right|thumb|Hāpaialii and Keeku Heiau (above, left) on [[Kahaluu Bay|Kahaluu Bay]]

In ancient Hawaii, a luakini temple, or luakini heiau, was a Native Hawaiian sacred place where human and animal blood sacrifices were offered.

In Hawaiian tradition, luakini heiaus were first established by Paʻao, a legendary priest credited with establishing many of the rites and symbols typical of the stratified high chieftainships of the immediate pre-European-contact period.

List of currently known or reputed luakini heiaus:

Kauai

  • Wailua Complex of Heiaus

Oahu:

  • Puu O Mahuka, "Hill of Escape"

Maui:

  • Loaloa Heiau

Big Island of Hawaii:

  • Puukohola National Historic Site
  • Mookini, birthplace of Kamehameha I
  • Aha'ula

References