Île d'Hawaï
Hawaï
1 / 11

Kuemanu Heiau

4.5
·13 reviews·Kailua-Kona, United States

Ancient Hawaiian temple ruins offering serene coastal beauty, beginner surf, and vibrant tide pools.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Île d'Hawaï
Hawaï

Kuemanu Heiau

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more peaceful

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Ancient Hawaiian temple ruins offering serene coastal beauty, beginner surf, and vibrant tide pools.

4.5
(13 reviews)

"Gorgeous beach with tide pools. Perfect place for snorkel and surf learners!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶 Stay on Paths

Heiau are sacred. Respect the site by staying on marked paths and off the rocks.

🐠 Observe Marine Life

Tons of yellow tangs and other sea life in the waves and tide pools!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Kuemanu Heiau Ruins

Kuemanu Heiau Ruins

Explore the ancient Hawaiian temple ruins, a place of historical and spiritual significance.

Instagram
Tide Pools and Marine Life

Tide Pools and Marine Life

Discover vibrant tide pools teeming with marine life, perfect for observation.

Reddit
Beginner Surfing Spot

Beginner Surfing Spot

Ideal gentle waves make it a great spot for beginner surfers and paddleboarders.

Reddit
Your AI travel agent

Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you

Start Chatting

Planning Your Visit

Respect Sacred Sites

Kuemanu Heiau is a sacred Hawaiian temple. Stay on designated paths and avoid climbing on the rocks. Many heiau are still considered sacred and some are not open to the public. Anciently, only chiefs and priests could enter certain heiau. Reddit

Best Time for Serenity

Visit during the early morning or late afternoon for a more serene experience. Weekdays are generally less crowded than weekends. This allows for better appreciation of the historical and spiritual significance of the site. TikTok

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

A beautiful day in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii ☀️ #travel #vacation #bucketlist #PlacesToVisit #hawaii #thebigisland #beach
@_exploringnature
39.1K likes • 422.3K views

🚶 Stay on Paths

Heiau are sacred. Respect the site by staying on marked paths and off the rocks. Reddit

🐠 Observe Marine Life

Tons of yellow tangs and other sea life in the waves and tide pools! Reddit

Replying to @Just for Fun ❤️ 🌴 Day 6 of finding cheap flights out of Los Angeles! ✈️ Round-trip to Kona, Hawaii for just $192 😍 (Nov 10–19) Top things to do in Kona: Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay – Crystal clear water & dolphins 🐬 Night swim with manta rays – A once-in-a-lifetime experience 🌙 Coffee farm tours – Taste world-famous Kona coffee ☕ Punaluʻu Black Sand Beach – Spot sea turtles 🐢 November =...
@cheapflightslosangeles
9K likes • 78.2K views
ハワイでもトップクラスの癒し力があるパワースポット、ケアイヴァヘイアウ😊 古代のハワイアンが病気や怪我の治療をしていたと言われる場所です‼️ なので、「癒し」という意味では右に出る者がないハワイ最強のパワースポット😍 嘘と思われるかもしれませんが、ここを訪れるとなんか調子が良くなった気がします🤣 海抜約300mの高台にあるので、絶景の癒しも心地よい風の癒しもあるんです✨ アクセスは少し難しい場所ですが、パワースポット巡りでは必須ポイント👍 機会があったら是非行ってみてくださいね♪ 今日もインスタライブはちょっと厳しそうです💦 ごめんなさい〜😭 時間が作れたらゲリラライブでお届けします🤙 #ハワイ #ハワイ旅行 #ハワイ生活 #ハワイ好き #ハワイ大好き #ハワイ情報 #ハワイ在住 #ハワイ観光 #ハワイ好きな人と繋がりたい #ハワイ写真 #ハワイ動画 #ハワイツアー #ハワイ限定 #ハ...
alohacast
1.3K likes • 0 views

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lessons

Great spot for beginner surfers and snorkelers due to gentle waves. Reddit

☀️ Morning Serenity

Visit early for a peaceful experience and to avoid the midday sun. TikTok

【ヒーリング効果】 古代ハワイアンが 医療行為を行なっていた 癒しのスポット ケアイヴァ ヘイアウ ここには マナ(ハワイの精霊)が宿ると言われているストーンもいくつかあります。 今でも 病気になった人が 祈願に訪れる神聖な場所です😉 ちなみに 今月 最もリクエストが多かった行き先でもありました😉 #ハワイプライベートツアー #ハワイチャーターツアー #ハワイ旅行 #妄想ハワイ #ヒーリングストーン #行った気になれるハワイ動画 #ハワイ動画 #ハワイパワースポット #nobbylandhawaii @nobbylandhawaiishop
nobbyland_hawaii
1.1K likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶 Stay on Paths

Heiau are sacred. Respect the site by staying on marked paths and off the rocks. Reddit

🐠 Observe Marine Life

Tons of yellow tangs and other sea life in the waves and tide pools! Reddit

🏄‍♀️ Surf Lessons

Great spot for beginner surfers and snorkelers due to gentle waves. Reddit

☀️ Morning Serenity

Visit early for a peaceful experience and to avoid the midday sun. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.5
(13 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Kuemanu Heiau for its beautiful, serene atmosphere and suitability for beginner surfers and snorkelers. The tide pools are a hit with families, offering a glimpse of marine life. Some note its sacred nature and advise respecting the site.

"This was a nice spot for the kids to try out surfing. Tons of yellow tangs in the waves too!"

Jonathan Graham

"Very small, stay off the rocks as it is a sacred place. Next door is a small Catholic Church."

William Marshall

"Gorgeous beach with tide pools. We loved it!"

L C

What People Like

Great for beginner surfers
Beautiful tide pools
Serene and peaceful

What People Dislike

Sacred site requires respect

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Kuemanu Heiau is located in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. It's accessible by car, and parking is often available nearby. Many visitors combine a visit with exploring the charming beach town of Kailua-Kona. TikTok+1

Parking can be found in the vicinity, though it may be limited during peak times. Consider arriving early or on a weekday. TikTok

Yes, if you are staying in or near Kailua-Kona, it's possible to walk to Kuemanu Heiau, especially if you are exploring the coastal areas. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Kuemanu Heiau is generally accessible without an entrance fee, as it's a historical site. However, always check for any local advisories or potential access changes. Instagram

As an outdoor historical site, Kuemanu Heiau is typically open during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's ample natural light to appreciate the ruins and surroundings. TikTok

There is typically no entrance fee for Kuemanu Heiau, as it is a historical and cultural site. Instagram

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can explore the ancient heiau ruins, observe marine life in the tide pools, and try beginner surfing or paddleboarding in the gentle waves. InstagramReddit

Yes, families can enjoy the gentle waves for beginner surfing and exploring the tide pools. It's also a good place to teach children about Hawaiian history and culture. Reddit

Swimming is possible, especially for beginners, as the waves are generally gentle. The area also features tide pools for observation. Reddit

Wear comfortable walking shoes, swimwear if you plan to enter the water, and sun protection like a hat and sunscreen. TikTok

Yes, the historical ruins, coastal views, and marine life offer great photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hour. TikTok

📸 📸 Photography

Late afternoon offers beautiful golden hour lighting for photography. Early mornings can also provide serene shots with fewer people. TikTok

Capture the ancient heiau ruins, the vibrant marine life in the tide pools, and the scenic coastal views. InstagramReddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Kuemanu Heiau is a fantastic spot for families. The gentle waves make it ideal for kids to try surfing or paddleboarding for the first time. Reddit The tide pools are a natural aquarium, providing endless fascination as children discover small marine creatures. Reddit It's also a great opportunity to introduce them to Hawaiian history and the importance of respecting sacred sites. Remember to bring sun protection and plenty of water. TikTok

🏄‍♀️ Beginner Surfers & Water Enthusiasts

If you're new to surfing or paddleboarding, Kuemanu Heiau is your spot! The calm, shallow waters and small, consistent waves are perfect for learning. Reddit You'll find plenty of company with other beginners, and the vibrant marine life visible in the clear water adds to the experience. Reddit It's a low-pressure environment to get comfortable on a board. Reddit

🧘‍♀️ Spiritual Seekers & History Buffs

For those drawn to history and spiritual energy, Kuemanu Heiau offers a profound experience. As a sacred Hawaiian temple, it's a place where ancient rituals and healing practices once took place. Instagram+1 Visitors often report feeling a sense of peace and rejuvenation here. Instagram+1 Approach the site with reverence, and take time to absorb the historical atmosphere and the natural beauty that surrounds it. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Sacred Significance of Kuemanu Heiau

Kuemanu Heiau is more than just ruins; it's a significant historical and spiritual site in Hawaiian culture. Ancient Hawaiians built heiau for various purposes, including worship, healing, and astronomical observation. Instagram+1 Many believe these sites hold powerful energy and were used for healing and spiritual practices. Instagram+1 It's crucial to remember that these places are still considered sacred by many, and visitors are urged to show respect by staying on designated paths and refraining from climbing on the structures. Reddit

Historically, access to certain heiau was restricted to high-ranking individuals like chiefs and priests. Reddit This reverence for the sacred nature of these sites continues today. When visiting, approach Kuemanu Heiau with a sense of respect and mindfulness, understanding its deep cultural importance. Instagram

Kuemanu Heiau as a Natural Playground

Beyond its historical significance, Kuemanu Heiau offers a beautiful natural setting. The area is known for its gentle waves, making it an excellent spot for beginner surfers and those looking to try paddleboarding. Reddit The waters are also rich with marine life, and visitors often spot numerous yellow tangs and other colorful fish in the waves and tide pools. Reddit

The tide pools themselves are a fascinating attraction, offering a close-up look at small marine creatures. Reddit It's a perfect place for families to explore and for anyone to appreciate the biodiversity of the Hawaiian coast. Remember to observe these creatures without disturbing their habitat. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2