Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site - Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site (U.S. National Park Service)

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Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Built between 1790-91 by Kamehameha I, Pu'ukohola Heiau displays the skill of chiefs, men, women, and children under the astute leadership of Kamehameha I. With the assistance of two stranded European sailors, John Young and Isaac Davis, Kamehameha I extended his reign over all Hawaiian Islands. The remains of John Young’s homestead may be toured at the site.

Temple of War

Heiau (temples) were places of worship that were central to Hawaiian religious beliefs. From the heiau, the kahuna (priest) communicated with the gods and advised the ali'i (chief). Pu'ukohola Heiau was constructed for ceremonies related to war. Many heiau once existed throughout the Hawaiian Islands, but their use ceased with the destruction of the kapu (taboo) system in 1819.

		Traditions Come Alive Each August Pu’ukohola Heiau hosts the Hawaiian Cultural Festival where visitors experience native customs and traditions. Demonstrations and cultural workshops allow visitors to learn about Hawaiian crafts, dance, music, and games.

		John Young’s Homestead John Young, the stranded British sailor who became advisor to King Kamehameha, also handled the king’s business affairs with foreign traders. As a trusted advisor held in high esteem, the king granted him land at Kawaihae, adjoining Puÿukoholä, for a home. John Young’s homestead contained three Western style stone buildings and a number of traditional Hawaiian structures, some closed and others open on the sides.

		Nationally Recognized In the 1960s, the Queen Emma Foundation and the Queen’s Medical Center, civic clubs and community groups were instrumental in getting Pu’ukohola Heiau designated as a National Historic Landmark. Through an act of Congress on August 17, 1972, the lands surrounding Pu’ukohola Heiau, including John Young homestead, became Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site.

Write to

Superintendent
62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, HI 96743

Phone

Headquarters
(808) 882-7218

Visitor Information
(808) 882-7218 ext. 2

Fax

(808) 882-1215

Climate

With less than 10 inches of annual rainfall, Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS is one of the driest locations in the Hawaiian archipelago. Average daytime temperatures range from 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to the upper-80s in the summer. Nighttime temperatures are commonly about 10 degrees cooler.
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