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The Naha and Pinao Stones stand in front
of the Hawaii County Library. While the Pinao Stone The Pinao stone,
the smaller stone standing upright next to it, once guarded an ancient
Hawaiian Heiau or temple. was just a pillar at the Pinao Temple, the
Naha Stone tested the fitness of Hawaii's ali`i. The Hawaiian prophecy
or legend of the Naha Stone stated that the person who moved the
Naha stone with his bare hands would unite and be ruler of all the
Hawaiian Islands. Legend says that only chiefs of Naha blood
are able to move it, and when Kamehameha I moved the overturned
the stone, it |
proved he would be Hawaii's greatest king.
You can stand in awe in front of the
actual Naha Stone for yourself. Be respectful of this revered pohaku
(Hawaiian word for rock or stone) and what it means to the Hawaiian
people by not sitting or standing on it. If you have small children,
do not let them climb on it or play on it. Many times you can still
find fresh offerings of lei and smaller rocks wrapped in ti leaf which
are called ho'okupu (gift or offering) decorating the Naha Stone.
The Hilo Public Library is located at 300
Waianuenue Avenue between Ululani and Kapiolani Street. There is no
parking allowed in front of the library, but you can park in their
free parking lot located on the side of the library building.
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