Move This 2 1/2-ton Stone, and Rule Hawaii

For generations the large rectangular 2 1/2-ton monolithic lava rock known as the Naha Stone lay forgotten and covered with weeds in a backyard in Hilo, Hawaii. Over half a century ago there was a revival in ancient Hawaiian relics; the Naha stone was found and given a new resting place in front of the Hilo Library on the Big Island of Hawaii, where it remains till today. The Pinao stone, the smaller stone standing upright next to it, once guarded an ancient Hawaiian Heiau or temple.

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. One man did accomplish this feat, and his name was King Kamehameha the Great.

PROPHETESS PROPHECIES

And even as he spake these words, they who stood by were stricken with fear, for his face flushed red as with blood, and fire appeared to flash from his eyes, so that the fear spread even among the high chiefs who gazed upon him.

Then Kamehameha prepared himself for the ordeal, examining his hands and the stone that he might see how best to accomplish his purpose. And Kalaniwahine, taking hold of his hands, spake encouraging words unto him and said unto him:

"If indeed the Naha Stone shall be this day moved by thee, then shall the whole group of islands, from Hawaii to Kauai be moved, but if indeed it shall be moved and turned from its resting place, then shall all dissensions be removed, and thou and thy people and thy prophetess shall live and shall dwell henceforth in peace forever. For this is the prophecy of the Naha Stone, O Prince, so get thee to thy great task."

And now, as the people and all assembled, watched Kamehameha closely, he placed his hands under the stone and began to move them so that he might better take hold. Which being done, he cried these words:
"Naha Stone art thou:
And by Naha Prince only may thy, sacredness be broken.
Now behold, I am Kamehameha, a Niu-pio
A spreading mist of the forest."

Then gripped he the stone and leaned over it, and as he leaned, great strength came into him and he struggled yet more fiercely, so that the blood burst from his eyes and from the tips of his fingers, and the earth trembled with the might of his struggling, so that they who stood by believed that an earthquake came to his assistance.

THE STONE IS TURNED

And he put forth all his strength. and, behold, the stone did move under his arms, and he raised it on its side and with supernatural strength did over turn it, so that all who stood by were amazed and dumb with awe.

HAWAII NATURE NOTES, THE PUBLICATION OF THE NATURALIST DIVISION, HAWAII NATIONAL PARK AND THE HAWAII NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION VOL. IV FEBRUARY 1952 No. 3

Learn more about Kamehameha I, also known as Kamehameha the Great (c. 1758 – 1819)

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. Click here for map directions.

If you enjoyed reading this post, please spread the word about our Hawaii Blog. Mahalo (thank you)!

Photograph courtesy of And Hawaii.

Comments

[Kenyo]

Thank you for telling the story of the stone.

[Sheila]

Very interesting! Thanks for telling the story and the photo!

[Hilo Boy]

The Naha stone wasn't "found" half a century ago. It had been in place in front of the old library (as I remember...in any case it was a building just makai of the main Post Office) for years. Half a century ago it was moved to the new library -- that's all.

I was present at the moving.

[HawaiiVacationGifts]

Kenyo and Sheila,
I am glad you enjoyed reading about the Naha stone.

Hilo Boy,
Thank you for the clarification on the move of the stone, and it is really neat that you actually witnessed the move! I did the best I could from the information in the "Hawaii Nature Notes" article that I quoted, if you click on the link it starts at the beginning:

THE LEGEND OF THE NAHA STONE

For many, many years, there lay, in the back garden of a house in Hilo, Hawaii, a great rectangular lava stone. For so long, indeed, had it lain there, that this present generation has well-nigh forgotten its existence. The ever-present rank growth of the lantana had covered it, and its resting place bid fair to remain undisturbed forever.

But a revival of interest in the ancient relics of the past, brought it to light once more, and it has recently been moved to a place of great honor, on the grounds of the Hawaii County Library, near the bank of the river which plunges on its way to the sea, through the pleasant and beautiful Crescent City by the blue Pacific Ocean.

[HawaiiVacationGifts]

I spoke to the Hilo Library reference librarian who found me an article from the Hilo Tribune Herald newspaper dated February 10, 1963. On March 4, 1951 the Naha and Pinao stones were moved and placed on the side of the "new" library on Waianuenue Avenue. On August 7, 1962 it was moved to the front of the library where it remains till this day.

Previously it lay in front of the old library on the makai side of Kekaulike Street by the Hilo post office.

[skeet]

I was unawae of this little bit of Hawaiian history, so mahalo for bringing it to my attention. I know of several sacred pohaku on Oahu that I've been meaning to visit "some day." Mahalo for the reminder - moving that item way up on my to-do list!

Visiting for the Carnival of Aloha. What a perfect post you've submitted!