Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Located on the northwestern coast of the Big Island of Hawai‘i, Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site protects the ruins of one of the last major ancient Hawaiian temples built in the late 18th century. Constructed by King Kamehameha I in 1790-1791, this heiau (temple) played a crucial role in unifying the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. The site spans approximately 86 acres of dry coastal shrubland and lava fields offering panoramic views of the Kohala coastline and the Pacific Ocean. The landscape supports dryland native plants adapted to the volcanic terrain. Visitors can explore the massive stone walls of Puʻukoholā Heiau, considered sacred and an extraordinary feat of traditional Hawaiian dry-stack masonry. Walking trails through the site provide vistas of the adjacent Mailekini Heiau ruins and nearby Ahu‘ena Heiau, rebuilt in nearby Kailua-Kona. The site’s cultural and historical significance is complemented by interpretive signage and ranger-led programs that explain the heiau's role in Hawaiian history and traditional religious practices. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the peaceful coastal hikes, birdwatching opportunities for native seabirds, and the close proximity to other Kona coast attractions. The site is easily accessible and preserves a remarkable piece of Hawaiian heritage in an environment shaped by the raw forces of volcanism and ocean exposure.
