Stone image (ki’i) from Mokumanamana Island. Metropolitan Museum of Art

In 2012, Dr. Kekuewa Kikiloi of the University of Hawaii expanded upon Emory’s findings. Kikiloi used mo’olelo, historical documents, and archeological excavations to uncover the complex ritual system that took place on the islands between 1400 and 1800 CE (Common Era). His work highlighted two concepts within Hawaiian religion. The first is mana (spiritual power and authority) which can be passed down between ancestors and their living descendants. The second is the importance of seasonal changes within the ritual calendar. The summer solstice marked the transition between Makahiki (four months of peace and harvest) and Kau wela (eight months of production). Around this time, competing chiefs within the past would demonstrate their strength by amassing resources to build heiau for ‘aha (braided cord) ceremonies (Kikiloi, 96). These ceremonies would ensure the passing on of mana, and the ancestors’ help and protection in the coming time of production.Mokumanamana was an optimal place for these heiau. According to mo’olelo traditions, Wakea, the Sky Father, built a heiau with his hands for his ancestors when asking for their aid. The ritual sites on Mokumanamana were all found on its five hills, which naturally mimic Wakea’s cupped hand; indeed, the island’s name translates to the “island [temple] of fingers” (Kikiloi, 92). In addition, because of the island’s position within the Pacific Ocean, the sun is directly overhead on the summer and winter solstice. This phenomenon made the island a direct marker of the Hawaiian spiritual calendar. Therefore, by building heiau on Makumanamana, chiefs directly connected themselves with multiple forms of ritual power.Unlike Mokumanamana, Nihoa contained several long-term habitation sites and agricultural terraces as well as heiau. It is likely that individuals in the past lived there year-round and helped produce the wood and other resources that supported the short-term yet essential ritual sites on Mokumanamana.Today, Nihoa and Mokumanamana are listed on the State and National Registers of Historic Places. The islands are part of the Hawaiian Islands National Wildlife Refuge within the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. In 2010, Papahanaumokuakea was named a World Heritage Site. To protect these incredible resources, access to the islands is permitted for scientific, educational, or cultural purposes only.