The next time you’re on the Big Island, make sure to include a trip to Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site on your travel itinerary. It’s a day out you won’t soon forget!
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is not only educational and beautiful, but also a fabulous place to go whale AND shark watching.
The site houses the temple of King Kamehameha, Hawaii’s most famous monarch. You’ll learn about some fascinating pieces of Hawaiian history that took place on these very grounds. You’ll also learn about the the ruins of “Hale o Kapuni Heiau,” a mystic temple dedicated to the Hawaiian shark gods, now submerged beneath the waves. The area’s sharks still return to this spot an almost daily basis, their ominous dorsal fins sometimes viewable breaking through the ocean’s surface. At low tide, you can see pieces of rock that are
During the winter months (from now until March 30th, 2012), Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site hosts whale watching events every Friday. The park is just off shore from the Hawaiian Islands Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary (NOAA), which makes it a prime spot for catching a glimpse of the amazing humpback whales that frequent these waters.
When you visit the park, make sure to bring your camera as well as a pair of binoculars, if you have them. Binoculars help you to get a better look at the sharks and whales you are more than likely to spot just off shore. Talk about an amazing way to see some awesome Hawaii wildlife up close and personal!
