Virtual Roadtrip: Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

The Last Ancient Hawaiian Temple

Stop #24 on our Virtual Road Trip is the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site on the Big Island of Hawaii! This is the location from which Kamehameha l began the unification of the Hawaiian Islands. Puʻukoholā Heiau, meaning “Temple on the Hill of the Whale,” was built in less than a year with stones that were transported by a 14-mile human chain. The construction of the sacred site was supervised by Kamehameha’s brother and required the assistance of thousands of workers.

Today, the National Historic Site includes a visitor center with a selection of short films, cultural exhibits, historical displays, and a gift shop. An interpretive trail leads from the visitor center to Puʻukoholā. To the west of the temple ruins is another set of ruins of the Mailekini Heiau. The last structure of note is Hale o Kapuni, an underwater temple that is now home to black tip sharks.

Did You Know? The National Historic Site hosts an annual two-day cultural festival that includes demonstrations teaching featherwork, slack key guitar, lauhala weaving, bamboo stamping, and traditional Hawaiian tattoos.

Travel Tip: There’s a lot to do and see when visiting the historic site. The most popular activity is walking the half-mile path to the temple ruins. Check the schedule of activities before you leave the visitor center— daily activities include ranger talks, craft demonstrations and cultural activities. Extend your visit and walk along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. The trail passes Mau’umae Beach (about 3/4 mile) and ends at Hapuna Beach (about 3 miles). There’s a good chance you’ll catch a glimpse of a shark!!!

Following the Connection

Surfing was born in Hawaii and is intertwined with the culture and heritage of the people. One of the best surfing museums in the United States is in Oceanside, California. The California Surf Museum has drawn tens of thousands of annual visitors from over 40 nations around the globe for over 30 years.

Next Stop: California Surf Museum, Oceanside, California

Detour: Another spiritual destination on the Island of Hawaii is Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park in Kailua-Kona. The National Historic Park preserves a coastal Hawaiian settlement with Hawaiian fishponds, trails through lava fields, and a beach you have to share with green sea turtles.

Plan Your Trip

A trip to the Hawaiian Islands is a dream vacation. Each of the islands is a little different in its own wonderful way, so we strongly recommend visiting a few islands on your next trip. Here are some recommendations from the travel desk at Check-it-Off Travel to consider while planning your visit.