Ahu'ena Heiau
Ahu'ena Heiau is a sacred Kamakahonu heiau in Kailua-Kona, tied to Kamehameha I, Lono, Kailua Bay and the final years of old Hawaii's ruling center.
Big Island Ancient Site Guide
Big Island Ancient Sites
Big Island ancient sites tell the island’s story through sacred places, fishponds, petroglyphs, heiau and historic cultural landscapes, from Pu'uhonua o Honaunau and Pu'ukohola Heiau to Ahu'ena Heiau, Mo'okini Heiau, Puako Petroglyphs and Kalahuipua'a Fishponds.
Ancient site directory
Big Island Ancient Sites
Find Big Island ancient sites, including historic Hawaiian places, cultural landmarks, sacred areas and important places connected to island history.
Coconut Island (Mokuola)
Coconut Island, also known as Mokuola, is a small Hilo Bay island with healing traditions, sacred stones, waterfront views and a pedestrian bridge from the Liliuokalani Gardens area.
Hapaiali'i and Ke'eku Heiau
Hapaiali'i and Ke'eku Heiau are sacred Keauhou shoreline sites near Kahalu'u Beach Park, with restored lava-rock platforms, solar alignment, chiefly history and Kona Coast views.
Hikiau Heiau
Hikiau Heiau is a sacred luakini heiau at Napoopoo on Kealakekua Bay, connected with Kalani'opu'u, Lono, makahiki traditions and Captain Cook's 1779 visit.
Kalahuipua'a (Mauna Lani Fishponds)
Kalahuipua'a Fishponds at Mauna Lani are historic Kohala Coast fishponds, with spring-fed brackish water, makaha gates, shoreline paths and Hawaiian aquaculture history.
Ku'emanu Heiau
Ku'emanu Heiau is a rare surfing-related Hawaiian temple near Kahalu'u Bay, with a stone platform facing the surf break, ocean-prayer traditions and Kona Coast history.
Mo'okini Heiau
Mo'okini Heiau is a sacred luakini temple in remote North Kohala, connected with Pa'ao traditions, Ku worship, Kamehameha I's birthplace area and one of Hawaii's oldest heiau landscapes.
Naha Stone
The Naha Stone is a sacred Hilo landmark connected with royal lineage, Kamehameha I, chiefly identity and the prophecy of Hawaiian island unity.
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park is a sacred South Kona refuge where Royal Grounds, Hale o Keawe, the Great Wall, honu and coastal kapu history come together.
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site preserves Kamehameha I's great stone temple on the Kohala Coast, where prophecy, chiefly power and Hawaiian unification came together.
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve leads from Holoholokai Beach Park through kiawe woodland to one of Hawaii Island's largest fields of ancient lava-rock carvings.
Twin Rocks
Twin Rocks are offshore lava formations at Onomea Bay, remembered in the Lovers of Kahali'i legend as guardians at the mouth of the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ancient sites to visit on the Big Island?
Top Big Island ancient sites include Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, Pu'ukohola Heiau, Ahu'ena Heiau, Mo'okini Heiau, Puako Petroglyphs and Kalahuipua'a Fishponds.
Which Big Island ancient site is a national historical park?
Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in South Kona preserves a sacred place of refuge, royal grounds, Hale o Keawe and coastal Hawaiian history.
Where can visitors see petroglyphs on the Big Island?
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve near Mauna Lani protects thousands of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings along the Kohala Coast.
Which Big Island ancient sites are connected to King Kamehameha I?
Ahu'ena Heiau, Pu'ukohola Heiau, Mo'okini Heiau and the Naha Stone are all closely tied to King Kamehameha I and major events in Hawaiian history.
How should visitors behave at Big Island sacred sites?
Visitors should stay on marked paths, avoid touching or moving stones, respect signs and remember that many heiau, fishponds and petroglyph areas remain culturally important.