Puʻukoholā Heiau

https://www.nps.gov/puhe/index.htm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pu%CA%BBukohol%C4%81_Heiau_National_Historic_Site Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is located on the northwestern coast of the island of Hawaiʻi. The site preserves the ruins of the last major Ancient Hawaiian temple, and other historic sites. The temple was built entirely by hand with no mortar, in less than a year. The red stones were transported by a human chain about 14 miles long, from Pololū Valley to the East. Construction involved thousands of people. How many places in America can you walk in the footsteps of a king? Where else has a stranded sailor risen up to become a great chief over an entire island? Where else can you experience the culminating event of a people, foretold from centuries past? Where else can you stand on a beach and watch as sharks pass over a submerged temple? Experience all this and much more – only at Pu'ukoholā Heiau! From Keahole (Kona) International Airport: Head east on Keahole Airport Rd. Turn left at traffic light onto HI-19. Follow HI-19 to Spencer Beach Park Rd. (26.1 mi) Turn left onto HI-270 (0.4 mi) Turn left onto Spencer Beach Park Rd. (0.3 mi) Destination will be second right on Spencer Beach Park Rd. (Approximately 32 minute drive 27.5 mi) Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site Our Visitor Center is ADA accessible and offers wall exhibits with both English and Hawaiian Language interpretive information in our open lanai area. We also offer a FREE Audio tour available for Smart Phones (Data/Service Provider fees may apply). Restrooms and drinking water fountains located outside of Visitor Center. Museum exhibits and Park Store are open daily from 7:30am-5:00pm located in the visitor center. The park is on the island of Hawai'i, one mile south of Kawaihae off Hwy 270. Turn left on to Spencer Beach Park Road from Hwy 270. Turn 2nd Right in to visitor center parking lot. Visitor Center located on the right. Puʻukoholā Heiau Ceremony by Herb Kane Painting of historic ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau Ceremony at Puʻukoholā Heiau, Painting by Herb Kane Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site Banner A Lele (offering tower) set below Pu'ukoholā Heiau NHS Pu'ukoholā Heiau on a clear hot and sunny day in the district of Kawaihae. Sunrise Sunrise over Pu'ukoholā Heiau in mid September. Sunrise with a bright orange red glow rising above Pu'ukoholā Heiau. War God Kū and His Warriors War god Kū and His Warriors Warriors dressed in traditional attire presenting war god Kū on top of Pu'ukoholā Heiau during Ho'oku'ikahi Ceremony. Ho'oku'ikahi Ceremony Ho'okupu offerings placed on Lele Ho'okupu offerings placed on top of the lele during Ho'oku'ikahi ceremony. Trail Paved half mile loop trail Paved half mile loop trail (starting from the visitor center) will takes you to the base of Pu'ukoholā Heiau, passing Mailekini Heiau to Pelekane Bay, and right a long the coastal trail back to the visitor center. NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaii Each park-specific page in the NPS Geodiversity Atlas provides basic information on the significant geologic features and processes occurring in the park. Links to products from Baseline Geologic and Soil Resources Inventories provide access to maps and reports. Pu‘ukoholā Heiau 2020 WORLDFEST FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS In 2020 Harpers Ferry Center (HFC) won eight awards at WorldFest Houston. Many of these can be viewed over the summer through our upcoming film festival in celebration of HFC’s 50th Anniversary. (Note: The Special Jury REMI Award is given for a ranking of A+ and recognizes the top films in each category.) Green trees grow in red dirt canyons unde a cloudy sky. Series: Geologic Time Periods in the Cenozoic Era The Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago [MYA] through today) is the "Age of Mammals." North America’s characteristic landscapes began to develop during the Cenozoic. Birds and mammals rose in prominence after the extinction of giant reptiles. Common Cenozoic fossils include cat-like carnivores and early horses, as well as ice age woolly mammoths. fossils on display at a visitor center Quaternary Period—2.58 MYA to Today Massive ice sheets advanced and retreated across North America during much of the Quaternary, carving landscapes in many parks. Bering Land Bridge National Preserve contains geologic evidence of lower sea level during glacial periods, facilitating the prehistoric peopling of the Americas. The youngest rocks in the NPS include the lava of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the travertine at Yellowstone National Park, which can be just a few hours old. fossil bone bed and murals of mammoths Cenozoic Era The Cenozoic Era (66 million years ago [MYA] through today) is the "Age of Mammals." North America’s characteristic landscapes began to develop during the Cenozoic. Birds and mammals rose in prominence after the extinction of giant reptiles. Common Cenozoic fossils include cat-like carnivores and early horses, as well as ice age woolly mammoths. fossils on display in a visitor center Native Plant Restoration The Kalaupapa Fire ignited on January 9, 2020 and burned just over 20 acres in Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE). NPS facilities were damaged by the fire, as were natural and cultural resources. The park has been the planting pili grass (Heteropogon contortus) to rehabilitate the cultural landscape within PUHE. In 2020, the focus of burned area emergency response/emergency stabilization (BAER/ES) work was to stabilize existing planting and in-situ nurseries. Puʻukoholā Heiau as seen from the battlefield area of PUHE. Ka‘oana‘eha Ka‘ōana‘eha was born into the royal family that consolidated power over a unified Kingdom of Hawai‘i at the end of the eighteenth century, but her role in opposing Christian missionization following the collapse of the kapu (meaning both sacred and restricted) system meant that she died out of favor with her powerful family. A yellow illustration of Kawaihae Bay depicting boats, homes, and a mountain range Series: Women's History in the Pacific West - Pacific Islands Collection Women's biographies from Hawai'i and Guam Map of parks in Hawaii, American Samoa, Guam and Northern Mariana Islands Series: Geologic Time—Major Divisions and NPS Fossils The National Park System contains a magnificent record of geologic time because rocks from each period of the geologic time scale are preserved in park landscapes. The geologic time scale is divided into four large periods of time—the Cenozoic Era, Mesozoic Era, Paleozoic Era, and The Precambrian. photo of desert landscape with a petrified wood log on the surface Restoring native species post-fire at Pu’ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site Following the 2020 Kalaupapa Fire at Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE), Burned Area Rehabilitation (BAR) enabled the park to take various efforts to repair damage including continued efforts of restoration of pili (Heteropogon contortus) – a native grass species important to the cultural landscape, controlling non-native species and rehabilitating interpretive landscaping with native species. A worker digs in the soil above a building while the blue ocean spans the background. Travel Blog: The Pacific Islands Writing Prompt: Travel Blog written by Audrey Nelson for "A Day in the Life of a Fellow" Article Series. Audrey is a NPS Workforce Management Fellow, in partnership with Northwest Youth Corps Map of the Pacific Islands Project Profile: Collect Seed for Resilient Pacific Islands The National Park Service is collaborating with a range of partner organizations to coordinate native seed collection for ecosystem restoration and rare species conservation in Pacific Island parks. Seeds will be collected and curated for use in species reintroduction and conservation efforts, post-fire restoration, and to develop sustainable seed supply chains for island parks. a plant nursery with various native plants Young’s Homestead and Hale of Kaʻōanaʻeha Pu'ukoholā Heiau NHS contains the remains of one of the first western-style houses on the Hawaiian islands: the John Young Homestead. The park also contains the traditional style home of Kaʻōanaʻeha, Young’s wife. These radically different homes co-existed in a multiethnic and multicultural family. They were built during a time of cross-cultural exchange in Hawai'i and represent the power and autonomy between the chiefly class of Native Hawaiians and missionary women. Black and white photo of deteriorating hut transitions to grass hut with palm roof Series: Home and Homelands Exhibition: Work What does it take to build a home? These women lived and breathed hard work, building their homes in difficult circumstances. Several were settlers who benefitted from stolen Indigenous lands. Some shared their knowledge of the land. They all had pride in their work. They all put their hands in the soil to claim resources and build homes. Whether wielding a kapa beater to create cloth or planting a tree to sustain a family for generations, these women created futures for their communities. Thick white paper peeled back to reveal collage of women. Lava Flow Forms Young lava flows also have structures and textures that reveal information about their eruptions. Basaltic lava flows come in two major forms: Pāhoehoe and ‘A‘ā. photo of ropey and blocky lava Dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways Read the abstract and get the link to a published paper on how dragonfly mercury studies uncover unexpected atmospheric delivery pathways: Janssen, S.E., C.J. Kotalik, J.J. Willacker, M.T. Tate, C. Flanagan Pritz, S.J. Nelson, D.P. Krabbenhoft, D. Walters, and C. Eagles-Smith. 2024. Geographic Drivers of Mercury Entry into Aquatic Foods Webs Revealed by Mercury Stable Isotopes in Dragonfly Larvae. Environmental Science & Technology. DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.4c02436 close up of dragonfly larvae on white spoon Project Profile: Inventory and Monitoring of Pacific Island Historic & Cultural Resources Impacted by Climate Change The National Park Service will address impacts to archeological and ethnographic resources and cultural landscapes at Pacific Island parks from climate related sea level rise, storm frequency, flooding, and erosion. A dark, rocky beach landscape with palm trees scattered throughout, amidst blue skies. Project Profile: Apply Early Detection Rapid Response to Eradicate Goats in Hawaii Parks The National Park Service will protect and restore ecosystems by detecting and removing invasive feral goats from national parks in Hawai’i. The project will support detecting and mapping goat populations to inform removal plans. The project employs rapid response removal techniques (such as trapping, fencing, and live removal) to yield immediate results for the affected natural and cultural resources in these parks. A black and white goat with large horns peaking out behind a tree. Project Profile: Prevention/Islands: Traveler Education The National Park Service will lead a collaborative effort with Department of the Interior bureaus and other partners to promote behaviors that will decrease the risk of spreading invasive species on islands. Education and outreach products will be developed with the goal of reaching the largest audience of island visitors possible. Half above and half underwater view of thick mangrove roots growing. Project Profile: Restore Biocultural Hawaiian Ecosystems The National Park Service (NPS) will restore Hawaiian montane rainforests and anchialine pools to protect cultural and natural resources in sensitive coastal areas. The NPS will prevent feral pigs and invasive fish from entering anchialine pools and remove invasive species to protect the unique and culturally important natural ecosystems. In the montane rainforest, removing invasive plants and preventing new establishments will improve forest health. Coconut palms surrounding an anchialine pond. Project Profile: Produce Plant Materials for Pacific Island Parks The National Park Service (NPS) will expand native plant material production and storage to prevent the introduction of harmful pathogens or organisms to the Hawaiian Islands. This effort will secure appropriate seed storage capacity, produce individual plants for revegetation, and obtain locally adapted seed from partner organizations to support restoration needs. The project will result in protection and restoration of plants important to native Hawaiian people and culture. Kalaupapa National Historical Park viewed from the trail. Empowering Local Youth, Restoring Sacred Lands: Puʻukoholā Heiau's Pili Grass Revival Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE) is demonstrating a powerful model of resourcefulness and community collaboration in its mission to restore native pili (Heteropogon contortus) grasslands. Closeup of Pili grass standing tall from the ground Kilinoe Muraki-Burns: UH Hilo Intern Shaping the Pili Grass Revival at Puʻukoholā Heiau Kilinoe Muraki-Burns brought a deep connection to her Hawaiian heritage to her internship at Puʻukoholā Heiau, contributing significantly to the pili grasslands restoration. Hear more about her experience in this interview. Kilinoe uses a shovel along a hillside to dig pili grass. Dylan Velez: UH Hilo Intern Shaping the Pili Grass Revival at Puʻukoholā Heiau Dylan's passion for ecosystem restoration and indigenous land management made him a valuable asset to the Puʻukoholā Heiau pili grasslands project. Learn more from our interview with him. Dylan using a hand tool to dig grass.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site Hawaii Puukohola Heiau National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Official Map and Guide "A Ceremony at Pu'ukohoia Heiau" by Herb Kane The Temple on the Hill of the Whale The stone heiau at Pu'ukohoia is one of the iast major sacred structures built in Hawaii before outside influences altered traditional life permanently. Constructed in 1790-91 by Kamehameha I, this heiau, or temple, played a crucial role in the ruler's ascendancy. By 1790, Kamehameha, whom many believed destined to rule all of the Hawaiian islands, had invaded and conquered Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Yet he was not able to lay full claim to his home island of Hawaii because of opposition from his chief rival and cousin, Keoua Kuahu'ula. While on Molokai, Kamehameha learned that Keoua was invading his territory. Kamehameha sent his aunt to seek direction from the prophet Kapoukahi, who told her that Kamehameha would conquer all the islands if he built a large heiau dedicated to his family war god Kuka'ilimoku (KG) atop Pu'ukohoia—"Hill of the Whale"—at Kawaihae. Kamehameha set to work immediately. According to the prophecy, the builders had to follow rigid guidelines in order to please KG the war god. To ensure perfection, the prophet Kapoukahi served as the royal architect. Thousands of men camped out on the hills for nearly a year to work on the massive structure. Since the heiau had to be constructed of waterworn lava rocks, it is believed that rocks came from the seaside valley of Pololu. Workers formed a human chain at least 20 miles long and transported the rocks hand to hand to the top of Pu'ukohoia. Kamehameha himself labored with the others. When news of the war tempie reached the rivai chiefs, they decided they must attack while Kamehameha and his warriors were occupied. At best, the invasion would eliminate 4 Kamehameha and the threat he posed to his rivals. At the least, the rivals would interfere with the ritually specified construction process, and Ku would be displeased. The chiefs of Maui, Lanai, and Molokai reconquered their islands and, joined by the chiefs of Kauai and Oahu, sailed to attack Kamehameha. Kamehameha counterattacked, routed the invaders, and resumed work. In the summer of 1791, the heiau was finished. Kamehameha invited his cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula to the dedication ceremonies. Perhaps awed by the power of the heiau and its god, perhaps resigned to his cousin's ascendancy, Keoua Kuahu'ula came willingly to what would be his doom. When he arrived there was a scuffle and, whether Kamehameha intended it or not, Keoua and almost all of his companions were slain. The body of Keoua was carried up to the heiau and offered as the principal sacrifice to KG. The death of Keoua Kuahu'ula ended all opposition on the island of Hawaii, and the prophecy began to come true. By 1810, through conquest and treaties, Kamehameha the Great, builder of Pu'ukohoia Heiau, was the revered king of all the Hawaiian Islands. The Island Kingdom of Kamehameha From childhood, Kamehameha seemed destined for greatness. With the appearance of a bright, white-tailed star in the year 1758 (possibly Halley's Comet), Hawaiian seers predicted the emergence of a great leader. Kamehameha, "The Lonely One," was born around that time in the Kohala district on the northwestern tip of the island of Hawaii. Son of a high chief and a princess, Kamehameha began training as a young child to join the ranks of na ali'i koa, the chiefly warriors. By young adulthood he was tall and muscular—every bit the powerful warrior his family had expected. In 1782, at the death of his uncle, Kalani'opu'u, who ruled the island of Hawaii, Kamehameha inherited land on the northern part of the island and was given custody of his family's war god, Kuka'ilimoku. As he gained power, he intended to one day rule all of the Hawaiian Islands. Unification, in his view, would bring peace to the continually warring chiefdoms throughout the islands. His rival for control of his home island was his cousin Keoua Kuahu'ula, with whom he battled indecisively in the 1780s. In 1790, Kamehameha successfully invaded Maui, Lanai and Molokai with the aid of John Young and Isaac Davis, stranded British sailors who became his close advisors. The next year he returned to Hawaii and defended his lands against the chiefs of Oahu and Kauai in a naval battle off the coast near the Waipio Valley. The island of Hawaii finally came under his full control when his cousin Keoua was slain on the beach below Pu'ukohoia Heiau. In 1794, Kamehameha reconquered Maui, Lanai, and Molokai. Victory in a bloody battle on Oahu ended opposition there in 1795. Fifteen years later, peaceful negotiations finally brought him Kauai. By 1810, Kamehameha had established his island kingdom. Kamehameha appointed governors to administer each island. He ruled according to Hawaiian tradition but outlawed some of the more severe practices such as human sacrifices. With John Youn

Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Pacific Island Network Preserving Kamehameha’s Legacy in Today’s World At Pu'ukohola- Heiau National Historic Site, many key features of this culturally significant park are influenced by waters flowing from Makeahua and Pohaukole Gulches. In 1790 when the Pu'ukohola- Heiau was constructed, the bay supported abundant limu (seaweed) and fish in clear waters, and Hale o Kapuni Heiau (shark temple) was visible. Centuries of cattle ranching and feral pig and goats have spread invasive plants and increased erosion. Recent damming of the stream has increased sediment flow, and the adjacent port, built on landfill, has reduced flushing of sediment from the bay. As a result, Hale o Kapuni Heiau is now buried, and many native fish can no longer be found. Pu'ukohola- Heiau (temple) 1798 1810 1819 John Young builds his house at Kawaihae, land given to him by Kamehameha Kamehameha unites the islands and becomes King Kamehameha I Kamehameha I dies, ending centuries of the kapu social and economic structure 1790 Pu'ukohola- Heiau is constructed by Kamehameha pond at Pelekane, site of royal courtyard 1928 Pu'ukohola- Heiau is designated as a Historical Landmark 1972 Pu'ukohola- Heiau National Historic Site is established Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site approx. 1790 present National Park boundary Park building lava field landfill coral reef Cultural and Natural Resources Threats and Human Impacts Cultural and Natural Resources heiau, such as Hale o Kapuni (shark temple), were key to the native culture native plants such as the loulu palm and pili grass were plentiful restored heiau (temples) host Hawaiian historical and cultural events landfill blocks longshore currents from flushing sediment from bay freshwater streams and a spring provided water to the community the bay was clear and deep with a rocky bottom invasive plants are removed and native plants are restored by park staff sediment is filling in the bay, killing coral and reducing fish populations occasional feral pigs disturbed native vegetation and soil limu (seaweed), nutrition for people and turtles, was harvested on the reef freshwater upwelling continues to flow in the bay neighboring development is encroaching on park boundaries continuous stream flow contained small amounts of sediment longshore currents kept the deep bay well flushed some stream water was diverted for agricultural irrigation a thriving coral reef supported a diverse and abundant fish population port and military traffic is increasing noise and pollution Threats and Human Impacts cattle, feral pigs, and goats cause soil erosion and spread invasive plants an earthen dam has resulted in reduced and irregular stream flow tilapia is an introduced fish found in the park pond native sandalwood trees were abundant Pu'ukoholaHeiau National Historic Site Pu'ukohola- Heiau (temple) native milo used for dyes and carving Cultural and Natural Resources neighboring port and marina sediment-laden stream runoff Threats and Human Impacts Management Initiatives development encroaching on park boundaries • work with neighbors to minimize impacts on park native, culturally significant plants and animals invasive species outcompeting native species • remove invasive plants and fence park freshwater spring and pond stream banks eroding, stream flow reduced • replant stream banks and restore stream flow clear water, coral reef, and marine life bay sedimentation and restricted flushing • explore options for sediment reduction in bay Major Islands of Hawaii Mauka National Park Service Moloka'i http://science.nature.nps.gov/im/units/pacn/ Mau'i N Lana'i 37 miles North America Asia Islands of Hawaii Pacific Ocean Kaho'olawe Hawai'i Pu'ukohola- Heiau National Historic Site (star) on the island of Hawai'i. ng PS N Pacific Island Network Inventory & Monitoring Program ISLAND NET W RK O'ahu FIC O - Heiau National Historic Site www.nps.gov/puhe Pu'ukohola Ni'ihau PA CI Kauai'i Australia adjacent visitor use cultural and historic sites Pacific Ocean 0 resource protection by fencing i Inv or ento nit ry & Mo Hawai'i Makai Integration & Application Network (IAN) University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science www.ian.umces.edu N Ahupua’a land division map (left) with Kawaihae watershed (circled) and park (red).