Built by Kamehameha I in 1791, this temple on the northwest Kohala coast is still a sacred shrine for many Hawaiians. A prophet advised Kamehameha the Great that if he were to construct the temple, the warrior-king's conquest of all the Hawaiian Islands would be ensured. (The king helped matters along by sacrificing his main rival at the temple's dedication.) Although you cannot enter the shrine itself, you can tour the grounds and take in the displays inside the small visitors center.
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site is 30 mi/48 km north of Kailua-Kona.
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