ALOHA!
The Puu O Mahuka Heiau is an easy side trip to make when you are on the North Shore of Oahu with a car.
There are 3 good reasons to put it on your list of things to do on the North Shore:
- Experience a bit of Hawaiian culture
- Go for a short easy hike on Oahu
- Enjoy sweeping views of the North Shore
So, what is a heiau?
In short, a heiau is a Hawaiian temple and it represents a piece of Hawaiian history. Native Hawaiians used them as places of worship and sacrifice.
If you’ll be spending more than a few days in Hawaii, consider making it a point to see at least one heiau.
Or, if seeing a bit of Hawaiian culture isn’t enough to motivate you to visit the Puu O Mahuka Heiau, go for the some of the best views on Oahu!
nearby north shore hike – nearby north shore snorkeling spots
another oahu hike with a nearby heiau
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
State Historic Site and National Historic Landmark
The Puu O Mahuka Heiau is a Hawaii state historic site which means that it’s a part of the Hawaii state park system. It’s also a registered national historic landmark which means it’s a part of the national park system as well.
This is how the state of Hawaii describes the largest heiau on Oahu:
“Today, only the rock walls and stone paved floor remain. But 250 years ago, the Puu O Mahuka Heiau was a major temple on the North Shore of Oahu. It was dedicated as a luakini (sacrificial) heiau and included ceremonies for success in war.”
Side note!
See about the best shoes for hiking in Hawaii and what to wear snorkeling in Hawaii! And for Hawaii vacation ideas, see the best things to do in Waikiki that will give you Hawaii vibes!
Road to the heiau
The road you’ll take to get to the heiau is just near Shark’s Cove, a popular snorkeling spot on the North Shore.
You’ll be driving up a hill which means scenic views!
It’s about a 5 minute drive before you see the sign for the heiau, and then you’ll turn down that road.
Arriving at the heiau
Once you get to the site, you’ll see the heiau immediately, as well as more scenic views of the North Shore, including Waimea Bay!
Short trail around the heiau
There is a trail that goes around the heiau that is an easy walk of 10-15 minutes. You can think of it as a nature walk on the North Shore.
HAPPY NORTH SHORE HEIAU VISIT!
nearby north shore hike – nearby north shore snorkeling spots – things to do on on the north shore
another oahu hike with a nearby heiau
what to wear in hawaii >> what to wear hiking – what to wear snorkeling
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🐠 Here are things you must consider packing!
- Swimsuit or swimming shirt aka rash guard
- rash guard: swim set for women and swim shirt for men
- Water shoes
- Waterproof phone case (so you can capture pictures of fishies underwater!)
- cheapo phone case OR waterproof camera
- I also have this "camera" wrist float to attach to my cheapo waterproof phone case so my phone won't sink to the bottom of the ocean in case I somehow let go of it. (Mine does stay afloat - test this for yourself before completely trusting it!)
- Swimming goggles or snorkeling mask set
- Reef-safe(r) sunscreen
- lightweight travel towel:
- walking sandals:
I also don't go snorkeling without a personal swim float buoy. Not only does it help to keep me visible, but it makes for a perfect way to rest out in deeper water! Oh, and it also serves as a dry bag so I can take stuff into the water with me.
Another way I have taken valuables into the water with me is to wear a travel money belt that I don't mind getting wet with salt water (it's not waterproof but I have several so I just use one of them) and then I put things in a ziplock freezer bag, and put that freezer bag in the money belt.
There are also designated waterproof waist pouches that you can store your valuables and take into the water with you.
see more:
- What to wear hiking
- What to wear snorkeling