Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Feathered God Authentic Reproduction
Feathered God Authentic Reproduction
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National Historic Landmark
1962 National Historic Site 1972 Park Size 86 acres Annual Visitors 23,000 Park Fee none Superintendent Daniel Kawaiaea Jr. Park Partner Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association Location Hawaii County, HI |
Pu'ukoholā Heiau National Historic Site preserves a heiau (temple) constructed by Kamehameha I, representing the history and culture of Hawaiian unification and lasting peace. Spiritual, ceremonial, and cultural events frequent the park, as do sightings from the Loop Trail of humpback whales, spinner dolphins, black-tipped reef sharks, and various bird species.
The heiau originally housed many images of Kūkāʻilimoku, an ancestor of Kamehameha I, representing good policy and wise governance. However, most of the images were destroyed or lost. One particular version, a feathered-god image, came into ownership by the venerated Bishop Museum in 1895, and is on display there (see image above). The park and many Native Hawaiians feel the spiritual energy of the temple is lacking without that image, and thus seek to create an authentic reproduction. The Fund for People in Parks and Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association are collaborating on that effort, which will include working with Native Hawaiian artists on the production, a visitor center exhibit, and a documentary film. Visitors will learn from the artisans, who will use natural fibers and feathers and traditional techniques, during live demonstrations of their craft and through the documentary. Furthermore, the Kūkāʻilimoku reproduction will transmit messages of unity and sustainability for Hawaiʻi and all who visit Project Cost: $134,000 Project Begun: 2025 Project co-funders: Hawai'i Pacific Parks Association, Nā Aikane o Pu’ukoholā Heiau, National Park Service, Dana and Dave Dornsife
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