Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

By /
Painting of historic ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau
Ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau, Painting by Herb Kane
A Lele (offering tower) set below Pu'ukoholā Heiau NHS
Pu'ukoholā Heiau on a clear hot and sunny day in the district of Kawaihae.
Sunrise over Pu'ukoholā Heiau in mid September.
Sunrise with a bright orange red glow rising above Pu'ukoholā Heiau.
War god Kū and His Warriors
Warriors dressed in traditional attire presenting war god Kū on top of Pu'ukoholā Heiau during Ho'oku'ikahi Ceremony.
Ho'okupu offerings placed on Lele
Ho'okupu offerings placed on top of the lele during Ho'oku'ikahi ceremony.
Paved half mile loop trail
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.
Photos: National Park Service

About Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

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!

Quick Facts

State Hawaii
Designation National Historic Site
State Code HI
Weather The weather in the park is typically hot and sunny with daytime temperatures in the upper 80's. An excellent time to experience the park is in the morning and in…

Location & Map

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is located in Hawaii.

Operating Hours

Covered, open air lanai at visitor center open 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM daily. Parking Lot Entrance (Top) Gate will be closed by 4:00 PM Daily, however the Parking Lot Exit (Bottom) Gate will close at 4:30 PM Daily. All vehicles parked in the visitor center parking lot after closing hours will be locked in or towed at owner's expense. In case of Emergency call 911

Wednesday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Monday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Thursday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Sunday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Tuesday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Friday 8:30AM - 4:30PM
Saturday 8:30AM - 4:30PM

Activities

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

Getting There

From Keahole (Kona) International Airport: Head east on Keahole Airport Rd. Turn left at traffic light onto HI-19. Follow HI-19 to Spencer Beach Park Rd. (26.1 mi) Turn left onto HI-270 (0.4 mi) Turn left onto Spencer Beach Park Rd. (0.3 mi) Destination will be second right on Spencer Beach Park Rd. (Approximately 32 minute drive 27.5 mi)

View Official Directions

Contact & Address

Address Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, Kawaihae, HI, 96743
Email puhe_info@nps.gov

Topics & Themes

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

Things To Do

Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Become a B.A.R.K. Ranger at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

The park is open year round, we welcome all fur friends who would like to be apart of our National…

B.A.R.K. Program walk and talk will be on a paved half mile looped trail with a couple areas where there…

Sharks, Whales and Dolphin Viewing

Sharks, Whales and Dolphin Viewing

Sharks, Whales and Dolphins are often visitors to the shores of the park and can be seen with the naked…

Visitor Centers

Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Our Visitor Center is ADA accessible and offers wall exhibits with both English and Hawaiian Language interpretive information in our open lanai area. We also…

Hours: Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS is open for regular operating hours.

🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences

Discover Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site with expert-led tours

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

🏨 Find Hotels Near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Compare accommodation options for your visit

We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

More Parks in Hawaii

Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City

Find national parks near these cities, including Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.

Scroll to Top