Heiau Building / Landmark in Hanaumo'olelo | World Anvil
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Heiau

In Mo'olelo, there are many ceremonial sites known as heiau. There are heiau located all throughout Mo'olelo, serving a wide variety of purposes. Each heiau has its own name based on its purpose. They can serve purposes such as treating the sick, making an offering, reaching peace, praying for a good harvest, achieving success, increasing the population etc.   There is one very special heiau, which is the biggest heiau in all of Mo'olelo and covers almost two acres of land. The biggest heiau, known as the Super Big Heiau, was built to commemorate the spot where White Sailor Man returned and was killed.

Alterations

Some heiau throughout Mo'olelo have fallen into disrepair. Some aren't used as much as they are used to so the Caretakers do not spend as much time taking care of them. For others, the local residents aren't as interested in pleasing the gods and keeping up with local religions so they don't care about the heiau or have purposely destroyed their heiau. Those who chose to destroy their heiau have not been punished, but the move is frowned upon by others who maintain and/or celebrate theirs.   For one or two, the Kahuna who lead them and are responsible for them are missing and its not clear where they went.

Architecture

Heiau are primarily made of stone and/or earth and resemble wide platforms or terraces. All of them have short stone walls about two to four feet in height surrounding them, while some will also have additional structures or imagery of gods alongside the stone walls. The walls aren't meant for protection but are meant to designate the area of the heiau. Only the Kahuna, Ali'i and Caretakers can enter heiau, so the walls make clear where folks can and can't go.
Owning Organization

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