Destinations
Hawaiʻi Island · Kohala Coast
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
A prophecy said that if Kamehameha built a great heiau (temple) for his family war god on this hill, he would unite the Hawaiian Islands. Thousands of people built it in about a year, passing stones hand to hand. Within two decades, the islands were united under his rule.
Kūkāʻilimoku · Unity · Kawaihae ·
Kūkāʻilimoku · Unity · Kawaihae ·
A Short History
What You’ll See
Puʻukoholā Heiau
The massive stone temple on the hill. Out of respect, visitors view it from the trail and do not enter.
Mailekini Heiau
An older heiau just below, later used by Kamehameha’s advisor John Young as a fort.
Hale o Kapuni
A heiau dedicated to the shark gods, now underwater just offshore. Sharks are often seen in the bay.
Ranger Tip
- The paved loop trail is short but exposed and hot. Bring water and a hat.
- Watch the bay from the trail: blacktip reef sharks often patrol the water near Hale o Kapuni.
- Check the park calendar for cultural demonstrations and the annual Hawaiian cultural festival.
Nearby
Spencer Beach Park sits right next door for a swim. The Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail runs along this coast, and Kailua-Kona is about 45 minutes south.
