Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: Hawaii
📘 Park Overview
How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a stranded sailor risen up to become a great chief over an entire island? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Where else can you stand on a beach and watch as sharks pass over a submerged temple? Experience all this and much more – only at Pu'ukoholā Heiau!
🌤 Weather Information
The weather in the park is typically hot and sunny with daytime temperatures in the upper 80's. An excellent time to experience the park is in the morning and in the late afternoon when the temperatures are a bit cooler. The park is open daily from 7:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. However, the park and or trail does occasionally close because of high winds or dangerous storm conditions. Please check with the visitor center or your hotel for any weather advisories or hazardous conditions on the day of your visit.
🚗 Directions
From Keahole (Kona) International Airport: Head east on Keahole Airport Rd. Turn left at traffic light onto HI-19. Follow HI-19 to Spencer Beach Park Rd. (26.1 mi) Turn left onto HI-270 (0.4 mi) Turn left onto Spencer Beach Park Rd. (0.3 mi) Destination will be second right on Spencer Beach Park Rd. (Approximately 32 minute drive 27.5 mi)
Images
Ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau, Painting by Herb Kane
Credit: Herb Kane
Pu'ukoholā Heiau on a clear hot and sunny day in the district of Kawaihae.
Credit: NPS Photo / M. Tadio
Sunrise with a bright orange red glow rising above Pu'ukoholā Heiau.
Credit: NPS/M.Tadio
Warriors dressed in traditional attire presenting war god Kū on top of Pu'ukoholā Heiau during Ho'oku'ikahi Ceremony.
Credit: NPS
Ho'okupu offerings placed on top of the lele during Ho'oku'ikahi ceremony.
Credit: NPS
Paved half mile loop trail (starting from the visitor center) will takes you to the base of Pu'ukoholā Heiau, passing Mailekini Heiau to Pelekane Bay, and right a long the coastal trail back to the visitor center.
Credit: NPS/M.Tadio
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Saturday, May 23
Patchy rain nearby
High: 73°F | Low: 63.8°F
Humidity: 70%
Wind: 16.3 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 10.8
Sunrise: 05:44 AM
Sunset: 06:55 PM
Moon: First Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 62.1°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Sunday, May 24
Patchy rain nearby
High: 75.1°F | Low: 62.7°F
Humidity: 71%
Wind: 12.1 mph
Rain Chance: 84%
UV Index: 11.6
Sunrise: 05:44 AM
Sunset: 06:55 PM
Moon: First Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 62.9°F
Cloud Cover: 84%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, May 25
Patchy rain nearby
High: 74.4°F | Low: 63.6°F
Humidity: 73%
Wind: 14.5 mph
Rain Chance: 89%
UV Index: 9.4
Sunrise: 05:44 AM
Sunset: 06:55 PM
Moon: First Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 63.9°F
Cloud Cover: 89%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (2)
Wind Advisory issued May 22 at 3:12PM HST until May 23 at 6:00AM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Effective: May 22, 2026 9:12pm
Expires: May 23, 2026 10:15am
* WHAT...Northeast winds 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.
* WHERE...Maui Central Valley North, Maui Central Valley South, Maui
Leeward West, Maui Windward West, South Haleakala, Big Island
North, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, and Kohala.
* WHEN...Until 6 AM HST Saturday.
* IMPACTS...Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree
branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to
steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles.
Wind Advisory issued May 23 at 3:00AM HST until May 23 at 6:00PM HST by NWS Honolulu HI
Effective: May 23, 2026 9:00am
Expires: May 24, 2026 12:00am
* WHAT...Northeast winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
* WHERE...Maui Central Valley North, Maui Central Valley South, Maui
Leeward West, Maui Windward West, South Haleakala, Big Island
North, Big Island South, Big Island Southeast, and Kohala.
* WHEN...Until 6 PM HST this evening.
* IMPACTS...Winds this strong can tear off shingles, knock down tree
branches, blow away tents and awnings and make it difficult to
steer, especially for drivers of high profile vehicles.
Park Alerts
Park Events
Konane - Hawaiian Checkers
Come join Park Volunteer Ed Dowling, who will be teaching visitors at Pu'ukoholā Heiau visitor center every Wednesdays from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM about the history of the ancient Hawaiian Polynesian two-player strategy board game called Kōnane and how to play it. It's all about the stratigic skills like chess or go to see how you can trap your opponent. This is a free program that all ages can enjoy and experience a skill taught for generation.
Today, konane, and other Hawaiian games, are enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Konane tournaments are being held, and konane sets may be bought at Hawaiian arts and craft stores and at your local Hawai'i National Park Bookstores.
Contact park staff for any updats on park programs. All events and porgram may subject to chance due to weather or any last minute changes. Mahalo and Enjoy!
Location: Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS Visitor Center
Date: Sep 4, 2024 12:00am to Sep 24, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
B.A.R.K. Ranger Walk & Talk
The B.A.R.K. Ranger Program encourages dogs (and other family fur friends) and their humans to complete at least one B.A.R.K. Code activity geared toward teaching and practicing the etiquette needed when dogs visit historical sites like Pu'ukoholā Heiau. This guided program is as easy as B.A.R.K.!
• Bag your dog’s waste and remove it.
• Always leash your dog. Keep your dog on a six-foot leash and under control at all times.
• Respect wildlife. The park is home to many native species, most notably the State Bird of Hawaiʻi, the Nēnē.
• Know where you can go.
Contact park staff for updates and changes. Programs or events my change due to weather or staffing. Mahalo and enjoy!
Location: Walk and talk starts at the visitor center. Check in with park staff upon arrival to let the B.A.R.K. Ranger know you want to participate. Let's PAWty on down with Ranger O'shen!
Date: Sep 12, 2024 12:00am to Sep 25, 2025 12:00am
Paid Event
Humpback Whale Season Kickoff
Join the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site for our annual humpback whale season kickoff!
9:00am - 12:00pm
Park staff and volunteers from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary will be on site to help look for humpback whales and answer any questions you
might have about our amazing yearly visitors to Hawai'i waters.
10:30am - 11:10am — Humpback Whale Movie
Learn how humpback whales communicate, sing, feed, play, take care of their young, why
humpbacks are the most acrobatic of all whales, why they sing their songs, and much
more. The forty-minute movie is an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of
one of natures most awe-inspiring marine mammals.
Light refreshments will be provided by Hawaiʻi Pacific Parks Association.
Free whale posters for all attendees.
Date: Jan 6, 2026 12:00am to Jan 6, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Humpback Whale Program
Join the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site for our humpback whale program!
9:00am - 12:00pm
Park staff and volunteers from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine
Sanctuary will be on site to help look for humpback whales and answer any questions you
might have about our amazing yearly visitors to Hawai'i waters.
10:30am - 11:10am — Humpback Whale Movie
Learn how humpback whales communicate, sing, feed, play, take care of their young, why
humpbacks are the most acrobatic of all whales, why they sing their songs, and much
more. The forty-minute movie is an extraordinary journey into the mysterious world of
one of natures most awe-inspiring marine mammals.
Date: Jan 13, 2026 12:00am to Jan 13, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cultural Demonstration - Konane
The game of skills and strategy can be learened in minutes, but may take a lifetime to master.
More than 100 years ago, the fame and skill of the Hawaiian Konane players reach the ears of the world. The king of england sent his champion draughts players around the world challenging all comers to the game of checkers. King Kamehameha sent his "Queens" team to meet the challenge, and beat the best of the British Empire at their own game.
It was said that King Kamehameha was an excelent player, sometimes beating his own opponent in one move. Early visitors to Hawai'i wrote of the popularity of the game and noted that Kamehameha would sit long hours over the game. His skill was so great that his chiefs and queens were no match for him.
Come join Hawai'i Parks Association member Ed, and learn the history behind this intense and focused Makahiki game of Konane. Every Tuesdays from 10:00am-1:00pm at the park visitor center.
Location: Visitor center open lanai area.
Date: Feb 3, 2026 12:00am to Dec 29, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Cultural Demonstration - Hulu Ali'i (Chiefly Featherwork)
Hawaiian cultural practitioner Pomai Brown brings the art of crafting Hulu Aliʻi (Chiefly Featherwork) to life. These feathered capes and cloaks once worn exclusively by our aliʻi (nobility). Made of ōlona fiber netting and tens of thousands of bird feathers, 'ahu 'ula were used for spiritual and physical protection of the wearer during battle and ceremony. The woven caps, adorned with 'Haka' (crown embellishments), are showcased in museums worldwide, featuring thousands of red, yellow, and black feathers, with unique designs noting the wearer's geneology and rank. Each bundle are tied with care and carrying the mana of the birds that provided them. No two 'ahu 'ula were identical, through many contain similar patters, noting familial relations between the wearers.
This demonstration offers a meaningful connection to our kūpuna and the rich history of this sacred place. Please join Pomai Brown every Wednesdays at the visitor center from 10:00am-1:00pm in learning an Hawaiian craft. For more information, contact park staff at 808-882-7218 X1011 or visit the parks social media pages @puukoholaheiaunhs. Hope to see you there!
Location: Visitor center
Date: Feb 4, 2026 12:00am to Dec 30, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
54th Annual Hoʻokuʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival
Mālama kō aloha
"Keep your love"
Celebrate Hawaiian culture, history, and traditions during the annual Hoʻokūʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. This free two-day event brings together cultural practitioners, community organizations, park staff, and visitors to honor the enduring legacy of Puʻukoholā Heiau and the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Festival activities include cultural demonstrations, traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, Hawaiian games, music, hula, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn from cultural practitioners from across Hawaiʻi Island.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
6–10 a.m. — Ceremonies at Puʻukoholā Heiau
10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Festivities at Spencer Park at ʻOhaiʻula Beach
Sunday, August 16, 2026
9:30 a.m. — Mele & Pule at Spencer Park at ʻOhaiʻula Beach
10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Festivities at Spencer Park at ʻOhaiʻula Beach
Join us in celebrating the cultural traditions of Puʻukoholā Heiau!
Date: Aug 15, 2026 12:00am to Aug 15, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
54th Annual Hoʻokuʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival
Mālama kō aloha
"Keep your love"
Celebrate Hawaiian culture, history, and traditions during the annual Hoʻokūʻikahi Hawaiian Cultural Festival at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. This free two-day event brings together cultural practitioners, community organizations, park staff, and visitors to honor the enduring legacy of Puʻukoholā Heiau and the unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Festival activities include cultural demonstrations, traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, Hawaiian games, music, hula, hands-on activities, and opportunities to learn from cultural practitioners from across Hawaiʻi Island.
Saturday, August 15, 2026
6–10 a.m. — Ceremonies at Puʻukoholā Heiau
10 a.m.–3 p.m. — Festivities at Spencer Park at ʻOhaiʻula Beach
Sunday, August 16, 2026
9:30 a.m. — Mele & Pule at Spencer Park at ʻOhaiʻula Beach
10 a.m.–2 p.m. — Festivities at Spencer Park at ʻOhaiʻula Beach
Join us in celebrating the cultural traditions of Puʻukoholā Heiau!
Date: Aug 16, 2026 12:00am to Aug 16, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, HI 96743
🏤 Mailing Address:
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
62-3601 Kawaihae Road
Kawaihae, HI 96743
📞 Voice Phone: 8088827218
📞 Fax Phone: 8088824610
✉️ Email: puhe_info@nps.gov