Lapakahi and Pu'u Kohola - Two of the Preimiere Historical Parks On Hawaii's Big Island

Lapakahi State Historical Park

How did the Hawai'ians of olden times survive in such an inhospitable, barren wasteland as Kohala? At Lapakahi (literally translated as "single ridge") State Historical Park you can walk through the partially -restored remains of a 600-year old Hawai'ian fishing village, Koai'e.

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One must bear in mind that Kohala was not always the barren wasteland seen today. Initially dryland forest, a thousand years ago or more the native Hawai'ians burned the forest to clear farmland for dryland crops such as sweet potato. Primitive farming techniques, overpopulation, erosion from storms, lava flows and lack of irrigation water eventually desertified much of the previously forested coast. With the coming of Europeans, over-grazing by cattle prevented the ecosystem from repairing itself once the native Hawai'ians had deserted it.

Contrary to what Park staff may tell you, snorkeling is both permissible and delightful in Koai'e Cove, adjacent to this site; admission to the Park is free and the self-guided tour takes about 45 minutes.

Pu'u Kohola

A temple inspired by a god-sent vision of greatness, Kamehameha built Pu'u Kohola in response to a prophecy by Kaua'i kahuna Kapoukahi that foretold if Kamehameha built a great temple to his war god Ku in just one day, he would prevail in his wars of conquest and unite the Hawai'ian Islands. Perhaps as many as 20,000 people passing stones hand-to-hand from Pololu Valley raised this massive Heiau in a single day. Kamehameha invited his cousin and chief rival for the throne of Hawai'i, the Ali'i of Ka'u, Keoua, to the

dedication. When Keoua arrived with a contingent of his Ka'u warriors, a scuffle broke out and he was killed by a spear thrown by the warrior Ke'eaumoku. Kamehameha had the rest of the party seized and they were made the first sacrifice at the new temple. In 1810, the prophecy was fulfilled and Kamehameha became the first ruler of the united Hawai'ian Islands.

Pu'ukohola is the largest stone structure in Polynesia, not counting the modern rock wall in front of the Kailua Lowe's Hardware store.

A full range of facilities exist at Pu'u Kohola and the adjacent Samuel Spencer Beach Park; admission is free and a self guided tour of Pu'u Kohola and the adjacent Hale O Kapuni takes about 40 minutes.

Lapakahi and Pu'u Kohola - Two of the Preimiere Historical Parks On Hawaii's Big Island

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