Kahanu Garden – ethnobotany
We decided to visit Kahanu Garden because it was only a short drive from our housesit in Hana. Kahanu is an ethnobotanical garden that tells the story of the relationship between plants and the Hawaiian people. It is also home to one of the oldest Hawaiian temples.
We were greeted by a knowledgeable young local woman who told us the story of the heiau (temple) on the grounds. Pi’ilanihale was built in 2000AD, it took over 128 000 man-days to complete and is still used, exclusively, by direct descendants of Pi’ilani, the 16th century chief of Maui.
The land became a sugar cane plantation in the 1800’s. At that point overgrown plants hid the temple and the Hawaiians, working on the plantation would keep their backs to it and ignore it, as a way to keep it hidden from the land owners so it could be preserved.
When the sugar cane plantation closed in 1946 the land was turned into pastures for grazing cattle from the Hana Ranch. In the 70’s Hana Ranch and descendants of Pi’ilani deeded some of the land to the National Tropical Botanical Garden. In exchange, the Garden restored the temple and continues to this day, to care for the grounds and unmarked graves on the site.
When we approached the temple we could only see parts of it because it’s partially hidden by trees but the exposed section is gargantuan. Apparently it’s 100 ft high and 450’x320 in surface. The only way to really see its enormous size would be from the air.
Direct descendants of Pi’ilani still use the heiau for special occasions and religious purposes.
So if you visit and see people walking around up there, don’t take that as permission to climb the structure. It’s sacred and kapu (taboo) to anyone that is not a descendant.
You’ll notice that massive stairs are aligned with the mountain behind it. When the sun rises over the mountain, the rays shine down onto the stairs. We were told it was built this way so that the god Kane could come down from the sky to the stairs on the rays.
Kahanu Garden is also home to the Breadfruit Institute, which we will tell you about in a future article.
Kahanu Garden
Jackfruit
Turmeric
The Mary Wishard coconut collection
Pi’ilanihale Heiau
Pi’ilanihale Heiau
A hale in the distance
A large hale
Outrigger canoe
Grindstone used to grind and sharpen stone tools
Hale hopokipa (welcoming house)
Ocean views from Kahanu Garden
If you are driving the Road to Hana, plan an extra hour and visit Kahanu Garden at
650 Ulaino Road, Hana Maui | Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 2 pm
What a rich history the land has and a great example of re-purposing and how the land can recover. Beautifully lush!
Hawaii is filled with history and tradition, it’s really quite an amazing place. Much more than just beaches and palm trees.
Hana looks so wonderful. Knew a guy who was a chef at the Hana and he just raved about the island. kahanu Garden looks like a special slice of Paradise.
Hana is a special place, your friend was right to rave about it:)
It’s been awhile since I’ve visited Hana, I don’t think I have visited this heiau, it’s huge and the grounds are stunning…thanks for taking us there.
It really is remarkable, if you have a chance, you should definitely visit.
Did I somehow miss the picture of the stairs? That sounds magical!
The sixth picture shows the stairs with the mountain peak in the back. They’re oversized stairs.
How wonderful that the overgrown plants hid the temple and the Hawaiians were able to preserve this important temple. It looks like a very worthwhile place to visit. I’m interested to hear about the Breadfruit Institute.
Still working on the Breadfruit post, should be ready in a couple weeks.
We cook with turmeric quite often, really interesting to see it in plant form –
A lot of people grow it here, it’s the root that is used.
This is definitely not a touristy spot. I’ve never eaten Jack Fruit and it looks like a meal all by itself. I really enjoyed the history story of this place.
Maui is filled with history and interesting stories. You should try jackruit is ever you have a chance, it’s quite tasty.
It looks simply magical – But then I am a sucker for botanical gardens… or rich, luscious vegetation!
I can virtually smell the atmosphere from your stunning photos 🙂
If you like vegetation you would feel quite at home in Hana, it’s a jungle!
We’ve been lucky enough to visit two of the Hawaiian Islands (The Big Island and Kauai) but not Maui yet. Hana looks so beautiful and lush with the mountains hidden by clouds in the background. Your photos are lovely!
They say once you visit Maui, you don’t bother with the other islands 😉
Aloha from Kauai! Love the Hana atmosphere, and the ahupua’a tradition. Your photos of the heiau and hale are magnificent. 🙂
Thanks Betsy!
Kahanu gardens looks so amazing! I absolutely loved all of Maui once I got away from the Kihei/south shore area. I told the friend I was with that I wanted to visit Hana alone since we were only there for one day and she said I would get too bored alone. I’ve always disagreed with her and especially after reading this post!
Hana is quiet and slow paced but I don’t think you would get bored 🙂
I love gardens and this one looks beautiful. I like the idea of linking the plants to the local culture as well.
It makes it even more interesting when you know how the plants were used.