Ancient Sites Of Hawai I

In this informative and easy-to-follow book, author Van James highlights the features, legends, and archaeology of forty Kauai sites, including Niihau and Papahanaumokuakea, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands. Each site description includes a photograph, directions, and a map for easy location. While the book is organized for touring the island s sites region by region, cross-referenced lists make it easy to develop alternatives according to personal interest. An introduction by the late Hawaiian authority Edward L. H. Kanahele gives the reader an understanding of the intimate connection Hawaiians feel to the land and its features. He describes the concept of wahi pana, sacred places of Hawaii that are imbued with spiritual significance. Sabra Kauka of Kauai contributes a Preface. Further context for the site descriptions is given by Van James in chapters describing aspects of Hawaiian culture and five main types of sites: heiau (temples), pohaku (sacred stones), petroglyphs, caves and rock shelters, and fishponds. Tips on selected sites and cultural collections are also included. Sections on site preservation, Hawaiian pronunciation, and a glossary of Hawaiian terms round out the volume. A must for visitors and kamaaina alike, this book provides an introduction to cultural treasures little known or understood.

"This informative and easy-to-follow guidebook puts the ancient sites of the Big Island of Hawaiʻi within the reach of the general public. Characterizes the cultural background of five main types of sites: Heiau (temples), pōhaku (sacred stones), petrographs, caves, and fishponds"--Cover.

Precontact Hawaiian civilization is represented by a rich legacy of archaeological sites, many of which have been preserved and are accessible to the public. This volume provides for the first time an authoritative handbook to the most important of these archaeological treasures. The 50 sites covered by this book are distributed over all the main islands and include heiau (temples), habitation sites, irrigated and dryland agricultural complexes, fishponds, petroglyphs, and several post-contact (early 19th-century) sites. Site locations are shown on individual island maps, and detailed plans are provided for several sites.