Puʻukoholā Heiau is a historic Hawaiian temple built in 1790-91. This painting by Herb Kane depics the temple as it would have been seen hundreds of years ago.Photo: Herb Kane
How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a stranded sailor risen up to become a great chief over an entire island? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Where else can you stand on a beach and watch as sharks pass over a submerged temple? Experience all this and much more – only at Pu'ukoholā Heiau!
The heiau stands today atop Puʻukoholā (the hill of the whale) overlooking Pelekane Bay.Photo: NPS PhotoVisitors can experience Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site by walking a 1/2-mile loop trail.Photo: NPS PhotoThe heiau is the site of a traditional Hawaiian ceremony (Hoʻokuʻikahi) every August.Photo: NPS PhotoAlong the trail, you'll also find Mailekini Heiau (which was already hundreds of years old when Puʻukoholā Heiau was built), as well as the site of a heiau which was once built underwater.Photo: NPS Photo
Park information and photos come from the National Park Service. This is not an official NPS site.
