heiau
English
![](Images/wiktionary/Hale-o-pi-ilani-heiau.jpg.webp)
Hale O Pi'ilani Heiau, the largest one known to exist, near Hana on Maui
Etymology
From Hawaiian heiau.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈheɪaʊ/
Noun
heiau (plural heiaus or heiau)
- (Hawaii) A temple in traditional Hawaiian society.
- 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 52:
- The basalt was also piled to outline large squares in the ceremonial centres known as heiaus.
- 2012, Julia Flynn Siler, Lost Kingdom, Grove Press 2012, page xix:
- They'd order lawbreakers put to death in fearsome ritualized killings that took place in a heiau, accompanied by beating drums and chants.
- 2004, Richard Fortey, The Earth, Folio Society 2011, p. 52: