Hidden Ancient Ruins Known As 'The Stonehenge Of Hawaii' Have A Mystical Past

Of all the ancient structures still standing across the world, few are more iconic than England's world-famous Stonehenge. Presiding over the Salisbury Plain, Stonehenge remains a site of immense wonder, mystery, and history. Not only does the site provide crucial insight into the world of Neolithic Britain, but Stonehenge's importance as an astronomical and religious site is a source of ongoing mystery to this day. With so much historical, cultural, and spiritual significance, it's no wonder that Stonehenge is also one of the U.K.'s top tourist attractions. 

Of course, fame can often lead to overexposure. As worthwhile as a visit to Stonehenge is, it can also be sullied somewhat by large crowds, heavy traffic, and an annoying "tourist trap" vibe. Fortunately, Stonehenge is not the only ancient stone structure that you can visit today. Even elsewhere in England, you can find amazing, less touristy Stonehenge alternatives like the underrated Avebury Henge. And these kinds of "henge" sites are in no way limited to Britain. Across the world, ancient peoples left incredible stone structures that keep their legacies alive while also presenting intriguing historical mysteries to explore. 

Some of these worthwhile historical stone sites are found in the United States, where ancient indigenous peoples built intricate stone monuments centuries before the arrival of Europeans. One of the best sites in the United States is located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu. Despite being nowhere near as famous as Stonehenge itself, the Kukaniloko Birthstones (aka the "Stonehenge of Hawaii") are a fantastic historical site that keeps Hawaii's cultural past alive while maintaining a distinct mystical aura that continues to impress tourists and scholars alike. 

The Hawaiian Islands still have many historical sites that preserve the culture and heritage of Native Hawaiians. The island of Oahu currently contains most examples of Hawaii's modern present, including the state's capital (and largest city) of Honolulu, and more recent historical sites, like the national memorial at Pearl Harbor. But Oahu's political significance extends much farther back into the pre-colonial chiefdoms that once ruled the islands. 

Located in the center of Oahu, the Kukaniloko Birthstones today stand as a collection of striking volcanic rocks arranged in an intricate pattern. Much like Stonehenge, what remains of the Kukaniloko Birthstones' original structure is still evidence enough to spark wonder and curiosity among visitors. But as impressive as the stones are today, their current appearance does not fully convey their prime importance to the ancient Hawaiian tribes who built them. 

As their name suggests, the Kukaniloko Birthstones were constructed to be the site where future tribal leaders were born. This prestigious function undoubtedly gave the birthstones major political significance. But the site also holds greater sacred significance, and not just for the rituals associated with the birth of future chiefs. As with Stonehenge, the Kukaniloko Birthstones also bear distinctive patterns that correlate with astronomical observations. This would indicate that the birthstones have a distinct connection to the stars as well as the land, which would suggest a much deeper mystical heritage for the ancient Hawaiians. With such an esteemed heritage, the Kukaniloko Birthstones are still regarded as a sacred site by native Hawaiians today. Tourists should therefore keep in mind that being respectful of Hawaiian tourism etiquette is necessary when visiting.

Unfortunately, direct access to the Kukaniloko Birthstones has been restricted since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the main walking path through the Kukaniloko site is currently closed. However, you can still see the birthstones from a distance via the nearest access road. The site sits adjacent to the intersection of the Kamehameha Highway (Route 80) and Whitmore Avenue, where visitors can park and get a good shot of the birthstones across the field. Though this viewpoint is not quite as immersive as walking through the birthstone site directly, it does get you close enough to experience an authentic piece of ancient Hawaiian history, culture, and religion. 

With a convenient observation area from the road and a tremendous amount of significance for Hawaiian culture, the Kukaniloko Birthstones are a great stop for an adventure-filled, family-friendly vacation across Oahu. Even better, the stones are also close to tons of other great Oahu tourist destinations. Just down the road from the historic site is the lovely Wahiawa Botanical Garden, which features a wonderful collection of native Hawaiian plants of all kinds. For a longer scenic road trip, the Kukaniloko Birthstones are a convenient drive from some of the most beautiful natural spots on Oahu, including the gorgeous Waianae Kai Forest Reserve and the breathtaking Waimano Falls. But like Stonehenge itself, the Kukaniloko Birthstones serve as a cultural anchor for both the Hawaiian landscape and the Hawaiian people, remaining an unforgettable landmark as it continues to forge a crucial connection to Hawaii's past.