Last updated: July 15, 2024
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NPS Geodiversity Atlas—Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site, Hawaii
Geodiversity refers to the full variety of natural geologic (rocks, minerals, sediments, fossils, landforms, and physical processes) and soil resources and processes that occur in the park. A product of the Geologic Resources Inventory, the NPS Geodiversity Atlas delivers information in support of education, Geoconservation, and integrated management of living (biotic) and non-living (abiotic) components of the ecosystem.
Introduction
Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site (PUHE) is located on the northwestern shore of the island of Hawai‘i about 56 km (35 mi) north of Kailua-Kona in the district of south Kohala. Established on August 17, 1972, PUHE encompasses approximately 34 hectares (86 acres) and preserves the ruins of Pu‘ukoholā Heiau (“Temple of the Hill of the Whale”), built in 1791 by King Kamehameha the Great during his rise to power (National Park Service 2016). The park provides scenic views of Kawaihae Bay along the Kohala coast to the southwest where large concentrations of blacktip reef sharks (Carcharhinus melanopterus) gather. In addition to the remains of Pu‘ukoholā Heiau, PUHE protects other historically significant sites that include: 1) Mailekini Heiau, a “luakini heiau” (temple), which was eventually converted to a military fort; 2) the ruins of Hale o Kapuni Heiau, a temple dedicated to sharks, which are believed to be sacred ancestral guardians; 3) the Royal Court (or Pelekane), site of diplomatic meetings between King Kamehameha and foreign visitors; and 4) John Young’s homestead, believed to contain the remains of the first Western-style house in Hawai‘i.
Geologic Setting
Pu‘ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site is located at the junction of the slopes of Mauna Kea and Kohala Mountain, and is situated upon lava flows from both volcanoes. The landscape at PUHE inspired King Kamehameha the Great to establish a religious center there, as the geology provided an ideal setting for the construction of a great temple atop a prominent hill where the park is today (Thornberry-Ehrlich 2011c). The temple caps the highpoint of a lava dome that rises approximately 15 m (50 ft) and overlooks the shore toward Kawaihae Bay and Pelekane Beach. The geology of the historic site is predominantly composed of basaltic lava flows of the Pleistocene-age Hāmākua Volcanics that originated from the Mauna Kea volcanic center. The northern portion of PUHE contains lava flows of the Pleistocene-age Pololū Volcanics and Hāwī Volcanics that are associated with Kohala, the oldest volcano on the island of Hawai‘i. Kohala lava flows within PUHE are at least 120,000 years old (Thornberry-Ehrlich 2011c; Sherrod et al. 2021).
The Geologic Resources Inventory produces digital geologic maps and reports for more than 270 natural resource parks. The products listed below are currently available for this park, check back often for updates as many maps, reports, and posters are still in progress.
- Scoping summaries are records of scoping meetings where NPS staff and local geologists determined the park’s geologic mapping plan and what content should be included in the report.
- Digital geologic maps include files for viewing in GIS software, a guide to using the data, and a document with ancillary map information. Newer products also include data viewable in Google Earth and online map services.
- Reports use the maps to discuss the park’s setting and significance, notable geologic features and processes, geologic resource management issues, and geologic history.
- Posters are a static view of the GIS data in PDF format. Newer posters include aerial imagery or shaded relief and other park information. They are also included with the reports.
- Projects list basic information about the program and all products available for a park.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3152. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
A NPS Soil Resources Inventory project has been completed for Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site and can be found on the NPS Data Store.
Source: Data Store Saved Search 3103. To search for additional information, visit the Data Store.
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Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
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National Park Service Geodiversity Atlas
The servicewide Geodiversity Atlas provides information on geoheritage and geodiversity resources and values within the National Park System. This information supports science-based geoconservation and interpretation in the NPS, as well as STEM education in schools, museums, and field camps. The NPS Geologic Resources Division and many parks work with National and International geoconservation communities to ensure that NPS abiotic resources are managed using the highest standards and best practices available.