PUUKOHOLA HEIAU NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE, HAWAII'S BIG ISLAND
Puukohola Heiau, just north of the resorts of the South Kohala, is one of the largest heiau (temple) in Hawaii. Heiau were sacred places of worship for ancient Hawaiians, and Puukohola heiau was a site built with added historic significance.
North Kohala born Kamehameha the Great was advised by kahuna (priests) to build and dedicate Puukohola Heiau to the war god Kukailimoku to help in his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands. The fortress-like heiau was constructed overlooking the Kohala coast between 1790 and 1791. King Kamehameha ultimately fulfilled the kahuna’s prophecy when he united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810.
This massive stone temple has been carefully preserved, and it is believed to be one of the last sacred structures built in the Hawaiian Islands before western influence. The home of John Young, a stranded British sailor who became a valuable aid to King Kamehameha I, is part of the grounds. Puukohola, which means “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian, is also a great place to look for humpback whales during the winter and spring months.
> Learn more about North Kohala
> Learn more about King Kamehameha
QUICK FACTS
Name:
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
What is it:
National Historic Site
What to do:
Learn about Hawaiian history and culture, take unique photos, whale watch in the winter and spring
What to bring:
Camera, shoes, water
