Pu'ukohala (Hill of the Whale) Heiau was built by Kamehameha the Great in 1790-91. Kamehameha built this temple with the belief that if he did so, and dedicated it to his war god, he would prevail in his effort to conquer and unite all of Hawaii.
This historic site, administered by the National Park Service, covers 77 acres and includes Pu'ukohala Heiau, Mailekini Heiau as well as the John Young House.
John Young was an English seaman who became a close adviser to King Kamehameha, teaching the Hawaiians to use cannons and firearms. Young was grandfather to Queen Emma and one of only two white men buried in the Royal Mausoleum in the Nuuanu Valley on Oahu.
A detailed map and information can be obtained at the Visitors Center. The park is open daily from 7:30 am to 4:00 pm, so you'll want to be sure to stop here in the morning rather than risk missing it on your return drive.
