreshing feeling with the atmosphere of great nature and the mysterious power of the Heiau!
Puu o Mahuka Heiau
Puu o Mahuka Heiau is the largest temple ruin from the Hawaiian Kingdom era.
A Heiau is a sanctuary built by ancient Hawaiians, and it is said that a mysterious power resides there!
Currently, only the stone walls and floors remain, but in the past, tiki statues stood on magnificent pedestals, and it was a place where ceremonies praying for victory in battle were conducted.
It was designated as a National Historic Landmark in 1965, and offerings are still placed on the altar as a place of worship for the Hawaiian people.
Despite being the largest Heiau on Oahu, it is quite a hidden spot, so if you like power spots, please visit it.
The Spectacular View from Puu o Mahuka Heiau
At Puu o Mahuka Heiau, please try taking a walk around the Heiau while feeling the wind.
Below the sheer cliff, Waimea Bay with its beautiful white waves spreads out, and you can see as far as Kaena Point to the west.
Playing in the sea, eating delicious food, and shopping are all great, but visiting to hear the voices of Hawaiian gods is a rare experience.
It is a mysterious place beyond words where the earth, sky, sea, and wind feel like one.
Please refresh your mind and body with the power of nature while enjoying the superb view!
Puu o Mahuka Heiau is a Hidden Power Spot
The people of Hawaii believed that gods resided in everything in great nature and offered prayers to various gods, centering on the four major gods: Ku, Kane, Lono, and Kanaloa.
Puu o Mahuka Heiau is the only spot where the war god “Ku” is enshrined, so it is said that King Kamehameha, who was victorious in battle, also held grand rituals here.
As it is the god of victory, in modern times, it is a spot reputed to help win big challenges such as exams, presentations, and launching new businesses.
Those who have an important challenge in life coming up should surely receive great blessings!
By the way, visiting when you don’t particularly have an event in mind is considered not very good in Hawaii, so let’s avoid visiting indiscriminately.
Pele’s Chair
Pele’s Chair is one of Hawaii’s leading superb views and powerful power spots.
It is said to be the place where the fire goddess Pele sat and gazed at the scenery after creating Oahu!
Not only can you overlook an overwhelming view, but it is also a popular power spot known as a mystical spot where you can gain tremendous positive power.
There are many famous power spots in Hawaii, but Pele’s Chair is considered to have powerful overall energy, and is reputed to be outstanding especially for financial luck and work luck.
However, since Pele is considered a jealous goddess, requests regarding romance are strictly forbidden, so please be careful.
It is a route of about 20 minutes one way from the parking lot, but it has a great atmosphere and is a hidden spot with few people, so you can fully enjoy the Hawaiian scenery!
How to Access Pele’s Chair
On the route to Pele’s Chair, the path splits in two near the entrance. If you go straight up the paved road, it connects to the “Makapuu Trail” on the other side of the mountain, and if you go down the unpaved gravel road on the right, it connects to “Pele’s Chair.”
Most people climb the paved road to go to the Makapuu Lighthouse, so be careful not to follow them up by mistake!
Incidentally, if it rains, it becomes a pretty bad road, so it is recommended to go in sneakers that you don’t mind getting dirty.
Also, the route splits a few times along the way, but if you proceed in the direction where Pele’s Chair is visible, you can arrive from any route.
Basically, it is a flat path all the way, and the climb is only at the end, so it is a spot that is relatively easy to reach.
By the way, below Pele’s Chair, there is also a secret beach where there are absolutely no people.
It might be nice to relax on the beach after working up a sweat.
Pohaku Lanai
Pohaku Lanai is a legendary rock that has existed on the North Shore since the era of the indigenous people.
Pohaku Lanai translates directly to “Stone Veranda,” but since the formal name doesn’t quite ring a bell, it is often called by its nickname.
The most famous nickname is Balance Rock, but it is also called Bell Rock because it resembles the shape of a bell, or Hamburger Rock because it looks like a hamburger.
Pohaku Lanai has many names, but it is actually one of Hawaii’s leading power spots as a sacred rock!
It became famous because baseball player Shohei Ohtani visited it and it was broadcast on TV.
It is close to Haleiwa Town, so access is good, making it a popular spot to stop by casually.
Pohaku Lanai is a Soothing Hidden Gem
Pohaku Lanai is located in Kaiaka Bay Beach Park, a park facing the sea.
There are hardly any people on the vast grassy grounds, and wild birds and mongooses are always playing happily.
Restrooms, benches, and showers are also available, so it is recommended for a picnic.
Since it is a rock standing alone on such grass, the atmosphere is outstanding, feeling like a quintessential power spot!
If you look closely at this rock, grass and trees are growing on it, so unlike ordinary rocks, it feels as if it is alive.
There is a legend that it drifted from Tahiti, the homeland of indigenous Hawaiians, and is a rock with spiritual power, so it must possess a very mysterious power.
I always wonder why such a heavy and large sea rock exists in the middle of a plaza.
It is said to be a power spot where wishes 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.
By the way, it is famous as a power spot for praying for victory, and regarding fortune, it is said that wishes mainly concerning financial luck and work luck come true.
Monkeypod, Happiness Rock & Sea Turtles
Many people come to this park to see Pohaku Lanai, but actually, there are other highlights!
First is a magnificent Monkeypod tree that rivals the most famous ones in Hawaii.
Like the famous “Hitachi Tree,” there are no other trees growing around it, so the branches spread out in a beautiful circle, and the trunk is thick and incredibly magnificent.
Next is the “Rock that makes you happy if you sit on it” located in the inlet near the west side of the park.
Actually, this area is called Kapukapuakea, and it was a place where a Heiau (ancient Hawaiian shrine) existed in the past!
Within such a sacred place, the most conspicuous object is a rock shaped like a chair.
It feels like a mini version of “Pele’s Chair” on the east coast of Oahu!
When you touch the rock, you feel a warm energy.
Perhaps it is an incredible hidden spot that combines these two major Hawaiian power spots!
Finally, wild sea turtles can be seen near the inlet on the west side of the park.
Because it is a calm environment in the inner sea and there is plenty of seaweed for food, many sea turtles often swim there.
There are many turtle beaches in the surrounding area, but this is actually one of the hidden beaches with a large population of sea turtles!
Makapuu Heiau
Makapuu Heiau is a popular power spot on the east coast of Oahu.
Heiau means shrine or temple in Hawaiian, and it is also known by the alias “Inikiolo Temple.”
There are two Heiaus, one enshrining a male god and one enshrining a female god, and they have watched over the people of Hawaii as gods of fishing since ancient times.
It is considered effective for prayers for travel safety, stemming from praying for safety at sea, and for success prayers, stemming from praying for a large catch in fishing.
Since it is a place with very strong power, it is said that people with strong spiritual senses feel something naturally just by stepping into this place.
Many stones are piled up at both Heiaus, but please be very careful as touching or taking them home is illegal.
Makapuu Tide Pools
If you walk along the sea from Makapuu Heiau for a while, there is a beach surrounded by rocks called “Tide Pools.”
Tide pools are puddles formed when the waves recede at low tide.
There are several tide pools surrounded by rocky areas around here, so it is also recommended to play on the shore with children or babies.
If you look closely into the water, you may encounter cute sea creatures such as fish, crabs, and hermit crabs!
On rare occasions, endangered Hawaiian monk seals may be taking a leisurely nap.
It might be a good place to visit when you want to relax in a quiet place.
Laie Point
Laie Point is a sacred cape where the legend of a giant lizard remains.
Actually, it is famous in Hawaii as a power spot where special power resides.
It is said that standing on this cape while feeling the waves rushing from the offshore and the pure sea breeze fills both body and mind with exhilaration and refreshes you.
The area around Laie on the North Shore is geographically a gentle sandy beach, but since only this cape is a protruding rocky area, it is easily affected by waves, making it a cape with powerful impact where waves are very rough in the winter season.
Since Laie is a Mormon town, please note that on Sundays, not only neighboring shops but also the beach parking lot are closed!
The Legend of Laie Point
This cape originates from the legend that the warrior Kana chopped up a giant lizard named Moo, who was always playing pranks, into five pieces to defeat it.
It is said that when he threw the chopped-up body into the sea, it became five islands.
Incidentally, the tail part of the giant lizard is Kukuihoolua Island, which has a hole opened by waves slightly offshore.
Additionally, “Chinaman’s Hat,” characterized by its pointed shape visible from Kualoa Beach, is also said to be a part of this giant lizard.