Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Puukohola Heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple complex located on the coast at Kawaihae, built entirely from red stones found in the region. The site contains a main temple platform surrounded by thick walls, with a smaller structure on the lower level that once housed ritual spaces.

The temple was built in 1790 by King Kamehameha I as part of his effort to consolidate power and unify the Hawaiian islands. The construction project demonstrated his authority and marked the beginning of a significant period in Hawaiian history.

This temple was dedicated to a war god and served as a center for Hawaiian spiritual practice. The site reflects how people gathered to strengthen their relationship with the sacred and participate in important communal ceremonies.

The site is open to visitors and offers pathways to explore the temple structure and the surrounding coastal landscape. Come early in the day, wear comfortable shoes, and bring water, as the area has limited shade and intense sun exposure.

Thousands of workers organized in a human chain to move stones across the land, showing the remarkable social organization of Hawaiian communities. This feat accomplished without modern equipment remains a testament to their engineering and coordination abilities.