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Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site Step into History at Pu`ukohola Heiau!
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Experience the History of Hawai'i

How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a common sailor been stranded on an island, only to rise up to become a great chief and change the course of a people's history? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Only here at Pu'ukohola Heiau...

 
Thar she blows!

Whale Watches, Ocean Counts & Whale Songs...

Join the National Park Service and the Hawaiian Islands 
Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary 
(NOAA)
every Friday from December 16 to March 30
for FREE Whale Watches. Learn all about these "Giants of the Sea" from knowledgeable Sanctuary staff and volunteers as they help you spot whales from the Visitor Center viewing area. 

In addition, if you are interested in taking part in the Sanctuary's "Ocean Count Project" on January 28, February 25 & March 31 visit this website.

Click here to listen to our Humpback Whales singing LIVE! (January-March)

 
Ohana = Family

Join Our Online Ohana!

Although we are located in one of the most remote places on the planet, there are many ways for YOU to experience the wonders of Hawaii and America's Pacific Islands each and every day! E Komo Mai...Welcome to our Online Ohana:

 
Sharks!

Sharks!

Did you know sharks are often seen in the waters of Pelekane Bay? On many mornings, visitors can stand along the park's coastal trail and watch as blacktip reef sharks glide through the water. The bay is also home to Hale o Kapuni Heiau, a submerged temple once dedicated to the shark gods. Learn more here!

 
Attention Junior Rangers!

Keiki Activities

Pu`ukohola Heiau NHS offers a variety of programs for keiki (children) of all ages. The popular Junior Ranger program is for children 7-12 and the Scout Ranger Program is designed for both Boy and Girl Scouts of all ages. Additionally, hands-on activities like traditional Hawaiian games and crafts are offered at various times throughout the year. Visit our Kids area here!

 
Hawaiian Flag flying at Fort McHenry in Baltimore (NPS)

Ka Hae Hawai'i-The Flag of Hawaii

Commissioned by King Kamehameha I in 1816, Ka Hae Hawai'i-the Hawaiian Flag has flown as the offical flag over Hawaii as an independent Kingdom (1816-1893) and Republic (1893-1898) and as a Territory (1900-1959) and State (1959-Present) in the United States. The "Union Jack" is a reminder of the close ties Kamehameha forged with the British in the 1790's.

Under Hawaii State law, there are only three places where the Hawaiian Flag can fly by itself as a symbol of the Kingdom of Hawaii: at the 'Iolani Palace, Mauna 'Ala Royal Mausoleum and at Pu`ukohola Heiau. On July 31 each year, people throughout the state celebrate Hawaiian Flag Day, which was started through the efforts of staff members of Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site in 1988.

 
Hawaiian Cultural Festival

2012 Hawaiian Cultural Festival

Celebrate the unique culture of Hawaii during the 2012 Ho`okuikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival August 11-12, 2012. The public is invited to experience Royal Court ceremonies, traditional warrior exhibitions, cultural demonstrations, traditional crafts, music, games, double-hulled canoe rides, traditional food tasting and many more activities. Click here for details!

 
John Young

Man Misses Boat, Becomes High Chief

Imagine what it would be like to go on an extended business trip, only to "miss your connection" and end up stranded in some far-off land. Then imagine meeting a local ruler who then decides for you that you won't be going home any time soon! That is exactly what happend to a middle-aged English sailor named John Young. Check out his amazing story here!
 

Step Into History!

Step Into History!
Watch this short video for a taste of what you can find in the National Parks of Hawaii Island.

Credit / Author: NPS & Hawaii Natural History Association

Download Original File: puhe-westhawaiivideo.mp4 (14488 KB)
[Right-Click and Select "Save As"]

Ironman World Championship athletes in Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, October 8, 2011.

Before there was an Ironman...

Click here for our Ironman 2011 photos!
Every October, nearly 2,000 competitors from across the planet gather for what many consider to be the ultimate triathlon, consisting of a 2.4 mile swim, 112 mile bike race and a 26.2 mile marathon.  Though this event began in the late 1970′s, this sort of physical endurance competition is nothing new to the Hawaiian Islands.

For centuries, extreme sports were the norm for Hawaii's warrior and chiefly classes. For example, it was said that a skilled Hawaiian runner could circumnavigate the Big Island in about 8 days (250 miles across rugged lava coastline). Warriors could travel down steep lava hills at up to 70mph on a holua sled. A visiting chief would be met with up to a dozen spears being hurled at him, requiring catching, dodging and deflecting all of them at once. During the makahiki season (Autumn), warriors would compete in many athletic events that included stone rolling, throwing spears and distance running. Even for normal commerce and communication, men could paddle over 100 miles over the open ocean to the other islands. Of course, the most recognized Hawaiian sport, surfing, was a dangerous and arduous competitive sport.

Probably the one historical figure that epitomized this "extreme" sportsmanship of the Hawaiian culture was King Kamehameha the Great. As a young boy, he was known to carry a large round stone through the valleys of Kohala. When he was about 20 years old, he turned over the massive Naha Stone in Hilo, which weighs about 2 tons (the stone now sits in front of the public library in Hilo). His physical prowess was unmatched during his lifetime.

So whether you are a triathlete or not, remember as the Ironman gets going that our modern competitions here in the Islands are a continuation of centuries of such activities. And also remember, you don't have to be a triathlete to get into the Great Outdoors!

 
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Inspire. Connect. Preserve

Hawaii Pacific Parks Association is a nonprofit cooperating association working in partnership with the National Park Service in Hawaiʻi and American Samoa. Proceeds from their bookstores, including the bookstore inside our park's Visitor Center, support interpretation, educational programs, research projects, publications, and cultural activities. Their core purpose is to inspire visitors and foster meaningful connections to the parks-for the preservation and enjoyment of the parks forever-all with a spirit of aloha.

If you would like to help support Pu`ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, please stop by the park's bookstore located inside the Visitor Center or visit their website at http://www.hawaiipacificparks.org/

 
 

Write to

Superintendent
62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, HI 96743

E-mail Us

Phone

Visitor Center
(808) 882-7218 ext. 1011

Fax

(808) 882-4610

Climate

Kawaihae is considered the driest place in Hawai'i, recieving 6 inches of rain or less annually. Daytime temperatures range from 70 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to the lower 90's in the summer. Nighttime temperatures range from the upper 50's in the winter to the upper 70's in the summer. Most days are sunny, though winter can bring occassional heavy rain and high winds.
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Humpback Whale Breaching

Did You Know?
Each week from January to March, volunteers from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Santuary come to Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site to watch the whales and to talk with Park visitors.

Last Updated: January 07, 2012 at 15:27 MST

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