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Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Kawaihae, Kohala Coast

Kamehameha's 1790s Temple of the War God — Free Entry

8.4/ 10
Good to go

Puʻukoholā Heiau ("Whale Hill") is a National Historic Site at Kawaihae, on Highway 270 near mile marker 2. It's a large temple — about 224 feet long, 100 feet wide, and 16–20 feet high — built between 1790 and 1791 under King Kamehameha as part of his effort to unite the islands, and dedicated to Kū, the god of war. Visitors can't walk on the heiau, but a steep path from the visitor center leads to within about 100 yards.

The visitor center has exhibits and a short film on the temple's origins, plus a free smartphone audio tour. Samuel M. Spencer Park, just past the heiau, offers coastal views of the site, and the remains of Hale o Kapuni, a submerged temple to the shark god, may be visible just below the surface from the shoreline; green sea turtles and, in season, humpback whales can be spotted from shore.

Entry is free with no permit or reservation. The NPS hours page lists 8:30 AM–4:30 PM daily (parking gate closes at 4:00 PM), though another listing says 7:30 AM; confirm before a special trip. The site is sacred to Native Hawaiians — don't touch or disturb the stones and stay on designated paths.

Why Roamwise recommends this

A free, short, genuinely historic stop on the Kohala coast — easy to pair with Hāpuna or Pololū.

Best for: history lovers, families, an easy midday cultural stop.

Insider tip: allow about an hour, start with the film at the visitor center, and stay on the marked paths.

Respect & culture: Puʻukoholā Heiau is a sacred site to Native Hawaiians, built in 1790–91 under Kamehameha the Great and dedicated to Kū, the god of war. Visitors are asked not to touch or disturb the stones and to stay on designated paths.
History and Hawaiian cultureA free, short cultural stopFamilies
Safety notes:
NPS lists 8:30 AM–4:30 PM daily with the parking gate closing at 4:00 PM; another listing says 7:30 AM — confirm. The site occasionally closes for weather.
Cost:
Free; the park states no entrance pass is required. (checked October 2026)

Reviews: Google MapsYelp

Local tips

  • •Free entry
  • •no permit or reservation needed.
  • •The heiau can't be walked on — a steep path leads to within about 100 yards.
  • •Stay on designated paths and don't touch the stones.
  • •Hours conflict across listings — confirm before you go.

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