Sunday, May 29, 2011

Royal Birthing Stones

After lunch today, Jonna took me to see the kukaniloko (Royal Birthing Stones) that are also along the road to Wahiawa. 
We were hoping to take some unobstructed photos but instead found a commune of people having a love-in or kumbaya sing-a-long (videotaped as well) next to the stones.  The whispering trees were so loud that we couldn't hear what they were saying, so we just assumed they were pagan worshippers; no Bibles to be seen.

This is considered sacred ground for the native Hawaiians because 800 years ago the Royals brought their women to birth their children on the stones.  Being born here assured the child's high-ranking status.  Even today, Hawaiians bring offerings (leis, mostly) and put them on the stones as a fertility prayer.   
We're not sure if certain rocks were more holy than the others, but none looked too comfortable as Jonna demonstrated below:

Not exactly the Birthing Suite at Via Christi!!!


The royal wives had to give birth somewhere, and the view IS magnificent.  Although I can't imagine caring about that as I squeezed out the heir to the throne on a rock.

A moped Gang :)

The Birthing Stones under the trees

The view from the stones

Birthing Stones with leis left on them

Jonna

Group shot!

Life is good in Hawai'i!

The easy life!

My tour guide forgot her meds... :)


Our next adventure is Tuesday when we will visit Pearl Harbor.

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