Landmark· Hawaii (Big Island)· Hawaii
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
20° 1.7′ N · 155° 49.3′ W
The massive stone temple Kamehameha the Great built in 1790-91 on the hill above Kawaihae Bay, where his rival Keoua was killed in 1791, opening the way to his unification of the islands. Noodle's Notes calls it a must-see from the harbor; Mailekini Heiau and the submerged shark temple Hale o Kapuni lie just below it.
Practical
Coordinate is the OpenStreetMap position of the heiau. Walking distance from both Kawaihae harbors. The NPS fees page lists no entrance fee; non-educational guided tours for groups of 10 or more are $2 per person (page updated January 2024). Visitor center hours in OpenStreetMap are 7:30am to 5pm daily; confirm with the park at (808) 882-7218 ext. 1011. Mailing address 62-3601 Kawaihae Road. Pelekane beach below the heiau is a sacred site: no swimming, picnicking, camping or sunbathing.
Best for
The most important Kamehameha-era site, a short walk from the boat
Nearby
- Pelekane and Hale o Kapuni Shark Heiau0.1 NM away
- Spencer Beach Park0.3 NM away
- Kawaihae Harbor (North and South Small Boat Harbors)0.4 NM away
- Kawaihae Commercial Harbor Anchorage0.6 NM away
- Kawaihae Commercial Harbor0.7 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
Place data includes © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).