Sight guide · Big Island (Hawaiʻi) · United States
Visiting Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Kamehameha I built this massive stone temple in 1790–91 to fulfil a prophecy that he would unite the islands.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bamse, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is a historic site in Kohala Coast, Big Island (Hawaiʻi). Allow 45 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Historic site
- Area
- Kohala Coast
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- history, free and photo spot
- Best months
- May, September and November
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About Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Kamehameha I built this massive stone temple in 1790–91 to fulfil a prophecy that he would unite the islands. A short trail from the visitor centre passes the heiau, and blacktip reef sharks are sometimes seen in the bay below.
Tip: Walk the short path to the overlook in the early morning, when the lava stone is cooler and the light is soft.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 45 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Kohala Coast, resort enclaves on black lava fields with white-sand bays.
Best time to visit Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- May: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- September: 30°C (86°F) highs, about 9 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- November: 29°C (84°F) highs, about 8 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Big Island (Hawaiʻi) has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Big Island (Hawaiʻi) itinerary visits Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site on day 2, together with Hāpuna Beach, Chain of Craters Road and Manta ray night snorkel.
- No. 19 of the 19 sights in our Big Island (Hawaiʻi) things-to-do list.
- Day 2 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 2 of the 5-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
- One of the picks in historic sites in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Also in Kohala Coast, so you can walk between them:
- Hāpuna Beach — half a day, low cost
If you like Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
- Chain of Craters Road — Volcano, 2–3 hours
- Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park — South Kona, 1.5 hours
- Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach — Kaʻū, 1 hour
- Papakōlea Green Sand Beach — Kaʻū, 3–4 hours
Staying near Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Stay in Kohala Coast ($$$$) to walk here: resort enclaves on black lava fields with white-sand bays. All areas to stay in Big Island (Hawaiʻi).
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site?
Plan 45 minutes. With Hāpuna Beach nearby, it fits a half-day in Kohala Coast.
+Is Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site?
May, September and November, the quietest of the good months. Walk the short path to the overlook in the early morning, when the lava stone is cooler and the light is soft.
+Do I need to book Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.