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Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

A Temple Built By A King, Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

A grassy field with a trail leading to a temple built by a Hawaiian king at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

"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!"

Jennifer Bain
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Culture And Controversy At Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park

In the shade of the Royal Ground’s open-air Canoe House, with only the chatter of the Common Myna disturbing the peace, Aunty Keikialiʻi San Filippo sits weaving coconut fronds into baskets and fielding compliments and questions from people from around the world. It's a skill that “Aunty Keiki” developed more than 40 years ago and she has been weaving for Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park since the late 1970s.

Ancient Temples And Migrating Whales At Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

Much is left up to the imagination when you watch koholā (humpback whales) from shore on Hawaiʻi Island. You will see plenty of blows in the distance, as well as tail and pectoral flipper slaps. You may luck into spyhopping or a dramatic breach — but you need binoculars or a spotting scope to really see what’s going on. Mostly, you have to be patient and fill in the visual blanks.

World War II History to Be Recounted at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

World War II history runs deep in the national parks of the Pacific. Much of that history is told at the World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument, which includes Pearl Harbor. But you'll be able to learn more about the role that military bases in Hawaii played during the war by attending a special presentation later this month at Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, also found on the island of Hawaii.

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