Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
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In the 18th century, Hawaii was racked with conflict. Factions controlled sections of the large island of Hawaii, and other factions controlled other individual and smaller islands in the group. In 1782, King Kamehameha won control of the northern and western sections of what the islanders call the Big Island. Two stranded American and British explorers assisted the effort by providing military advice and modern weapons to the King. After several brutal battles, the King united the islands and built the Puʻukoholā Heiau, or “Temple on the Hill of the Whale,” by having tribesmen shift red lava rock from the Poluku Valley, about 14 miles to the east, to this isolated hilltop on the northeastern corner of Hawaii. After a year of effort, the temple was built and became a symbol of peace and prosperity visited by people from nearby Waimea and more far-ranging communities like Honolulu and Hilo.
Things To Do Near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
At Puʻukoholā Heiau, visitors find various things to explore, including the sacrificial temple built so long ago. At the visitor center, explorers find the beginnings of a trail that leads to multiple points throughout the park. After viewing the temple, hike about 170 feet west to see the ruins of an earlier temple called the Mailekini Heiau. From the top of the hill, the ocean views are spectacular, with endless horizons to the west and south, and a dimpled view to the north of other islands in the group. Just offshore is the Hale O Kapuni, an underwater structure dedicated to sharks where the water is so clear you can see sharks feeding on the offerings made by local priests.
Hiking Trails
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Puʻukoholā Heiau Trail
The Puʻukoholā Heiau Trail is a highly used pathway that wanders through the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site. Though the elevation changes rapidly, there is no real effort involved in making this hike. You pass along the hilltop past the main temple and on to the older temple. The sites are amazing.
Location
The trailhead begins at the Visitor Center at 62-3601 Kawaihae Road, Kawaihae, HI 96743
Length
0.9 miles
Intensity
Easy
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Waimanu Valley Trail
The Waimanu Valley Trail reaches the depths of one of the most beautiful valleys in the country. It passes majestic waterfalls that cascade down slopes covered with tropical vegetation. Picturesque views greet hikers at every turn.
Location
The trailhead is at the end of Highway 240, west of Kukuihaele, at the Waipi’o Overlook.
Length
16 miles
Intensity
Hard
Sightseeing
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Mauna Kea
When you visit the heights at Mauna Kea, you are as close to the stars as you can get on the Hawaiian Islands. Sitting at an elevation of 13,796 feet, this mountain is the current home of one of the largest observatories in the world. Known as the only tundra area in the island group, local legends hold it to be the home of Poli’ahu, Hawaii’s snow goddess. Visitors to this location on a clear night have one of the clearest views of the Milky Way found in the country.
Location
There are no road addresses at Mauna Kea, but you can get there by driving six miles uphill from the intersection of Route 200 (Saddle Road) and the Mauna Kea Access Road.
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Akaka Falls
Sugar plantations once surrounded Akaka Falls. Today, it stands alone as one of the greatest attractions on the island of Hawaii. The falls plummet 442 feet through tropical vegetation to crash into a clear pond. You will remember this sight for your lifetime.
Location
To get to Akaka Falls, drive 3.5 miles beyond Honomu on Highway 220.
Museums
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Lyman Museum and Mission House
The Lyman Museum and Mission House is on the National Register of Historic Places. Initially constructed as the residence of the Lyman family — early missionaries to the islands — it is now a museum that houses the history of Hawaii. Over 26,000 volumes of historical documents, photos, and testimonials lie here to be discovered by the curious. The house is the oldest wooden structure on the islands.
Location
276 Haile Street, Hilo, HI 96720
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Laupahoehoe Train Museum
The sugar industry brought more than trade to the islands. The Laupahoehoe Train Museum is all that remains of a railroad explicitly built to transport sugar cane to processing plants. The building was a station agent’s house and is furnished with the same appliances and chairs as were available in 1900.
Location
36-2377 Mamalahoa Highway, Laupahoehoe, HI 96764
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Waimea General Store
The sign may say it is a general store, but this is actually a gift shop. Stop by this shop to find some of the most exotic gifts you can find anywhere. The shelves are packed with everything from potholders to black lava sea salt to white honey.
Location
65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Suite 112, Kamuela, HI
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Gallery of Great Things
At the Gallery of Great Things, visitors find shelves filled with antiques from around the Pacific Rim. Baskets, indigenous artifacts, hand-carved idols, and pottery are listed on their inventory.
Location
65-1279 Kawaihae Road, Parker Square, Kamuela, HI 96743
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The Fish and the Hog
As the name of the restaurant says, this eatery features pork and seafood on its menu. The pork is either bacon or barbeque. The fish is always fresh. Try their daily catch fish sandwich for a unique palate-pleasing experience.
Location
64-957 Mamalahoa Highway, Kamuela, HI 96743
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Moa Kitchen
The Moa Kitchen is an example of Japanese influence on Hawaiian cuisine. With the term “moa” meaning chicken in Hawaiian, it is no surprise that this restaurant uses every chicken part to create their meals. Their ramen soaked in homemade chicken broth is the richest and tastiest ramen found anywhere.
Location
65-1298 Kawaihae Road, Waimea, HI 96743
How To Get To Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Hilo, HI, is the largest city on the island of Hawaii. To get to the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site from Hilo, get onto Hawaii Highway 200 (HI-200) and drive for 54.31 miles. Turn right onto Hawaii Highway 19 (HI-19), otherwise known as Lindsey Road, and drive 9.69 miles to the site entrance.
The Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is open year-round. The site’s hours of operation are from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Address
62-3601 Kawaihae Road, Kawaihae, HI 96743
Fee: Entry fee (per person) $2.0
The Hawaiian Islands are easily traveled by RV. Using an RV allows you to cover the islands with speed and comfort. Any visitor to the islands should travel to the Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site to help celebrate peace and prosperity. It is an adventure that warms the heart and encourages you to overcome challenges at home and abroad. A trip here will stick in a family’s memory for a lifetime.
