Ahu'ena Heiau
Ahu'ena Heiau is a sacred Kailua-Kona temple at Kamakahonu, tied to King Kamehameha I, Lono and major turning points in Hawaiian history.
Big Island Ancient Site Guide
Big Island Ancient Sites
Find Big Island ancient sites, sacred Hawaiian 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
Browse 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 tied to healing traditions, waterfront views and the Liliuokalani Gardens area.
Hapaiali'i and Ke'eku Heiau
Hapaiali'i and Ke'eku Heiau are sacred Keauhou shoreline sites known for lava rock platforms, solar alignment, chiefly history and Kona Coast scenery.
Hikiau Heiau
Hikiau Heiau is a sacred luakini temple at Napoopoo on Kealakekua Bay, tied to Lono, Kalani'opu'u and Captain Cook's 1779 visit.
Kalahuipua'a (Mauna Lani Fishponds)
Kalahuipua'a Fishponds at Mauna Lani are historic Kohala Coast ponds tied to Hawaiian aquaculture, spring-fed waters and shoreline trails.
Ku'emanu Heiau
Ku'emanu Heiau is a rare surfing-related Hawaiian temple near Kahalu'u Bay, tied to wave watching, ocean prayers and Kona Coast history.
Mo'okini Heiau
Mo'okini Heiau is a sacred luakini temple in remote North Kohala, tied to ancient Hawaiian ceremony, Pa'ao traditions and Kamehameha I's birthplace area.
Naha Stone
The Naha Stone in Hilo is a sacred cultural landmark tied to royal lineage, King Kamehameha I 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 with royal grounds, Hale o Keawe, the Great Wall and coastal history.
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site preserves Kamehameha I's great stone temple on the Kohala Coast, tied to prophecy and Hawaiian unification.
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve protects thousands of ancient Hawaiian rock carvings near Holoholokai Beach Park and Mauna Lani.
Twin Rocks
Twin Rocks are offshore lava formations at Onomea Bay, tied to a Hawaiian legend of two lovers who became guardians 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.