Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site – History and Beauty on the Kona Coast

There are many historic sites on the Big Island that help visitors understand a bit more of Hawaiian culture and history, including the way of life that was all but lost by the occupation of the Islands. Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site on the Kona Coast is one of the best places to visit to learn about the traditions and practices of the Hawaiian people before Captain Cook and then the missionaries came to the Islands. This is a great half day visit that can be as involved or quick as you like.

We’ve got all the information for planning a visit to Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site including more things to do in the area and other historic sites not to miss on the Big Island of Hawaii. I think this part of the Kona Coast is so very overlooked by most tourists and really, it’s one of the best places to gain some context to both historic and present Native Hawaiian culture and history. If you have questions about visiting Pu’ukohola Heiau NHS or the Kona Coast, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help plan unforgettable visiting to the Big Island.

Why Visit Pu’ukohola Heiau Historic Site

Pu’ukohola Heiau is a wonderful place to visit and, I feel, it is so often overlooked. Being located far from Kailua-Kona and really in a place that you need to intentionally end up, Pu’ukohola Heiau doesn’t get a ton of visitors. I’ve never seen it busy, and even if there were a lot of people there, it’s a pretty good sized National Park site with lots of trails and things to learn.

There is a good visitor center and the park rangers are happy to talk all about Native Hawaiian culture and Pu’ukohola Heiau specifically. You’ll get to cover all the ground of the park at your own pace, and if you’re lucky there may even be an event at the heiau. From time to time Native Hawaiians and representatives of the Kingdom of Hawaii may hold ceremonies here, laying flower leis and other items at Pu’ukohola Heiau structure.

WHAT IS A HEIAU?

You’ll actually see the Hawaiian word “HEIAU” all around the Islands. The heiau is a spiritual area. Heiau are sacred Hawaiian temples that played central roles in religion, politics, and social life. They were used for various purposes, including offerings to gods, ceremonies, and governance. The Kona coast features several significant heiau that have been reconstructed from archaeological ruins.

Tips for Visiting Pu’ukohola Heiau

When you visit Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site you’ll want to bring water and your camera. The park is set up above the water on the hillside and there are trails winding all through the park, so even if you’re not planning on having a hiking day, you’ll at least have some good walking. From the heiau structures on the hill to the path down to the beach, you can easily spend more than an hour here. There’s a lot to learn and see, and DON’T FORGET TO GET A NATIONAL PARK STAMP!

If you are interested in visiting more sites like Pu’ukohola Heiau NHS, be sure to add the nearby Lapakhi State HIstoric Park and Pu’uohonua O Hunaunau National Historical Park down in Captain Cook. Both of these other sites have similar archaeological features but share the story of the Hawaiian people slightly differently, but all are great for getting a better understanding of Hawaiian culture and the context of the Big Island and its inhabitants. I love all of these sites.

Can I Snorkel at Pu’ukohola Heiau NHS?

Although this isn’t a primary snorkeling stop, there is a trail down to the water to that you may want to do. Pelekane Beach park is just to the north and Spencer Beach Park is to the south. While you can access both of these spots from Pu’ukohola Heiau, they do have their own parking which you should use so that visitors to the heiau can park where they need to. I think the snorkeling next door at Spencer Beach Park is fantastic and it’s worth setting aside time to swim and snorkel here.

Another nearby beach that’s a part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is Mau’umae Beach. This is a beautiful, more secluded beach that you get to via the National Park Service designated trail. Spencer Beach Park is easier to access, but if you want to do both, it’s a wonderful, beautiful Big Island adventure.