2010: An Important Year at Pu’ukohola Heiau

Pu'ukohola Heiau, built by Kamehameha to unify the Hawaiian Islands, celebrates the 200th anniversary of the 1810 unification of Hawaii.

As we celebrate a new year and a new decade, Pu’ukohola Heiau welcomes a new century. In 1791, Kamehameha completed the construction of his mighty war temple, which he believed would give him the mana (spiritual power) to unify the Hawaiian Islands as one. Nineteen years later, in 1810, the last islands were brought in to his kingdom. Ending well over a thousand years of disunity and warfare, the ho’okuikahi (unification) of the Islands and its inhabitants was complete. From that time to today, Hawaii has remained a united political entity.

In recognition of this momentous event, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site will be celebrating the 200th anniversary of the unification of Hawai’i throughout 2010, with the culmination of this celebration being the August 14-15 Ho’oku’ikahi Establishment Day Hawaiian Cultural Festival. By that date, the repairs from the 2006 earthquakes are to be completed and the Royal Court festivities resumed. As well, throughout the year, the Park will celebrate the 1810-2010 anniversary through special “Talk Story” programs, ranger programs, living history programs, cultural demonstrations, educational programs and other events. If you would like more information about upcoming events in 2010, visit the Park’s website or contact the Visitor Center at (808) 882-7218 Ext. 1011.