Kapu

Kapu is the Hawaiian word for Forbidden.

This area photographed above is the Honokahua Burial Site, and it is located near the Ritz Carlton Resort in Kapalua. Information posted there says this area is "reserved exclusively for native Hawaiian ceremonial and religious practices."

I once married couples near here down towards the water, but times have changed. This information wasn't posted back then.

Sacred Burial Ground--Honokahua

When the Ritz Carlton was being built back in 1989, it was discovered upon digging that over 900 individuals had been buried on this land. After many protests by the Hawaiians, the decision was reached to preserve this area so that the Hawaiian Ancestors could rest in peace and watch over the land.

And indeed you really feel the presence of the Ancestors when you walk in this area. Ritz Carlton has erected a long hedge to keep the public out, and this area is now only used for religious ceremonies as it is revered as one of the holiest locations on Maui. You can view the area, but you're not supposed to enter the actual burial grounds.