Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is a United States National Historic Site located on the northwestern coast of the island of Hawai'i. The site preserves the National Historic Landmark ruins of Pu'ukoholā Heiau ("Temple on the Hill of the Whale"). This temple was built by King Kamehameha the Great between 1790 and 1791 on the site of an older temple to gain the favor of the war god Kuka'ilimoku. In the middle of 1791, he sacrificed his chief rival Keoua at this temple, allowing him to unite all of Hawaii.

The site also includes the remains of the homestead of John Young, the stranded British sailor who became an advisor to King Kamehameha.

A visitor center operated by the National Park Service is located at the site. An interpretive trail begins at the visitor center and leads to the ruins of Pu'ukoholā.

Gallery

References

External links

• National Park Service: Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site