Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) – Manele Bay, Lanai
Every island has it’s stories of lovers that have run into problems but not many of them are remembered with a beautiful natural landmark such as Puu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock). The tale of the lovers that are tied to this rock is a legend that is truly a Hawaiian treasure.
The rock is located on the southern coast of Lanai between Hulopoe Bay and Lanai’s main boat harbor, Manele Bay. The rock rises from the sea in a picturesque manner that brings even more reality to the legend.
The legend is of two lovers, a Hawaiian maiden named Pehe from Lahaina on the island of Maui. (Lahaina means “relentless sun” in Hawaiian) and a young warrior from Lanai named Makakehau. Makakehau was to stricken with the beauty of Pehe that it is said that whenever he laid eyes on her they would mist up in tears. That is where his name came from (Maka meaning eyes and Kehau meaning mist). He took Pehe back to Lanai with him and hid her in a sea cave at the base of Manele’s cliffs.
One day while Makakehau was out collecting supplies he noticed a storm coming in and so he started back to the cave, only to find Pehe drowned by the surge of the storm waves. He was stricken with grief and collected her into his arms. He wailed out to the gods and his ancestors to help him climb the steep rock island where he eventually buried her. Then, being so distraught, he jumped from the 80 foot summit into the pounding surf below.l
To get to Puu Pehe you can take a short hike from the Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay southeast past Hulopoe Beach and the rocky tide pools. Hike up the path along the rocky cliffs for about 15-20 minutes and you’ll soon overlook this Lanai landmark. Sunsets here can be especially romantic with dramatic views of Hulopoe Bay. You may even spot the spinner dolphins that frequent these waters perched atop this scenic lookout.
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