Built between 1790-91 by Kamehameha I, Pu'ukohola Heiau displays the skill of chiefs, men, women, and children under the astute leadership of Kamehameha I. With the assistance of two stranded European sailors, John Young and Isaac Davis, Kamehameha I extended his reign over all Hawaiian Islands. The remains of John Young's homestead may be toured at the site.
The Basics
Hours:
Site is open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., all year.
Address:
62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, HI 96743
Phone:
808-882-7218
Phone:
808-882-7218
Fax:
808-882-1215
Map
Directions
The park is on the northwestern shore of the island of Hawaii in the district of south Kohala. The access road to the visitor center is located at 62-3601 Kawaihae Road, off of Route 270, one quarter mile (.4km) north of the Highway 19 intersection.
Climate
With less than 10 inches of annual rainfall, Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS is one of the driest locations in the Hawaiian archipelago. Average daytime temperatures range from 70° Fahrenheit in the winter to the upper-80s in the summer. Nighttime temperatures are commonly about 10° cooler.
Junior Rangers are special people who want to learn about national parks and how to help protect them for future generations. To discover more about one of our nation's treasures and what you can do to preserve the park, become a Junior Ranger and earn a badge and certificate. Complete one or more of the five activities in Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site's Junior Ranger booklet, present them to the Park Ranger at the visitor center to receive your Junior Ranger Badge and a signed Certificate.
