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Polihale Beach
this page last modified on Sunday, September 9, 2007
(usually pr
onounced po-lee-holly, sometimes misspelled polihali)
Daily routines and pragmatic concerns can sometimes fill our lives with distract
ions. For some, the concept of spirituality is so unfamiliar that it
seems almost whimsical and frivolous. The idea that a remote beach could be a de
eply spiritual place might therefore seem a little questionable.
But that is exactly why visiting [263>Polihale Beach] is such an overwhelmin
g and unexpected experience. Even before you learn the details of its role in
ancient Hawaiian mythology as the gateway to the afterworld, Polihale will fasci
nate you. Even before you bask in the soft golden air of a sunset hung
from the stars, Polihale will embrace you. Even before you realize
Polihale Beach at sunset
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the problems of the world are a world away, Polihale awakens the soul. Few other
places on Earth combine staggering physical beauty with such a pervasive sense o
f the divine.
Polihale Beach -- the westernmost point in the USA -- is a vast and isolated str
etch of land on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai. Miles away from
civilization, and only accessible by a long and bumpy sugar cane road, Polihale
Beach is often overlooked by visitors and residents alike. Empty,
unspoiled, unrestrained in every way, the beaches and sand dunes of Polihale off
er miles of beauty, tranquility, and spiritual solitude.
The towering cliffs of the rugged Na Pali coast contrast against Polihale Bea
ch
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According to mythology, spirits and ghosts would come to Polihale from other par
ts of Hawaii. Long ago, homes were even built near Polihale with no
east-facing doors to prevent traveling spirits from getting trapped inside. Afte
r resting at the heiau (temple) at Polihale Beach, the spirits
would climb the 300-foot seacliffs and leap off to get to Po -- the offshore aft
erworld. Polihale means House of Po.
The heiau at Polihale is one of the oldest and most sacred in Hawaii.
It remains even today.
A young tourist girl enjoys a colorful sunset at Polihale Beach |
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A sea lettuce called pahapaha grows in the waters near Polihale. A wreath
made from pahapaha can fade and dry out, but when soaked in
water, it will revive to its original freshness. Only the pahapaha from Polihale does this. Namakaokahai, sister of Pele and Goddess of the Ocean, blessed Polihale's pahapaha with this special quality. Visitors on
ce took home wreaths made from pahapaha from Polihale to prove they had indeed been there.
A painting by Dave Cutler from a story about a child floating in space under
the stars. Although not created with Polihale Beach in mind, this illustration a
lways reminds me of Polihale. |
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