Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site • Hawai'i

Painting of historic ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau

A Lele (offering tower) set below Pu'ukoholā Heiau NHS

Sunrise over Pu'ukoholā Heiau in mid September.

War god Kū and His Warriors

Ho'okupu offerings placed on Lele

Paved half mile loop trail

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!

Ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau, Painting by Herb Kane
Herb Kane

Pu'ukoholā Heiau on a clear hot and sunny day in the district of Kawaihae.
NPS Photo / M. Tadio

Sunrise with a bright orange red glow rising above Pu'ukoholā Heiau.
NPS/M.Tadio

Warriors dressed in traditional attire presenting war god Kū on top of Pu'ukoholā Heiau during Ho'oku'ikahi Ceremony.
NPS

Ho'okupu offerings placed on top of the lele during Ho'oku'ikahi ceremony.
NPS

Paved half mile loop trail (starting from the visitor center) will takes you to the base of Pu'ukoholā Heiau, passing Mailekini Heiau to Pelekane Bay, and right a long the coastal trail back to the visitor center.
NPS/M.Tadio

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Duration:: 5 minutes, 31 seconds

During the late 1700's, the island of Hawai'i was in a midst of a bloody civil war. "The Foundation of a Nation" tells the epic story of two great warrior chiefs - Kamehameha and his first cousin, Keoua Ku'ahu'ula. When their entangled destinies and fates are forever memorialized at Pu'ukohola Heiau, a nation is born. For Hawaiians today, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site continues to be a symbol of unification and lasting peace.

An aerial view of the heiau structure

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is open all year round and shares the history of the beginning stages of the Hawaiian Kingdom.

Close-up photograph of heiau with coconut trees in the foreground

Plan Your Visit

Learn about our operating hours, permits and reservations, things to do, and more.

Close-up photograph of hand doing featherwork on a traditional Hawaiian cape

Interested in getting involved? Find information about volunteering, youth opportunities, and our Park Store.

Painting by Herb Kawainui Kane depicting men building the heiau

History & Culture

Discover the historic people and places that helped build the Hawaiʻi we know today.

Park ranger leading a group of kids along the trail

We also offer fun learning opportunities for kids and (and kūpuna) of all ages.

Rock wall at the base of a hill

Learn more about the wahi pana you'll encounter at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.

Last updated: June 26, 2025

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Mailing Address:

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, HI 96743

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