Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Address:62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, Hawaii
Tel: (808) 882-7218

Visit the last major religious structure of the ancient Hawaiian culture! Whether you're a history buff or lover of legend, there's something for everyone to enjoy at Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

Built between 1790-1791, Puukohola Heiau displays the skill of chiefs, men, women, and children under the leadership of Kamehameha I, who purportedly built this temple after a prophet told him he would conquer and unite the islands if he did so. This seacoast temple is known as "the hill of the whale" and stands 224 feet long by 100 feet wide, with three narrow terraces on the seaside and an amphitheater to view canoes. The Historic site also includes the house of John Young, a trusted advisor of Kamehameha, and offshore, the submerged ruins of Hale O Ka Puni, a shrine dedicated to the shark gods. Visitors can reach the remains of Kamehameha's temple, as well as all other historical sites in the 83-acre park, on foot but since the area has been subject to major earthquakes over the years, the walls are beginning to crumble, and visitors are no longer allowed to climb the remains. Visitors can enjoy tours, hiking, and bird watching year round, and whale watching in the winter and spring. The Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is located on the northwestern shore of the island of Hawaii in the district of south Kohala. Take this opportunity to explore the beautiful island and have a taste of spiritual architectural history.