The Wonder of Ancient Hawaiian Culture and Biodiversity

At Kahanu Garden, located on Maui’s east shore, I found a place that celebrates Hawaiian culture’s connection to the natural world. Despite its small size, the garden assembles many rare species native to Hawai‘i, including the largest heiau (temple) in Hawaii. The garden is also home to the Piʻilanihale Heiau, a historic landmark which was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. This ancient structure is one of the best-preserved and largest of the heiau ruins found in Hawaii, and is much more than just a pile of rocks: it is a physical manifestation of ancient Hawaiian culture's achievements and understanding of astronomy, agriculture, myth, legend, and spirituality. The garden also has a collection of ethnobotanical specimens that highlight the important relationship between the environment and people, such as how early Hawaiians used plants for purpose of medicine, food and cultural practices.