Big Island Sacred Places

Sacred places on the Big Island

More than just picture-perfect views and gorgeous beaches, the Big Island of Hawaii is filled with sacred places, a testament to the rich culture and heritage of the Hawaiian people. These places are a must-see for travelers who want to experience the fascinating history of the Big Island.

Volcanoes National Park

Location: Volcano Hwy, Volcano, HI

Facts: This national park, which includes a diverse range of ecosystems, is said to be the home of Pele, Hawaii's fire goddess, with the Halema'uma'u Crater as her residence. According to lore, her power controls the lava, fire, heat and anything related to volcanoes. It is not unusual to see offerings of fruits and flowers made at this site, and legend has it that if any person takes volcanic rock away from the park, then that person will be cursed by Pele until the rock is returned.

Puu Loa Petroglyphs

Location: Chain of Craters Rd., Mile Marker 16, Volcano

Facts: Meaning "Long Hill," Puu Loa is considered to be sacred grounds among Hawaiians where fathers go and leave their infants’ umbilical cords to wish long life for their children. This vast petroglyph field can be reached by hiking from the Chain of Craters Road.

Naha Stone

Location: Located in front of the Hilo Public Library

Facts: This massive boulder weighs about 7,000 pounds or 2 ½ tons. Legend tells that the person who could lift and turn the stone over would unite all of Hawaiian Islands and rule the whole kingdom, a feat said to be achieved by Kamehameha I.

Kohala Historical Sites State Monument

Location: Kohala Coat

Facts: Set on the Kohala Coast, this place marks the birthplace of Kamehameha I, one of the greatest figure in Hawaiian history. The Mookini Heaiu, the island’s most famous sacrificial temple, can also be found here.

Puako Petroglyphs

Location: Holoholokai Beach Park, Mauna Lani Resort, Kamuela

Facts: More than 1,200 petroglyphs in myriad designs—from paddlers and animals to dancers and deities—can be seen in Kailua-Kona’s dry-wood forest. Lava tube caves and ancient fishponds can also be explored in the area.

Puukohola Heian National Historic Site

Location: 62-3601 Kawaihae Rd., Kamuela

Facts: Dedicated to the war god Ku, this sacrificial temple in Kawaihae was built by Kamehameha I, with his rival and cousin as the first human sacrifice. An underwater site was also built on a nearby beach as a sacred monument to Hawaii’s shark god.

Ahuena Heiau

Location: 75-5660 Palani Rd., Uninc Hawaii County

Facts: After uniting the Hawaiian Islands, Kamehameha I ruled the kingdom from this royal hut built with stone walls, a grass roof and stones scattered around. Now within the premises of the King Kamehameha Hotel, the temple grounds are off limits to visitors, though they can get close enough for a good look at the historic structure.

Hiki Au Heaiu

Location: Captain Cook

Facts: Upon his arrival on the island in 1779, Hawaiians celebrated Captain James Cook as the Polynesian god Lono in South Kona’s sacred temple. This misunderstanding was later settled and he was killed in Kealakekua Bay.

Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park

Location: 73-4786 Kanalani St., Kailua-Kona

Facts: What used to be an ancient village in North Kona is now a national park comprising 1,160 acres. Visitors can view fishponds, petroglyphs, huts and a heiau, a sacred temple.

Kealakowaa Heiau

Location: 74-5221 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona

Facts: Before canoes hit the open sea, they were blessed at this site built in the 17th century. Tourists can visit the temple with prior arrangements with the Kona Outdoor Circle Education Center next door.

Keolonahihi State Historical Park

Facts: Named after an ancient priestess, this sacred park boasts numerous heiaus, house platforms and even a mortuary temple.

Kuemanu Heaiu

Location: Kailua-Kona

Facts: This is the only temple solely dedicated to surfing, invented by Hawaiians to ride the waves.

Puuhonua o Honaunau

Location: Hwy. 160, Honaunau

Facts: Ancient warriors, war victims and those who broke the law used to seek refuge at this sacred place, which includes houses, royal fishponds and a heiau.