On Maui, what is the significance of this?

[caymaniac]

What are these?

 

[kidspot]

The common "myth" is that they are Hawaiian prayer stacks. However as Halemano pointed out there really is no significance to them, but nevertheless it's a widespread occurance.

Aloha, Tim

 

[justleesa]

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[justleesa]

I've seen tons stacked by crouching lion...and most recent out on Lizard rock

it's way out there...

 

[Diver Dennis]

The eskimos in Canada do this to mark the trail for others. They call them Inukshuk, "The Image of Man".

Erected to make the way easier and safer for those who follow, an Inukshuk represents safety and nourishment, trust and reassurance. The Inukshuk guided people across the frozen tundra and gave them hope in barren places to handle hardships they encountered. These primitive, stone images showed the way ahead... pointing you in the direction you wanted to go. Had they been able to speak, I am certain they would have said... "Here is the road. It is safe. You can meet the demands that this path holds. You can reach your goals and attain your vision of where you want to be."

 

[kidspot]

That's interesting Dennis - Kind of like trail markers. You know you're still on a marked trail when you see one.

Thanks, Tim

P.S I know ... different than our island "rock piles" but still interesting

 

[Diver Dennis]

They actually point the way Tim.

 

[justleesa]

Didn't they teach that in Girl/boy scouts too?

Dennis, do they have to be piled a certain way to show the direction?

 

[kidspot]

not in my troop ...

 

[Damselfish]

That's interesting Dennis - Kind of like trail markers. You know you're still on a marked trail when you see one.

sure. you see stacked rocks used many places to mark trails when there's nothing else to use, like above treeline where there's no trees to put a paint blaze on. Called "cairns" around here and I'm sure the scouts hiking in those areas learn about them.

But if you can see 20 in all directions from where you're standing, certainly don't serve the purpose of marking a trail, unless you want to get everyone lost!