Painting of historic ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau
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. Herb Kane

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

National Historic Site · Hawaii · National Park Service

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!

Plan your visit

Know before you go

Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Directions on Google Maps →

What's here

Highlights: Archeology · Ruins · Arts · Birthplace · Forts · Pacific Islander Heritage · Religion and Spirituality · Heiau · Schools and Education · Transportation · Roads, Routes and Highways · Wars and Conflicts · Animals · Birds · Fish · Tortoises and Turtles · Climate Change · Night Sky · Astronomy · Oceans · Whales · Trails · Watersheds

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Craft Demonstrations · Camping · Fishing · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hiking · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Photos

  • Heiau standing high above Pelekane Bay, as seen at sunset.
    NPS Photo
  • Bench along a winding path.
    NPS Photo
  • Ceremony procession along a heiau at sunrise.
    NPS Photo
  • Back side of a historic stone heiau
    NPS Photo

Nearby parks

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Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12