Kamira Barron

University of Calgary, Canada

Abstract

Kukaniloko – A Living Legend

This poster investigates a sacred site (heiau) named Kukaniloko on the Hawaiian Island of Oahu.  This heiau has been important to the Hawaiians for a number of reasons; it was an ancient astronomical observatory, a navigation school and was the birthplace of a number of prominent kings.  Kukaniloko is often mentioned in Hawaiian mythology and oral tradition.  Historically, it is a place of astronomical, navigational, political, social, educational and ritual importance. Constructed in the 11th century A.D., it has birthing stones, springs, astronomical alignments, and a stone canoe, which is a navigational compass stone. There are contemporary Hawaiians who continue to use this site, and solstices and equinoxes are observed to this day.  The kahu, of the site encourages the native community to spend time at Kukaniloko and those with expertise to help revive the ancient knowledge.  Two years ago, he conducted a ceremony of initiation for a new kahuna during the Autumnal equinox at this heiau. In 1797, King Kamehameha I attempted to have his son born at the site, but his wife’s illness prevented her from getting there.  Hawaiians interpreted this as the gods’ disapproval of his having committed human sacrifices.  The name Kukaniloko can be revealing.  The word ku means to stand, stop, anchor, also to appear, show, beginning.  Kani means sound or noise of any kind, and to strike.  Loko means inside, within, disposition, heart, and feelings.  The name indicates that this was and still is a place of great importance in Hawaiian culture.  

 

PowerPoint and MP3 of Kamira's presentation

Biographical Details

Kamira Barron is currently working towards a M.A. in Cultural Astronomy.  Her focus is on the Pacific, and she is examining Hawaiian mythology for advanced knowledge of astronomy and navigation.  At present, she is enrolled in a course with Dr. Eugene F. Milone on archaeoastronomy at the University of Calgary.  She has been undergoing private studies with Dr. David H. Kelley from May 2008 through the present.  She has received a B.A. in Sociology from UCLA in 1997.