Pu'ukohola Heiau
National Historic Site

Ruins of Pu'ukohola Heiau ("Temple on the hill of the whale") built by King Kamehameha the Great and property of John Young, who fought for Kamehameha during the period of his ascendancy to power. Authorized August 17, 1972. Acreage - 85.30; federal 60.93, non-federal 24.37.

VISITATION:
Highest in August; lowest in September.

LOCATION:
Kawaihae, HI

ADDRESS:
Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS
P.O. Box 44340
Kawaihae, HI 96743

TELEPHONE:
(808) 882-7218 or FAX (808) 882-7210

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:
Daily, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., all year.

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:
Sunny, hot, and dry throughout the year. Winter months a little cooler. Wear light comfortable clothing, and walking shoes. Use some type of sunscreen for skin protection.

DIRECTIONS:
The park is on the northwestern shore of the island of Hawaii in the district of South Kohala. The access road to the visitor center is off of route 270, one-quarter mile (.4km) north of route 270 and Highway 19 intersection.

TRANSPORTATION:
To Park: taxies, tour buses and personal vehicle.
In Park: none

FEES, COST, RATES:
No entrance fee. There is a $1.00 per person charge for any non-educational group of ten or more, who request guided tours.

FACILITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES:
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
Hiking, guided and self-guided tours, exhibits and interpretive talks.

Trails, Roads:
Hiking guided and self-guided tours are provided.

Programs/Activities:
Hawaiian arts and crafts demonstrations are available one day a week from January to September. Special Hawaiian programs are presented to the public throughout the year.

Lodging and camping facilities:
Camping sites are available at nearby Spencer Beach Park.

Food/supplies:
Local restaurants and convenient stores.

Accessibility:
The visitor center and rest rooms are accessible. Most of the trails are not accessible. Alternate viewing areas of major temple sites are provided at the visitor center.

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:
Sight-seeing at the historical sites; hiking, observing plants on the trails, and bird-watching. Winter and spring months, you can enjoy whale watching and shark sightings.

RRESERVATIONS/PERMITS:
Make reservations for guided tours at least two weeks in advance, by mail or telephone.

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:
For your safety, stay on the designated trails and do not climb on the walls of the temple. The trail from the visitor center is long, hot and rugged. If you are not physically fit and attired properly, do not attempt the hike.

SPECIAL EVENTS, PROGRAMS:
An annual Hawaiian Cultural Festival in August, commemorates the establishment of the site. Other programs are available throughout the year. Call or write for a calendar of events.

VISITOR IMPACTS:
Information concerning closing of trails accessing park sites during high wind condition, is provided at the visitor center.

ADJACENT VISITOR ATTRACTIONS:
Spencer Beach County Park within walking distance, Hapuna Beach State Park, 2.5 miles (4 km) south on highway 19, Port of Kawaihae, 1 mile (1.6 km) north on highway 270.


Last Updated:Wednesday, 03-Feb-99 03:58:53
http://www.nps.gov/puhe/