Mauna Lahilahi | |
Location: | Honolulu County, Hawaii, United States |
Coordinates: | 21.4603°N -158.2131°W |
Map: | USA Hawaii |
Range: | Waianae Range |
Elevation Ft: | 230 |
Prominence Ft: | 230 |
Mauna Lahilahi is a small eroded mountain located on the Hawaiian island of Oahu near Mākaha town. It has an elevation of 230 ft (70 m).[1]
Its name means “thin mountain” in the Hawaiian language,[2] although the “Lahilahi” part was named after Chief Lahilahi, who ruled over the Mākaha area.[3]
According to Hawaiian legend, the mountain was sacred to Kane, who is the god of protection and one of the four main Hawaiian deities. Another Hawaiian god named Aiʻai used the area around Mauna Lahilahi for fishing.
In Ancient Hawaii, Mauna Lahilahi was used as a lookout point for any boats passing through Oahu's western shoreline (Waianae).
It is believed that the mountain has astronomical significance due to its ties with the summer solstice.
The hike up Mauna Lahilahi is considered to be dangerous due to its rocky terrain. The government does not sanction any official trails up the mountain, meaning it's technically off-limits. Despite this, some people still climb up to the 230 foot summit.