Pelekane Beach

Located within the Kohala Region on Big Island

No swimming or sunbathing is allowed on this beach, but a good cultural lesson is worth the trip. Pelekane Beach is located in front of the Pu'ukohola Heiau. Many sacrifices were made at this location. Keoua, fierce rival of King Kamehameha and ruler of the Big Island, was killed on this beach, cemented Kamehameha's rule over the islands.

Just offshore and under the water is an ancient heiau which was built to the shark gods. The heiau is open from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. To get to Pelekane take Highway 19 north to Highway 270. The Pu'ukohola Heiau is located at the junction of these two highways. The beach is situated below the heiau.

Pelekane Beach

Pelekane Beach is not a beach you visit for swimming. It is a small, rocky stretch of shoreline in Kawaihae, directly below Pu’ukohōlā Heiau National Historic Site. The reason to come here is the history. This is where King Kamehameha I cemented his rule over the Hawaiian Islands.

Historical Significance

Kamehameha built Pu’ukohōlā Heiau in 1790-91 on the hill above this beach. A prophet told him that dedicating the temple to his war god Kūkā’ilimoku would guarantee victory over his rivals. His cousin Keōua Kuahu’ula was killed on this very shoreline when he arrived for what he believed was a peace negotiation. That sacrifice completed the temple’s dedication. Within a few years, Kamehameha controlled the entire island chain.

The Submerged Heiau

Just offshore, beneath the surface, sits Hale o Kapuni, an ancient heiau dedicated to the shark gods. You cannot enter the water here, but knowing it is there adds another layer to an already dense historical site.

What to Expect

The beach is shallow, rocky, and not meant for recreation. No swimming, no sunbathing. The views from the shoreline looking up at the massive stone heiau are striking. Visit the heiau first (open 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., free admission), then walk down to the beach for a different perspective.

Getting There

Take Highway 19 north along the Kohala Coast to the junction with Highway 270 in Kawaihae. The Pu’ukohōlā Heiau visitor center is right at the junction. The beach is below the heiau, accessible from the park grounds. Free parking and restrooms at the visitor center.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 20.02784382
Longitude: -155.8228467

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