Volunteers from Keller Williams Realty on Thursday spent their day assisting in the refurbishment of a portion of Ahu‘ena in the heiau’s non-profit’s ongoing effort to preserve one of the most important historical sites in Hawaiian history.
The heiau, or Hawaiian temple, is located on the grounds of King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel and has great cultural significance. It has been called one of the most historical sites in all of Hawaii.
It was here that Kamehameha the Great spent his last years and it was here where he died. A feast was held at Ahu‘ena to mark the overthrow of the kapu system, changing Hawaii forever. The first missionaries to Hawaii arrived in 1820 and sought the favor of Kamehameha II (Liholiho) to land here and begin their mission. It was here that John Adams Kuakini resided as the governor of the island. It was here that the young Prince Leleihoku II enjoyed the calm of Kona before his death and it was here that his brother King Kalakaua maintained a residence and made a boathouse of an historic building there.
The Ahu‘ena Heiau site dates before 1812 when King Kamehameha the Great took up residence at Kamakahonu. Kamehameha restored the site and maintained it as Ahu‘ena until his death in 1819.
The site fell into disrepair after Kamehameha’s death and the abolishment of the kapu system of governance. However, a group of dedicated individuals restored the structures in 1976 while under the ownership of Amfac, the former owners of the hotel.
Ahu‘ena Heiau now stands as it was once sketched by Louis Choris in 1816.
Ahu‘ena Heiau Inc. was incorporated as a Federal 501C3 non-profit corporation on May 11, 1993. Its purpose was to create and operate a program for the preservation and maintenance of ancient Hawaiian structures, foundations and burial sites and to promote the appreciation of Hawaiian history.
The organization solicited volunteers to help refurbish Hale Nana Mahina‘ai, a structure on the north end of the heiau where Kamehameha the Great would survey the agricultural lands mauka of Kailua Bay.
On Thursday, volunteers debarked Alahe‘e branches gathered from Holualoa and bundled sugar cane leaves donated from Kuleana Rum to thatch and restore the structure.
The last full restoration of Ahu‘ena was completed in the 1990s, however, Ahu‘ena Heiau Inc. tries to maintain the structure every five years.
On Thursday, the 23 volunteers were led by spiritual guide Ben Heloca, who offered a pule and explained the significance of the site to the Realtors lending their time for community service.
“We have one day a year to give back to the community,” said Kehau Gomes, Realtor with Keller Williams. “So far it is going great.”
Susan Bredo, director of marketing for the company said the employees were excited about being able to contribute to this historic cause.
“It’s a privilege to put your mana in this,” she said. “The volunteers were all prepped about what this means and everyone was excited to participate.”
Ahu‘ena Heiau Inc. Director Jacqueline Awa said the work is ongoing and encourages any interested individuals to attend their weekly Friday work days. She hopes work on Hale Nana Mahina‘ai can be completed by the end of the year.