Category Archives: Scenes

Mo’okini Heiau

Mo'okini Heiau


According to tradition, Mo’okini Heiau dates back to the 5th century, when it was built on the northern tip of the island, by the high priest, Mo’okini. Somewhere between the 11th and 14th  century (dates vary) another priest called Pa’ao is said to have built the current structure. Pa’ao came from Tahiti or Samoa and is also said to have brought to Hawaii the practice of human sacrifice and the kapu system, laws that governed daily life.

Given its history, it’s not surprising that some people find the site eerie and unsettling. The stone in the second photo, is where flesh was stripped from bone after a person had been sacrificed.

For more information about Mo’okini Heiau, go to nps.gov/nr/travel/Asian_American_and_Pacific_Islander_Heritage/Mookini-Heiau.htm.

The stone at Mo'okini Heiau where flesh was stripped from bone after a sacrifice.

Must like ladders and have head for heights

A tech works on a wind turbine.
Wind turbine at Hawi Wind Farm


A technician works on one of the wind turbines at Hawi Wind Farm. I believe this was just routine maintenance since on the following days I saw a similar sight at the other turbines.

I haven’t yet seen the operation from start to finish, but I suspect that inside the door at the bottom of the tower there’s a way of lowering a line to hook on the tool bags. Then I assume the technician has to climb a ladder to the top.

It’s pretty high up and there are strong winds, which is why the farm is where it is. So I hope the tech in the photo to the left doesn’t lean out too far. Probably not a job I’d be suited for.