Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is a significant cultural landmark located on the Island of Hawaii, within the state of Hawaii. Situated on the Kohala Coast, near the town of Kawaihae, it is a renowned attraction that holds great historical significance.

The site is home to Puʻukoholā Heiau, which is an ancient Hawaiian temple. Built in the late 18th century, it was commissioned by King Kamehameha I, the first ruler to unify the Hawaiian Islands. The purpose of constructing this heiau (sacred place) was to gain the favor of the war god, Kū, and fulfill a prophecy that foretold his conquest of the entire island chain.

This remarkable structure is made entirely of lava rock and features massive stone platforms and walls that are a testament to the engineering skills of the ancient Hawaiians. Visitors can explore the temple grounds and witness the architectural brilliance of this sacred site.

Apart from the temple, the national historic site offers various activities for visitors. One can embark on a guided tour that provides in-depth knowledge about the history, culture, and significance of Puʻukoholā Heiau. There are also interpretive exhibits that further enlighten visitors about the temple, the legacy of King Kamehameha I, and the early Hawaiian way of life.

Just a short distance from Puʻukoholā Heiau, one can find other attractions in the area that add to the cultural and historic experience. The neighboring Lapakahi State Historical Park is an ancient Hawaiian fishing village, which serves as an intriguing glimpse into the island's past. Another nearby site is Mauna Lani, where the imposing Kalahuipuaʻa Fishpond can be found. This fishpond was once a vital resource in ancient Hawaiian culture and is now a popular spot for fishing and snorkeling.

Overall, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts, providing a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in ancient Hawaiian customs and witness the awe-inspiring temple built by King Kamehameha I.

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is situated on the northwestern coast of the Island of Hawaiʻi, within the state of Hawaii. Nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, this sacred historical site boasts an awe-inspiring location on a hillside overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean. Surrounded by rugged lava fields, the heiau (temple) stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Hawaiian people. Visitors to Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site can enjoy the breathtaking views of the sparkling blue waters, as well as the serene ambiance of its surroundings. This location offers a remarkable blend of historical significance and natural beauty, making it an unmissable destination for those seeking a deeper understanding of Hawaiian culture and a connection to its awe-inspiring landscapes.

Address & Contact

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, HI 96743
Driving Directions
Phone: NULL
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is in April or June. During these months, the average maximum temperature ranges from 82°F to 85°F, with a minimum temperature ranging from 69°F to 72°F. Precipitation levels are relatively low, averaging between 0.4 to 0.5 inches. These months offer pleasant weather for outdoor activities while avoiding large crowds.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site are: Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Arts and Culture Camping Hiking Fishing Craft Demonstrations

Topics

Learn about these topics at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site: Birthplace Animals Birds Night Sky Archeology Arts Transportation Fish Tortoises and Turtles Trails Watersheds Religion and Spirituality Schools and Education Climate Change Astronomy Forts Wars and Conflicts Roads, Routes and Highways Ruins Pacific Islander Heritage Oceans Whales Heiau

Visitor Centers

Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Our Visitor Center is ADA accessible and offers wall exhibits with both English and Hawaiian Language interpretive information in our open lanai area. We also offer a FREE Audio tour available for Smart Phones (Data/Service Provider fees may apply). Restrooms and drinking water fountains located outside of Visitor Center. Museum exhibits and Park Store are open daily from 8:30am-4:30pm located in the visitor center. Please note: the Park Store is cashless and accepts card or digital payments only.

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.

Campsites within or near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Hilton Waikoloa Village

When you stay at Hilton Waikoloa Village in Waikoloa, you'll be on the waterfront, within a 15-minute walk of Dolphin Quest and Waikloa Beach. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-in, and express check-out. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and self parking (subject to charges) is available onsite.
Address: 69-425 Waikoloa Beach Dr, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Web: Link

Vista Waikoloa

Located in Waikoloa, Vista Waikoloa is in the historical district, within a 15-minute walk of Dolphin Quest and Kings Shops. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 69-1010 Keana Place, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Web: Link

Champion Ridge 1

When you stay at this villa in Kamuela, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Great 4-D Movie Ride and Mauna Lani Beach. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 68-139 Pukaua Place, Puako, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Web: Link

Champion Ridge 17

When you stay at this vacation home in Kamuela, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Great 4-D Movie Ride and Mauna Lani Beach.
Address: 68-110 W. Pukaua Place, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Web: Link

Champion Ridge 24

When you stay at Champion Ridge 24 in Kamuela, you'll be near the beach, within a 5-minute drive of Great 4-D Movie Ride and Mauna Lani Beach. Guests may use a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 68-133 E. Pukaua Place #24, Kamuela, Hawaii 96743
Web: Link

Vista Waikoloa D102

When you stay at this vacation home in Waikoloa, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 10-minute walk of Waikloa Beach and Dolphin Quest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 69-1010 Keana Pl., D102, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Web: Link

Vista Waikoloa E105

When you stay at this condo in Waikoloa, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 10-minute walk of Waikloa Beach and Dolphin Quest. Featured amenities include ATM/banking services and an elevator. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 69-1010 Keana Pl., E105, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Web: Link

Vista Waikoloa G104

When you stay at this villa in Waikoloa, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 15-minute walk of Waikloa Beach and Dolphin Quest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 69-1010 Keana Place, Unit G104, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Web: Link

Vista Waikoloa B206

When you stay at this condo in Waikoloa, you'll be next to a golf course, within a 10-minute walk of Waikloa Beach and Dolphin Quest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 69-1010 Keana Place, B206, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Web: Link

Vista Waikoloa C305

With a stay at this condo in Waikoloa, you'll be within a 10-minute walk of Waikloa Beach and Dolphin Quest. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: Vista Waikoloa C305, US, Waikoloa, Hawaii 96738
Web: Link