Site of Kamehameha's Birth

North Kohala

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A series of low stone walls overlaid on windy grassy fields is all that is left of the birthplace of the most famous monarch in Hawaiian history. Located near Moʻokini Heiau.

According to legend, when Kamehameha was born on a stormy winter night in 1758, his mother received a kahuna's prophecy that her son would be a powerful ruler who would conquer all the islands. Upon hearing this, the high chief of Hawaiʻi ordered all male newborns killed. After Kamehameha was taken to the Moʻokini Heiau for his birth rituals, he was spirited away into hiding.

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Nearby North Kohala attractions

1. Moʻokini Heiau

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It's off the beaten path, but this heiau (temple), near ʻUpolu Point at Hawaiʻi's northernmost tip, is among the oldest (c AD 480) and most historically…

2. Hawi Farmers Market

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All of the funky, organic, crunchy goodness of North Kohala is sold by all of its funky, organic, crunchy characters at this weekly farmers market, held…

3. Kapaʻa Beach Park

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This seaside park offers a covered picnic area with welcome shade, few people and public toilets. It is simple and clean, with nice coastal and Maui views…

4. Kamehameha Park Complex

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This county park includes a huge pool (call for opening hours), tennis courts, gym with basketball courts and weight room, and playground. It's a great…

5. Kamehameha the Great Statue

5.55 MILES

The statue on the front lawn of the North Kohala Civic Center has a famous twin in Honolulu, standing across from Iolani Palace. The Kapaʻau one was the…

6. Lapakahi State Historical Park

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This park was a remote fishing village 600 years ago. An unshaded, 1-mile loop trail traverses the 262-acre grounds, passing the remains of stone walls,…

7. Kohala Institute

5.92 MILES

The Institute is an nonprofit that runs educational and preservation programs on 2400 acres that include the ʻIole ahupuaʻa (traditional land division),…

8. Kalahikiola Church

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In 1855 Protestant missionaries Elias and Ellen Bond built this church on their vast estate. It's not a must-see, but the towering banyan trees and…