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Contact Information
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Hawaii, Hawaii
Phone:
(808) 882-7218
Cost :
Free
Open :
Daily 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Introduction
In 1790 a prophet told King Kamehameha to build a heiau on top of Pu'ukohola (Hill of the Whale) and dedicate it to the war god Kuka'ilimoku by sacrificing his principal rival, Keoua Kuahu'ula. By doing so the king would achieve his goal of conquering the Hawaiian Islands. The prophecy came true in 1810. A short walk over arid landscape leads from the visitor center to Pu'ukohola Heiau and to Mailekini Heiau, a navigational aid constructed about 1550. An even older temple, dedicated to the shark gods, lies submerged just offshore. The center organizes Hawaiian arts-and-crafts programs on a regular basis.
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