Prince Kuhio Park - An Homage to a Well-Loved Hawaiian Royalty

Prince Kuhio Park is a roadside park in Poipu, Kauai. The park was named after the last royal heir to the Hawaiian throne, Prince Jonah Kuhio Kalaniana'ole, whom many believed would have been a great king had Hawaii not been annexed to the United States. He was born in Kukuiula, along the Poipu Coast in 1871.

During his 10 consecutive term as a congressional delegate for Hawaii, Prince Kuhio continued to be a champion for native Hawaiian rights, making him one of the most revered Hawaiian leaders of all time. In fact, his birthday, March 26, is remembered as a state holiday and celebrated with island-wide cultural events.

To honor the prince, his birthplace and location of his royal residence was transformed into a public park. The Prince Kuhio Park features the foundation of Prince Kuhio's royal home as well as his well-preserved fishpond. The well-maintained park offers an expansive grassy lawn, shades from palm and other tress and exquisite views of the Pacific Ocean. A monument to the prince by sculptor Julius Rosenstein sits in the center of the park.

The park is also home to the Ho'ai Heiau which is located on the left side. This heiau is an exquisite example of ancient Hawaiian construction using lava stones. The stones were so well-fitted that they almost appear to be carved.

To reach the Prince Kuhio Park, drive along Highway 50 toward Lawai. Turn right on Koloa Road (Highway 530) and continue until you reach Poipu Road and take another right. Once you come to a fork in the road near the ocean, take the left fork on Lawai Road. You will see the Prince Kuhio Park on your right.