Kawaihae
Kawaihae is a small port town on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, historically significant as a 19th-century whaling hub and the arrival point of Hawaii's first horses and cattle. Today, it serves as a deep-draft commercial harbor and gateway to cultural and botanical attractions nearby.
Kawaihae, Big Island
Kawaihae (view panorama) × is a small port town along the Big Island of Hawaii's northwestern Kohala Coast. During the 19th century, Kawaihae was a busy whaling and trading port. Historically, Kawaihae Harbor (view panorama) × was also the place where the ship that brought the first horses and cattle to Hawaii docked. During the late 1950s, Kawaihae Harbor was improved into a deep draft harbor to accommodate more ships. Today, it is one of the largest harbors in Hawaii. Large cargo ships arrive here, which give it more of an industrial atmosphere. Some scenes of the Hollywood movie Waterworld were shot here.
There are a few small shops, restaurants and a gas station, but not much else. The main attraction in this area is the 83-acre Pu'ukohola Heiau, an ancient war temple built by King Kamehameha the Great (located south of Kawaihae). Another attraction near Kawaihae (north of town) is Pua Mau Place, a botanical garden on the western slope of the Kohala Mountain. The garden showcases unique sculptures, everblooming plants, a hibiscus maze (planted with more than 200 varieties of hibiscus), large lava rocks on ravines and the Magic Circle (a circular arrangement of stones patterned after standing stone circles of the Celtics in the British Isles).
Key Features of Kawaihae
- Historic port town: Once a major trading post and whaling hub; arrival point for Hawaii's first horses and cattle
- Deep-draft commercial harbor: One of the largest cargo ports on the Big Island
- Pu'ukohola Heiau: Sacred war temple built by King Kamehameha I, located just south of town
- Pua Mau Place: Botanical garden with over 200 hibiscus varieties, sculptures, and lava ravines
- Filming location: Several scenes from the movie Waterworld were shot here
- Industrial feel with local charm: Home to a few shops, eateries, and art galleries along the waterfront
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Kawaihae known for?
Kawaihae is known as a historic port town on the Big Island's Kohala Coast, notable for its deep-draft harbor, the sacred Pu'ukohola Heiau, and its role in Hawaiian history as the landing site of the first horses and cattle.
What can visitors see at Pua Mau Place?
Pua Mau Place is a unique botanical garden with everblooming plants, over 200 hibiscus varieties, a lava rock landscape, and a stone circle inspired by Celtic traditions.
What is the significance of Pu'ukohola Heiau?
Pu'ukohola Heiau is an ancient war temple built by King Kamehameha I in the late 1700s to fulfill a prophecy of uniting the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. It's now a National Historic Site.
Is Kawaihae Harbor still active?
Yes, Kawaihae Harbor remains one of Hawaii's busiest commercial ports, handling large cargo shipments and serving as a key transportation hub for the Big Island.