Explore the Kingdom of Kohala
A Historic Journey
Don't make the Kamehameha Statue a quick stop. Use it as your starting point for a deeper trip into historic Hawaiʻi. The statue gives meaning to the places that shaped the king.
Walk in the King's Footsteps
Start at the statue and explore these key sites:
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
**Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site** sits down the coast in Kawaihae. This is the most important historical site related to Kamehameha on the island. He built this massive heiau between 1790-1791. A Kauaʻi kahuna said dedicating the temple to the war god Kūkaʻilimoku would help him conquer all islands. The prophecy came true here.
Moʻokini Heiau & Kamehameha's Birthsite
**Moʻokini Heiau & Kamehameha's Birthsite** offer the deepest connection to the king's origins. Moʻokini Luakini Heiau is a National Historic Landmark north of Hawi. It's one of Hawaiʻi's most sacred temples. The nearby site is where the future king was born. This happened under a stormy sky, possibly in 1758. That was the year Halley's Comet passed over Hawaiʻi.
Lapakahi State Historical Park
**Lapakahi State Historical Park** lets you travel back 600 years. This partly restored Hawaiian fishing village shows daily life before European contact. A walking tour through archaeological sites teaches about culture and sustainable practices.
🏛️ Puʻukoholā Heiau
- • Built 1790-1791
- • War god Kūkaʻilimoku
- • Prophecy fulfilled
- • National Historic Site
- • Free admission
🌟 Moʻokini Heiau
- • National Historic Landmark
- • Sacred luakini temple
- • Kamehameha's birthsite
- • Halley's Comet year
- • Cultural protocol required
🏘️ Lapakahi Park
- • 600-year-old village
- • Pre-contact lifestyle
- • Self-guided trail
- • Archaeological sites
- • Educational displays
The Charm of Old Hawaiʻi
After connecting with ancient history, explore the small towns that give North Kohala its character:
**Kapaʻau and Hawi** are historic sugar plantation towns reborn as art and food centers. Walk the main streets to find galleries like Ackerman Gallery, Hawi Gallery, and Harbor Gallery. Eat at local favorites like Bamboo Restaurant, Gill's Lanai, or Sushi Rock.
🎨 Hawi Town
Art Galleries
Ackerman Gallery, Hawi Gallery, Harbor Gallery
Dining
Bamboo Restaurant, Sushi Rock, local cafes
Character
Historic plantation town, artistic community
🏛️ Kapaʻau Town
Historic Sites
Kamehameha Statue, Civic Center, courthouse
Local Life
Gill's Lanai, small town atmosphere
Culture
Heart of Kamehameha celebrations
Nature's Majesty
Complete your trip by seeing Kohala's dramatic landscape:
Pololū Valley Lookout
**Pololū Valley Lookout** sits at the end of Highway 270. This famous viewpoint shows rugged coastline, dramatic sea cliffs, and a black sand beach below. A short but steep trail leads to the beach. Be ready for crowds. This spot gets up to 1,500 visitors per day. Parking fills up fast.
Kohala Mountain Road
**Kohala Mountain Road** offers one of the island's most scenic drives. Highway 250 winds between Waimea and Hawi. It passes through rolling green pastures and paniolo cowboy country. On clear days, you can see Maui across the channel.
Natural Attractions Planning
Pololū Valley
- • End of Highway 270
- • 1,500 daily visitors
- • Arrive early for parking
- • 20-minute hike to beach
- • Steep & muddy trail
- • Spectacular valley views
Kohala Mountain Road
- • Highway 250 scenic drive
- • Waimea to Hawi route
- • Rolling ranch country
- • Paniolo cowboy culture
- • Views to Maui channel
- • Cool mountain air
Questions People Ask
Is the statue in Kapaʻau the real Kamehameha statue?
Yes. The statue in Kapaʻau, North Kohala, is the original sculpture from 1878. It was lost in a shipwreck and later found. A replica was made and placed in Honolulu.
Why is the Kamehameha statue in Kapaʻau painted?
The tradition started as community protection. Salt water had damaged the bronze during its ocean time. Local people painted it to prevent more damage. Over years, it became a loved cultural practice. The bright colors make the king feel "more human" and connected to the community.
What is the best way to experience Kamehameha Day in Hawaii?
For the most traditional experience, go to North Kohala on June 11. It starts with a sacred sunrise ceremony at the original statue in Kapaʻau. Then comes the lei draping ceremony, floral parade, and community festival.
Can you touch the Kamehameha statue?
No. Show respect by not touching, climbing, or sitting on the statue or its base. Leave a lei at the pedestal as a traditional sign of honor.
*Visiting the original Kamehameha statue in Kapaʻau changed how I see our history. It's not just about the past. It's about how we care for what matters today. When you stand before this painted king, you're joining a tradition of respect that goes back generations. Come with an open heart. Listen to the stories. Feel the mana that flows through this sacred place.*
Begin Your Journey
Start with the painted king in Kapaʻau and discover the complete story of this remarkable statue and the sacred land that shaped Hawaiʻi's greatest ruler.
Start with the Survivor King📅 Full Day Itinerary
9:00 AM Kamehameha Statue
10:00 AM Explore Kapaʻau
11:00 AM Drive to Moʻokini
12:30 PM Lunch in Hawi
2:00 PM Pololū Valley
4:00 PM Lapakahi Park
🗺️ Distances from Statue
- Hawi Town: 4 miles
- Moʻokini Heiau: 8 miles
- Pololū Valley: 12 miles
- Lapakahi Park: 18 miles
- Puʻukoholā Heiau: 25 miles
🏛️ Sacred Sites Protocol
- Respectful silence at heiau
- No touching ancient stones
- Follow designated paths
- Read all interpretive signs
- Leave no trace
👑 Complete Guide
🗺️ Planning Resources
Maps: Available at visitor center
Weather: Cool mountain air
Fuel: Fill up in Kawaihae/Waimea
Time: Allow full day
Season: Great year-round
