Keahiakawelo, also known as “garden of the gods”, is a hidden wonder for you to explore on the island of Lana’i. This unexpected, colorful landscape of haphazardly placed rocks seems to appear out of nowhere. Of course, you must stop to marvel at this scene.
As many other incredible Hawaii sites, Keahiakawelo has an ancient legend to explain the landscape. According to GoHawaii.com, here’s the legend:
[T]his barren landscape is the result of a contest between two kahuna (priests) of Lanai and Molokai. Each was challenged to keep a fire burning on their respective island longer than the other, and the winner’s island would be rewarded with a great abundance. The Lanai kahuna, Kewelo, used every piece of vegetation in Keahikawelo to keep his fire burning, which is why this area is so barren today.
To access Keahiakawelo, you’ll need to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle or book a guided tour. We have always enjoyed our four-wheel-drive adventures on the island of Lana’i. It’s one of the few places where you can explore dirt paths without any crowds around.
Ideally, you can discover Keahiakawelo as part of a Lana’i vacation, however, if you are visiting Maui, you can easily take a day trip to Lana’i by passenger ferry
Have you been to Keahiakawelo?
Sheila Beal
