Kohala Historical Sites State Monument (Moʻokini Heiau)
Hāwī, Kohala Coast
A Sacred Heiau and Kamehameha I's Birthsite at the Island's North Tip
Kohala Historical Sites State Monument is a 6.7-acre state monument at the north end of Hawaiʻi Island that preserves Moʻokini Heiau and the Kamehameha I Birthsite. The state describes Moʻokini as a National Historic Landmark and one of the island's most famous luakini heiau, and the birthsite as a memorial to Kamehameha, who united the island's chiefdoms. It is open during daylight hours and has no entrance fee.
The state page does not give parking, road conditions or whether a 4WD vehicle is needed, and no closure for this monument appears in DLNR's 10/8/26 storm notices (which close nearby Lapakahi State Historical Park). Because the access road details are not stated, confirm conditions with DLNR before driving out.
Why Roamwise recommends this
A free, deeply significant cultural stop for travelers already exploring North Kohala.
Best for: Hawaiian history, a quiet reflective stop, pairing with Pololū and Hāwī.
Insider tip: this is a sacred site — stay on the path and take nothing — and confirm road conditions before you drive out.
- Safety notes:
- The state page gives no road, parking or 4WD information; confirm access with DLNR before going.
- Cost:
- No entrance fee listed by the state; the page gives no parking information. (checked October 2026)
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Local tips
- •Free
- •open during daylight hours.
- •Road and parking details are not on the state page — confirm with DLNR first.
- •Sacred site: stay on paths, don't climb on stonework, take nothing.
- •Nearby Lapakahi State Historical Park is closed (DLNR, 10/8/26).
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