Sacred Sites according to Districts
VISITING A HEIAU
You are invited to visit the traditional Hawaiian religious sites listed in this website. However, you are asked to remember that these are religious sites which are still sacred to the Hawaiian people. As historic sites, these places are also fragile and subject to damage and collapse. Please visit with respect and care for these important places.
View the heiau from the exterior. Please do not climb on or over the rock walls. The stacked roof is unstable and may collapse.
It is unlawful to take, excavate, destroy, or alter any historic site on state land. Any person who violates this law is subject to a fine of $10,000 (HRS Chapter 6E-11)
Wrapping a rock in a ti leaf is not a traditional offering. This damages the plants and the integrity of the heiau structure.
Offerings of coins, candles, incense and similar items cause long-term damage.
The historic sites of Hawaii are unique resources that are fragile and cannot be replaced. Please help us protect Hawaii's past for the future.
You are invited to visit the traditional Hawaiian religious sites listed in this website. However, you are asked to remember that these are religious sites which are still sacred to the Hawaiian people. As historic sites, these places are also fragile and subject to damage and collapse. Please visit with respect and care for these important places.
View the heiau from the exterior. Please do not climb on or over the rock walls. The stacked roof is unstable and may collapse.
It is unlawful to take, excavate, destroy, or alter any historic site on state land. Any person who violates this law is subject to a fine of $10,000 (HRS Chapter 6E-11)
Wrapping a rock in a ti leaf is not a traditional offering. This damages the plants and the integrity of the heiau structure.
Offerings of coins, candles, incense and similar items cause long-term damage.
The historic sites of Hawaii are unique resources that are fragile and cannot be replaced. Please help us protect Hawaii's past for the future.
Kona
West between the Kohala and Kau districts. North Kona: Legendary fishing grounds and the shops, hotels and condos of Kailua-Kona. South Kona: Home to the world famous Kona coffee plantations and tiny fishing villages.
SITES: SACRED & HISTORICAL AHUENA HEIAU Located to the right (north) of the Kailua Pier in Kailua-Kona on the grounds of the King Kamehameha Hotel. King Kamehameha the Great's personal heiau (temple). He spent his later years here until his death in 1819. AMY B. H. GREENWELL ETHNOBOTANICAL GARDEN P. O. Box 1053, Captain Cook, HI 96704 Tel. (808) 323-3318 Twelve acres of native and pre-contact plants that were important to Hawaiian culture. Maintained and operated by the Bishop Museum. Located immediately past the 110 Mile Marker in South Kona. KALOKO-HONOKOHAU National Historical Park 73-4786 Kanalani Street, #14 Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Tel. (808) 329-6881 Kaloko-Honokohau is located at the base of Hualalai Volcano, along the Kona coast . It is 3 miles north of Kailua-Kona and 3 miles south of Keahole-Kona International Airport, along Queen Kaahumanu Highway. Established in 1978 for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture, this 1160-acre park is of incredible cultural and historical significance. It is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement which encompasses portions of four different ahupuaa, or traditional sea to mountain land divisions. Resources include fishponds, kahua (house site platforms), kii pohaku (petroglyphs), holua (stone slide), and heiau (religious site). Visitors can hike along the coast through the park and enjoy other activities such as picnicking, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, bird watching, and surfing. KEALAKEKUA BAY STATE HISTORICAL PARK In Napoopoo at end of Beach Rd. off Government Rd. from Puuhonua Rd. (Hwy 160) or Lower Government Rd. from Mamalahoa Hwy (Hwy 11) at Captain Cook or Keei Junction. (South Kona District) 4.0 acres. Viewing of Hikiau Heiau - a luakini (temple of human sacrifice). The place of worship where priests offered reverence to Captain Cook in 1779, believing that he was the god Lono returning to them as promised. Panoramic view of Kealakekua Bay. KEALAKOWAA HEIAU Kona Outdoor Circle 76-6280 Kuakini Highway Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (North Kona District) Tel. (808) 326-7286 Under preservation next to the Kona Outdoor Circle Educational Center, the ritual 1.5 acre site was built in the 1600's. The heiau was an ancient ceremonial spot for blessing canoes before they were dragged to the water for completion and launching. The heiau site is not open to visitors at this time but can be viewed from the Educational Center and tours can be arranged upon request (call 329-6217 between 9am-1pm). KEOLONAHIHI STATE HISTORICAL PARK Located about 2.5 miles south of Kailua-Kona town and 2.5 miles north of Keauhou (North Kona District) The 12-acre park named after a high-ranking priestess Ke-olona-hihi, contains 13 traditional Hawaiian sites of various heiaus, platforms and enclosures, including a mortuary temple and a temple for martial arts and surfing. KUEMANU HEIAU Located in Kailua-Kona Town. South along Alii Drive to the right of the little blue church. Kailua-Kona (North Kona District) The only heiau (temple) in the State known to be associated solely with surfing. PUUHONUA O HONAUNAU National Historical Park P. O. Box 129 Honaunau, HI 96726 (South Kona District) Tel. (808) 328-2326 (Administration); (808) 328-2288 (Visitor Center) A 181.8-acre park. Until 1819, vanquished Hawaiian warriors, noncombatants, and kapu breakers could escape death by reaching this sacred ground. Prehistoric house sites, royal fishponds, coconut groves, and spectacular shore scenery comprise the park. Green sea turtles can often be spotted in Keone Ele cove . Humpback whales can be seen during the winter months. Handouts on the local plants and birds are available. A 1871 historic trail (approx. 1 mile) has many archeological sites including temple sites (heiau), some sledding tracks (holua), and old house sites. There is also an open lava tube cave that ends at the face of a sea cliff. Watch your head as the ceiling is low and flashlights are recommended. Ask at the visitor center for a backcountry trail guide. The park celebrates its annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival on the weekend that falls closest to July 1. Note: The Green Sea Turtle is a Federally protected endangered species - please do not touch them and keep 10 feet away. For your own safety, please do not jump from the cliff or opening of the lava tube cave. Hilo
East between the Puna and Hamakua districts. North Hilo: A diamond in the rough - containing a National Wildlife Refuge that encompasses an incredible rain forest. South Hilo: Site of Hilo - a classic tropical town. Botanical gardens and flower farms surround it like a giant lei.
NAHA STONE Hilo Public Library 300 Waianuenue Avenue Hilo, HI 96740 (Hilo District) Legend has it that whoever could overturn this 7,000 pound stone would be the first king of all the Islands - Kamehameha did - and the rest is history! Hamakua
Northeast between the Hilo and Kohala districts. Its scenic heritage coastline contains former sugar plantation villages and the awesome Waipio Valley - where nature rules!
HAMAKUA HERITAGE VISITOR CENTER Honokaa, HI (Hamakua District) The Heritage Center features a large scale mural of ancient Hawaiian culture as it once was in Waipio Valley, a mini-museum with historic photos and artifacts, and a landscaped courtyard featuring Ohia, Milo, Maile and other native Hawaiian trees and plants. Kau
South between the Kona and Puna districts. Time moves slowly at the southernmost point in the United States. An area containing some of the most ecologically diverse land in the Islands.
SOUTH POINT (KA LAE) Located at the end of South Point Road off Mamalahoa Highway (Hwy 11), near Waiohinu and approx. 6 miles west of Naalehu. The drive along South Point Road from Hwy 11 to the end is approx. 12 miles. (Kau District) As you drive down the South Point Road, you can't miss seeing and hearing the huge Kamoa Wind Farm's windmills generating electricity. Ka Lae("The Point") is the southernmost spot in the United States - the next Continental landfall is Antarctica - 7500 miles to the south.! This wild coastline has extensive archaeological sites, and is believed to be the site of the first Polynesian landings in 300 A.D. or earlier. The rocky point at Ka Lae is an overhang, and many local fishermen literally risk their lives climbing down a rope ladder to their boats anchored many feet below. |
Kohala
Northwest between the Hamakua and Kona districts. North Kohala: This secluded region, the ancestral home of Kamehameha the Great, is rife with historical and cultural treasures. South Kohala: Nicknamed "The Gold Coast" - boasts the most beautiful swimming beaches on the Big Island. Home to world-class resorts and the expansive Parker Ranch.
ANAEHOOMALU BAY North from Kailua-Kona on Queen Kaahumanu Hwy (Hwy 19). Take road at Mile Marker 76 to beach. (South Kohala District) A long crescent of white sand - fronting the Hilton Royal Waikoloa Hotel. A popular West Hawaii spot for windsurfing - location of many archaeological sites including two fishponds and a large petroglyph field. KING KAMEHAMEHA STATUE Kapaau (in front of the courthouse) (North Kohala District) The original statue - lost at sea and recovered - the one in Honolulu is its replacement. KOHALA HISTORICAL SITES STATE MONUMENT On coastal dirt road off Upolu Airport road from Akoni Pule Highway (Hwy 270); 1.6 miles southwest of Upolu Airport. (North Kohala District) A 6.7 acre site. Viewing of Mookini Heiau and Kamehameha I Birthsite. A National Historic Landmark, Mookini is one of the most famous luakini heiau (sacrificial temple) on the island. The birthsite is a memorial to Hawaii's greatest king who united the island chiefdoms into a kingdom. LAPAKAHI STATE HISTORICAL PARK On Akoni Pule Highway (Hwy. 270); 12.4 miles north of Kawaihae. (North Kohala District) A 262 acre historical park. Learn about the early Hawaiian lifestyle by taking a self-guided tour through the partially restored remains of this ancient coastal settlement. Nearby ocean waters comprise a marine preserve with various activities regulated. Normal beach activities such as sunbathing, snorkeling, etc., are not encouraged. MOOKINI HEIAU STATE MONUMENT On coastal dirt road off Upolu Airport road from Akoni Pule Highway (Hwy 270), 1.6 miles southwest of Upolu Airport. (North Kohala District) Viewing of one of the most famous heiaus (places of worship) on the island. Traditional and historic sources associate this sacrificial temple with Kuamoo Mookini, Paao and Kamehameha I. National Historic Landmark. PUAKO PETROGLYPHS Take Queen Kaahumanu Highway (Hwy 19) north from Kailua-Kona to Mauna Lani Resort Road between Mile Markers 73 and 74. The petroglyph fields are a 25 minute walk (about 0.5 mile) from the Fairmont Orchid Hawaii parking lot along the Kalahuipuaa Trail. (South Kohala District) Field of petroglyphs (carvings) in lava, one of the largest in the State. Other sites include lava tube caves and ancient fishponds. PUUKOHOLA HEIAU National Historic Site P. O. Box 44340 Kawaihae, HI 96743 (South Kohala District) Tel. (808) 882-7218 The park is on the northwestern shore in the district of South Kohala. The access road to the visitor center is off route 270, one-quarter mile north of route 270 and Highway 19 intersection. 85.3 acres. Ruins of Puukohola Heiau ("Temple on the hill of the whale") built by King Kamehameha the Great and property of John Young, who fought for Kamehameha during the period of his ascendancy to power. Hiking, guided and self-guided tours, exhibits and interpretive talks, bird watching. During winter and spring months, you can enjoy whale watching and shark sightings. Hawaiian arts and crafts demonstrations at certain times of year. Special Hawaiian programs are presented to the public throughout the year. Puna
Southeast between the Kau and Hilo districts. Known as "The Land that Flames and Blooms". A historical area full of natural wonders
MACKENZIE STATE RECREATION AREA Kalapana-Kapoho Beach Road (Highway 137), nine miles northeast of Kaimu. (Puna District) 13.1 acres with low cliffed, wild volcanic coastline. Tent camping only in ironwood grove. Good shore fishing. Old Hawaiian coastal trail traverses the park. Cultural sites, scenic vistas. Picnic area, pavilion, restrooms. No drinking water. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
South central, located mainly in the Kau and Puna districts. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the Big Island's premier tourist attraction - an unparalleled experience in geological grandeur. HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK P. O. Box 52 Hawaii National Park, HI 96718-0052 (Volcano District) Tel. (808) 985-6000 (open 24 hours per day, all year) Hawaii Volcanoes National Park encompasses 333,000 acres from sea level to the 13,677-foot summit of Mauna Loa, the world's largest and most active volcano. It is home to Kilauea Volcano, Mauna Loa's dynamic smaller sibling which provides frequent opportunities for lava viewing. For your safety, upon arrival talk to the ranger in the Kilauea Visitor Center about current lava flow conditions. In recognition of its outstanding natural values, the park has been honored as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. An important purpose of the park is to perpetuate Hawaiian culture and promote appreciation of its traditional values. In addition the park has many archaeological sites, some of which are open to the public. AFTER DARK IN THE PARK Ongoing series of free evening programs held at the Kilauea Visitor Center Auditorium on topics of geology, biology, Hawaiian culture and history. THE VOLCANO ART CENTER The Volcano Art Center (VAC) is a nonprofit, tax-exempt, educational organization created in 1974 to promote, develop and perpetuate the artistic and cultural heritage of Hawaii's people and environment through activities in the visual, literary and performing arts. PETROGLYPH FIELDS IN THE PARK PUU LOA PETROGLYPHS TRAIL A coastal trail that traverses older lava flows to the most extensive petroglyph fields in Polynesia. Pahoehoe lava flows. Difficulty: Easy to Moderate Trail Miles / Hiking Time: 2 miles roundtrip / 1-1/2 hours roundtrip Driving Miles / Time from Visitor Center to Trailhead: 20 miles / 45 minutes. The trail begins at the Puu Loa parking area on Chain of Craters Road. Please note the Petroglyphs are fragile. Stay on the boardwalk. Bring water, wear sunglasses and hat. ANNUAL CULTURAL FESTIVALS
KILAUEA CULTURAL FESTIVAL: An annual summer festival co-sponsored by the Hawaii Natural History Association and the Volcano Art Center to celebrate Hawaii's unique island heritage. Hawaiian music and hula, hands-on instructions in native crafts and games, and demonstrations of island arts and traditions. ALOHA FESTIVALS - ROYAL COURT INVESTITURE: A major annual Hawaiian pageant held at Halemaumau Crater in late August/early September. Photos. NA MEA HAWAII HULA KAHIKO SERIES: Outdoor hula performances presented by the Volcano Art Center and usually held on weekends in May and June. (See Volcano Art Center Calendar.) |