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.