Secrets of Hawaii

Pu'u O Mahuka Heiau

Description:

Pu'u O Mahuka heiau is an ancient religious site. This is not one of the typical Tourists spots and is mostly an overlooked hidden treasure of Hawaii. Here you can learn a little about Hawaiian history as while as take in a short stroll to breathtaking views of the North Shore and Waimea Valley.

Looking down on Waimea Bay
Photo courtesy of Aukipa

Pu'u o Mahuka heiau has a commanding view of Waimea Valley and the northern coastline of Oahu. The picture to the left shows Waimea Bay Beach park and Kamehameha highway.

Need to Know:

Directions:

From Waikiki travel to North Shore. Once in North Shore take Kamehameha Highway (Highway 83) to Pupukea Homestead Road (Highway 835). It is the road acroos from the Pupukea fire station and there is a Foodland supermarket on the street. Travel up this street until you make a hairpin curve, the next street on your right leads Pu'u O Mahuka heiau.

The picture to the right shows lower Waimea Valley park and Kamehameha highway.

5.7 acres

Looking into Waimea Valley at Pu'u o Mahuka heiau

Looking into Waimea Valley
Photo courtesy of Aukipa

The Ancient Hawaiians used this spot as a scared place of worship. It is still revered to this day. Many people still leave offerings.

Pu'u o Mahuka is the largest heiau (religious site or temple) on O'ahu, covering almost two acres. The name is translated as "hill of escape", and it is a little-visited site of remarkable peace and seclusion.

PU'U O MAHUKA HEIAU

Has been designated a

Registered National

Historic Landmark

Under the provisions of the

Historic Sites Act of August 21, 1935

This site possesses exceptional value

in commemorating and illustrating

the history of the United States

U.S. Department of the Interior

National Park Service

1965

Plague at Pu'u o Mahuka heiau

Caution:

None.

Difficulty Scale: 1- LITE.