Wildlife· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Pelekane and Hale o Kapuni Shark Heiau
20° 1.7′ N · 155° 49.4′ W
Below Pu'ukohola the royal compound of Pelekane fronts a shallow, murky bay where the submerged Hale o Kapuni heiau, dedicated to shark gods, lies about 100 ft offshore. Blacktip and gray reef sharks still frequent the area, and locals regard it as a shark nursery.
Practical
Coordinate is the OpenStreetMap outline of Hale o Kapuni Heiau. Swimming, picnicking, camping and sunbathing are not allowed at Pelekane Beach because of the sacred sites. Watch for sharks from the shore trail within the national historic site; do not wade in. The water here is shallow, silty and close to the harbor landfill.
Best for
Watching reef sharks from shore and seeing the shark-temple site
Nearby
- Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site0.1 NM away
- Kawaihae Harbor (North and South Small Boat Harbors)0.3 NM away
- Spencer Beach Park0.3 NM away
- Kawaihae Commercial Harbor Anchorage0.5 NM away
- Kawaihae Commercial Harbor0.6 NM away
- Seafood Bar (Kawaihae)0.7 NM away
- Kawaihae Marketplace and Da Fish House0.8 NM away
- Kohala Burger & Taco (Kawaihae)0.8 NM away