Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

What to expect

From the visitor center, which opened in 2007 with exhibits and a park store, a paved half-mile loop drops gently toward the shore and climbs back. Allow 20 to 30 minutes. Along the way you pass Puʻukoholā and Mailekini Heiau. Both are original structures, not reconstructions, though some repairs followed the 2006 earthquakes. The loop also passes Pelekane, the royal courtyard, and a stone leaning post. Wheelchair paths reach the base of both heiau, so you can take in their scale from below, looking up from the shore of Pelekane Bay.

Know before you go

Hours and parking

Visitor services run 8:30am to 4:30pm every day, but the visitor center lot is open only 8:30am to 4pm, so arrive with time to spare. The visitor center sits down the hill, just before the Spencer Beach Park turnoff.

Sacred site

Puʻukoholā is a sacred site, so stay on the marked trail. The traditional Hoʻokuʻikahi ceremony takes place here every August.

Sharks

Rangers say early morning, just after sunrise, is usually the best time to spot sharks in Pelekane Bay, though they can show up any time of day.

Heat

Daytime highs reach the upper 80s°F, so bring water and walk in the morning or late afternoon. Winter is milder, with highs in the mid-70s and humpback whales offshore.

Accessibility

Wheelchair paths run from the lot to the visitor center and on to the base of both heiau. The paved loop has gentle grades and a few steps, and the restrooms at the visitor center are accessible.

Weather closures

The trail occasionally closes in high winds or storms, so check with the park on stormy days.