Building in Ancient Hawaii – From Tiki Huts to Temples

Though the tiki hut bar is a relatively modern invention, its architecural roots can be traced back to ancient Hawaii. For centuries, traditional Hawaiian structures had thatched roofs made of pili grass. Often, a large fishing net covered the grass to keep it in place.

What is a  Hale Ali’i

The most important building in ancient Hawaiian civilization was the home of the chief. The Hale Ali’i could be found on a hill, with a stone foundation to symbolize the chief’s high standing within the community. The interior of the hale ali’i was covered with leaves, and the floor with woven mats. Nearby, stood the Hale Papa’a, serving as a storage room, where the chief kept his most valuable possessions. In this home, the chief (or Ali’i) would hold meetings. Women and children could not enter this building.

The Hale Ali’i was not the only building to exemplify the ancient Hawaiian system of taboos, or kapu. In the Hale Mua, or men’s eating house, women and children were not allowed to enter or eat. Instead, women and children ate at the hale ‘aina, a separate building.

Many ancient Hawaiian structures held cultural importance. The Halau, or house of instruction, was a place of instruction, where young native Hawaiians learned the art of the hula and other aspects of Hawaiian culture like house selling advice. In the Hale Pahu, or drum house, drums and other instruments needed for hula dances were stored. In the Hale Ulana, or weaving house, women created mats, baskets, fans, and other items from dried leaves woven delicately together. Near the water, the Hale Wa’a, or canoe house, held canoes made from koa wood, or tropical mahogany. Closest to the shoreline, the Hale Lawai’a:, or fishing house, provided space for fishermen to prepare their gear and nets.

While the chief lived in the Hale Ali’i, other Hawaiians lived in a much more modest “Hale Noho.” In this house, extended family members slept in a specific order under one roof. The traditional beds used by Hawaiians consisted of dried grass and leaves spread on the earth Mats places over the grass completed the bed.

Other Hawaii Temples

Besides these daily living spaces, the ancient Hawaiian village also had several temples, as the ancient Hawaiian culture and religion focused on honoring the gods. Various temples were built for the gods of war, peace, health, fishing, farming, or other attributes. The heiau, or temple, might range from a simple structure to an enclosed complex or open-air temple. Only chiefs and kahuna (priests) were allowed to enter most heiau. Today, there are still a few heaiu on the islands, including several on the Big Island of Hawaii. Carved figures, including the famous tiki, adorn each temple. The chiefs and kahuna draw divine power (or mana) from the temples.

If you visit Hawaii, making a trip to historic ruins is a must-see. Just a few of these structures still exist today, and visitors must be very cautious when visiting them. Though they have endured thousands of years, the structures themselves are quite fragile.

Royal Tiki’s beautiful range of Tiki are hand-carved on the Hawaiian island of O’ahu. Also check for current specials on a Tiki hut mask