Kaunolu

Kaunolu Review

Close to the island's highest cliffs, Kaunolu was once a prosperous fishing village. This important archaeological site includes a major heiau (temple), stone floors, and house platforms. The impressive 90-foot drop to the ocean through a gap in the lava rock is called Kahekili's Leap. Warriors made the dangerous leap into the shallow water below to prove their courage. King Kamehameha came here for the superb fishing and to collect taxes. The road is rocky, then gets soft and sandy at the bottom. From Lanai City, follow Highway 440 west past the airport. At a carved boulder on your left, turn left onto an unmarked dirt road. Continue 3 miles until you reach the second carved boulder, then go downhill 3 miles to village. At the end of the road, walk across the streambed and up the hill. Take water, wear shoes. Hawaiians request that you do not move or stack rocks.