There is no shortage of tropical cocktails and luxurious resorts on Maui, but some people come to the island searching for more. If you pay attention to the Aina (land), it has more to offer than a picture pool day. If you want to connect to the sacred Maui energy, make your way to one of these revered spots.
#1 Piʻilanihale Heiau
As you travel along the road to Hana, make sure to carve out some time for the breathtaking Piʻilanihale Heiau along the way. Located in the 294-acre ethnobotanical Kahanu Gardens, this largest temple in all of Polynesia has lasted the test of time and environment. It is believed that the construction of this temple began as early as AD 1200, with Piʻilani, the 14th century Maui chief completing the creation . The magnificent architecture is brilliant beyond its years. Built with basalt (fine-grained dark volcanic rock), this stepped lava rock platform is over 40 feet high and almost as large as two football fields.
*Your Sacred Space: You’ll be able to see what the traditional Hawaiian culture looked like before the introduction of western ways. You can feel the connection and respect that was had for this land, which is nurtured and cared for today through the efforts of the Pacific Tropical Botanical Garden Institute. As you stand next to the temple, looking out at the sparkling azure ocean, its easy to feel the sacred energy pulse through you. One of the perks of this location is that very few visitors stop off here, so you can find your sacred space in peace and quiet.
#2 Maui Dharma Center
Tucked into the quirky and cute town of Paia, this peaceful stupa (hemispherical structure containing relics, used for meditation) calls all weary travelers to its shrine. Inside, you’ll find a large mani prayer wheel. These prayer wheels are meant to spread spiritual blessings and well-being to all. Reciting the mantra Om Mani Padme Hum while spinning the wheel invokes the powerful benevolent attention and blessings of Chenrezig, the embodiment of compassion.
*Your Sacred Space: It is enough to simply spin the prayer wheel. However, if you’re looking for a truly sacred experience, join one of their yearly events. One of the most meaningful events is the Wisdom Dharma Protector Mahakala Retreat, held right before the Tibetan New Year. This ritual practice invokes the wisdom energy of Mahakala for the purpose to dispel the past year’s negativities, to protect the Teachings, dispel future obstacles and guide all beings to perfect enlightened mind. No matter when you visit, this shrine will give you space to embody the highest Buddhist goal, which is to attain the perfect union of compassion and wisdom in order to benefit others.
#3 Haleakala
Many have heard of Mother Maui, which refers to the loving energy and feminine force that surrounds the island. It turns out that this name comes from a scientific place. At the top of Haleakala, the frequency matches the Schumann Resonance at 7.8 cycles per second, the same resonance of our hearts. This abundant energy offers comfort and the feeling that you’re being taken care of.
*Your Sacred Place: This location brings in the crowds, from those searching for a spiritual connection to those that bought up the latest tour package. While you won’t get to zen out in silence, that doesn’t mean that the magic isn’t there for you. Make sure to get there early, as the sunrise is a magical part of the sacredness of this spot. If early mornings are your nemesis, try the sunset time slot. Either way, bring your intentions to feel Mama Maui’s energy, and this loving vortex will happily comply!
#4 Iao Valley
Maui and rainbows go together like chili and mayonnaise (it’s a Hawaiian thing). Chances are, you’ll be blessed with one or two rainbows on your tropical getaway. The rainbow is seen as a symbol for peace, harmony, transformation and enlightenment. In Iao Valley, there is a petroglyph (an ancient carving on rock) of the Rainbow Warrior. This well-known Hawaiian petroglyphs shows a rainbow arc above a man’s head, with the ends resting on his shoulders. This image shows that he emanates wisdom and “shoulders” responsibility. This man represents the keeper of the Aina and its people.
*Your Sacred Space: The energetic pulse can be felt as soon as you’re crossing the bridge, gazing up at the Iao Needle. And if this quenches your sacred thirst, feel free to stay here. If you want to get even more enveloped in this otherworldly energy, you may consider following the path beyond the sign that says, “Don’t Go Off the Path.” While we don’t encourage sign disobedience, the well-worn path beyond the sign has clearly been used by many sacred seekers. The large boulder with the petroglyph is along this path. Many people leave an offering, even something as simple as a freshly picked guava. This symbolic sign is a reminder of the responsibility that each of us have to protect Mother Earth.
#5 Big Beach
We’d be remiss if we didn’t include the sacredness of the ocean that surrounds Maui. This aqua body of water offers more than a great background for a selfie. As you breath in, the salt element is actually expelling any toxins in your respiratory system. The sand that you stand on is high vibrating and enhances your energetic vibration. When you take a dip in the warm waters, the salty water can cleanse and heal physical cuts and scrapes. There is no end to the healing properties of a beach day. Top it off with a little vitamin D, and you’ve basically had a free Mother Nature spa day!
*Your Sacred Space: There are plenty of beaches to find your sacred space, but Big Beach takes the cake. The honey golden sands just beg for you to lay down and release your burdens into Mother Maui’s capable hands. Watching the hypnotic azure waves allow your mind to quiet down, meditating on the beauty of the moment. From sunrise to sunset, this spot offers an overall high vibrational beach energy that brings you back to a place of peace and balance.
I grew up in Honolulu and my family generation before me is from Kaua’i. In my current studies of chakras in regard to crystal singing healing bowls I came across this info on Maui and stunned! Who knew??? And the labyrinth (above post). Never heard of it!
You left out the labyrinth, truly an oasis of serenity and spiritual renewal. Take the road upcountry from Paia Town and follow the signs.