Pu'ukohola Heiau, located on the northwestern coast of the Island of Hawaii, represents one of the last major sacred structures built in Hawaii before traditional life was forever changed by outside influences.

Kamehameha constructed the temple in 1790-1791, he had been successful in conquering Maui, Lanai and Molokai. At this time he had not yet claimed full possession to his home island of Hawaii. His cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula remained his chief rival. While Kamehameha was on Molokai he learned that his cousin was invading his territory on the Island of Hawaii. His aunt was sent to consult the prophet Kapoukahi, for guidance as what could be done to overcome Kamehameha's rival, Kuahu'ula, the prophet told her that Kamehameha would conquer all of the islands if he built a heiau dedicated to the family war god, Kuka'ilimoku atop Pu'ukohola, at Kawaihae.

According to the prophecy, rigid guidelines in the construction of the temple needed to be employed to please Ku, the war god. Kapoukahi served as the royal architect to ensure the guidelines were followed to perfection. For nearly a year Kamehameha toiled alongside thousands of men as they worked on the huge stone structure. The heiau was to be built of water-worn lava rock, it is believed the stones were transported from the seaside valley of Pololu. A human chain, of about 20 miles long was formed and the rocks were transported hand to hand to the top of Pu'ukohola.

When other rival chiefs learned of the ongoing construction, they decided to attack Kamehameha while his warriors were occupied building the temple. The invasion could be successful in either of two ways: it would eliminate Kamehameha and the threat of his army to rival chiefs, or interfere with the specific rituals required to build the temple, displeasing the god Ku. The chiefs of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai reconquered their islands then joined forces with the chiefs of Kauai and Oahu. They sailed to attack Kamehameha, who in turn counterattacked, routed the invading armies and resumed work on the temple.

The heiau was completed during the summer of 1791. Kamehameha invited his cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula to the dedication ceremonies. Kuahu'ula knew he would be facing is demise, yet came willingly. There was a scuffle when Keoua arrived, he was slain with almost all of his companions. The body of Keoua was carried up to the top of the temple and offered as a sacrifice to Ku.

Keoua Kuahu'ula's death ended all opposition on the island of Hawaii, and the prophecy began to come true. By 1810, Kamehameha the Great, through conquest and treaties was the King of all Hawaii.

About Pu'ukohala Heiau

Pu'ukohala Heiau measures 224 by 100 feet with 16 to 20 foot walls on the landward side and on the ends. Three long, narrow terraced steps cross the side that faces the sea, opening the interior to view from canoes at sea offshore, and intimidating any attackers. When the temple was in use, there were thatched houses and an alter for the ruling chief and his priests. Wooden images of Hawaiian gods stood on the platform and terraces. King Liholiho abolished the religious temples of the past, following the death of Kamehameha. Most temples were abandoned, those serving as mausoleums left remaining.

About the Park

Administration
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is a unit of the National Park System. For information, write to Superintendent,
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
P.O. Box 44340, Kawaihae, HI 96743-4340;
or call: 808-882-7218

Getting to the Park
The park is located on the northwestern coast of the Island of Hawaii, one mile south of Kawaihae off Highway 270.

Visitor's Notes

• All natural and cultural features are protected by federal law.

• Stay on designated trails.

• The trails to the major features are long, hot and rugged.

• To prevent dehydration carry drinking water.

• Wear proper clothing, footwear, hat and sunscreen.

• Do not attempt hike if you are not in good physical condition.

• Do not smoke, the area is prone to grass fires.

• Camping, swimming and picnicking are not allowed within the park. They are available at nearby Spencer Beach Park.

• Use caution when entering and exiting the park road, and when visiting the John Young homesite. Traffic on the road is sometimes heavy.

• The temple is fragile and sacred to the native people and closed to the public. You can view them from below.

A Walking Tour

The visitor center is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This is where you can begin your self-guided walking tour. Allow one hour for the hike and note that the gates close at 4 p.m.

Pu'ukohola Heiau
Built by Kamehameha I in 1790-91. At the time the platform was crowded with ceremonial structures. Presently it is the scene of cultural events.

Mailekini Heiau
On the hillside between Pu'ukohola Heiau and the sea are ruins of Mailekini Heiau, which may have been a war or agricultural temple used by Kamehameha's ancestors. The older temple was nearly as big as Pu'ukohola, but not as well made. During Kamehameha's rule, John Young helped the king to convert the temple into a fort.

Hale o Kapuni Heiau
This site was dedicated to the shark gods, the actual heiau lies submerged offshore. Last seen in the 1950's, the rock platform was visible during low tides. The Stone Leaning Post overlooks the site of the shark temple.

Pelekane
On the coast below Pu'ukohola and Mailekini is the site of the royal courtyard at Kawaihae. Kamehameha II returned here after the death of his father to prepare for his role as king.

John Young's Homestead
John Young, the British sailor who was stranded on the island during 1790 soon became a close associate of Kamehameha. The king named Young Olohana and made him governor of the island from 1802 to 1812. Young supervised trade with ships at Kawaihae for various goods which included weapons. He was an important advisor in military affairs. There is now little left of his homestead. The stone and mortar house was probably the first European style home on the island. You may walk or drive to the site, be aware of heavy traffic on highway 270.

More Archaeology from Hawaii

Pu'ukohola National Historic Site
Official website from The National Park Service.

John Fischer Visit
John's recent visit to Kohala and the site includes a nice photo of the temple.

Heiau of the Big Island - Brief descriptions of Pu'ukohola, Mookini, and Ahuena Heiau.

The Backpacker.com
A rough guide to the National Historic Site.

Information and resources from National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
Informational pamphlet, Puukohola Heiau, 1996