Sharks!
Blacktip reef shark cruising the waters of Pelekane Bay.
On most mornings, visitors to Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site can walk out to the shoreline and watch as blacktip reef sharks ply the waters of Pelekane Bay. Sharks have played an important role in traditional Hawaiian culture. Believed by some to be ‘aumakua, or ancestrial spirits, the sharks were venerated at a small temple located in the bay. Hale o Kapuni, the shark heiau (temple), was where gifts were offered to the sharks, in return for good weather, plentiful fish and protection.
Because of the action of nature through tsunamis and the destructive action of humans over the past century, the temple is no longer visible. However, the sharks still come to Pelekane Bay, and some say that they come because of the temple that was once dedicated to them. Although there are times when the sharks are not seen for days, some have counted as many as 18 sharks at a single time! Occasionally, much bigger hammerhead and tiger sharks make their presence known as well! The best times to see the sharks times are in the early morning hours, just after sunrise. Come see for yourself, the sharks of Pelekane!
Visitors can safely watch sharks from Pelekane Beach
