UH research team finds ancient Hawaiian calendar system
Farm-to-Table breakfast initiative brings apple bananas to schools
Conducted by Professor Albert Kim from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and civil engineer Brenton Sasaoka, the study used modern mapping and mathematical analysis.
It found that stones in the heiau were strategically placed to align with the sun's position, marking the winter and summer solstices.
These alignments helped guide cultural practices and resource management.
The 10 most spoken languages in Hawaiʻi
'This research shows that Hawaii's ancestors were master astronomers and engineers,' said Kim. 'By applying modern methods, we can better preserve their technological achievements.'
The team's work also revealed the heiau's potential for desalination, a surprising discovery.
Kawaii Kon 2025: Top 10 to do, see, experience
Melia Talagi, a Native Hawaiian professor at UH Manoa, praised the research for blending Western science with traditional knowledge.
While the study offers new insights, researchers said more work is needed to fully understand the heiau's functions.
Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news
The Hapaialiʻi Heiau was reconstructed by Kamehameha Schools in 2007, and the researchers thanked Māhealani Pai for her cultural guidance.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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