Pohaku Keouakupuapa'ikalaninuiahilapalapa

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

This large, rectangular stone is located within the Pu'uhonua, resting on the north side of 'Ale'ale'a Heiau on the island of Hawai'i. Measuring 12.5 feet long, 2 feet wide, and 2 feet thick, the stone has been extensively shaped into a symmetrical form. Local tradition holds that Keōuakupuapa'ikalaninuiahilapalapa—a high chief of Kona and father of Kamehameha the Great—slept here while his men were out fishing. A natural, rust-colored concavity at the western end served as his headrest; his feet reportedly reached the opposite end, suggesting the chief stood as tall as the stone itself. Nearby post holes indicate that a coconut leaf canopy may have once provided shade for the site. Some historians, citing the scholar Kamakau, suggest this block may have been intended for the mausoleum of King 'Umi-a-Līloa, who ruled in the early 1600s but died before the structure was completed. Similar "chief stones" used to measure the height of royalty can also be found at Taputapuatea in Opoa, Raiatea.

Kii: UNESCO Heritage

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

Kii: Ku'ialuaopuna

This upright pohaku is Te-Papa-tea-o-Ruea  said to be buried 2 feet below the paepae. It stands about 10 feet tall and is the measuring stone for the first Ariki of Opoa, Raiatea. This mare is Marae Hauviri, which is set across Marea Taputapuatea in the area of Opoa. The height of Te-Papa-tea-o-Ruea was said to come up to head of the first ariki of Raiatea.