Fall 2008 - Issue 1

The Silversword: Home > Travel and Leisure > Wizard Stones: A Waikiki Legend

Wizard Stones: A Waikiki Legend

Alexandra Jacinto, Staff Writer

Once upon a time in old Hawaii, four mystical healers from a far away land visited the island of Oahu.

Their names were Kapaemahu, Kapuni, Kinohi, and Kahaloa who claimed to come from Moa'ulanuiakea, Tahiti. They were welcomed by the natives because of their gentle and respectful manners. Near the sands of Waikiki, they healed the sick.

Word spread and they soon became known throughout the island of Oahu. Years passed and they continued their mission to heal through spiritual powers. Eventually, they had to leave their newfound home.

They had asked the natives to erect four stones, two where they lived and two where they bathed. These stones were to be in memory of them. Four boulders were taken from a Kaimuki quarry and brought to their respective places on the night of Kane, the god of procreation and the sea.

Sacrifices, incantations, fasting, prayers, and ceremonies were performed for a full moon cycle. During this time, the healers transferred their powers (mana) to the stones. Legend has it that Kapaemahu, the wizard leader, even sacrificed a beautiful, pure, young woman who was put to rest under his boulder.

After the ceremonies ended, the wizards vanished and were never seen again. These stones were called the Stones of Life, Na Pohaku Ola o Kapaemahu A Kapuni. Years passed and the stones were buried by the sands and went undiscovered. It was not until modern construction that they were unearthed.

They are now protected by an iron gate at Waikiki right beside the police station. Leis are often placed on those gates as offerings from the Hawaiian people, but all are welcome to do so.