Sweetheart Rock a.k.a. Pu'u Pehe Rock - Lanai Historical Sites, Lanai

Highway 440, South Lanai

This triangular-shaped rock located just offshore and to the left of Hulopo'e Bay, is Pu'u Pehe or Sweetheart Rock. Lengend states that many years ago a jealous husband confined his wife, Pu'u Pehe, in a sea cave near the rock. She drowned in the cave. The husband was so distrought over her death that he climbed the rock with the help of the gods and buried her body at the top in the Pu'u Pehe Tomb where upon he leapt off the rock to his death. Even though this legend is laced with romance, archeologists who have studied the sea stack state that there are no human remains in the "tomb" at the top. They surmise that the "tomb" may actually be a bird heiau built by ancient Hawaiians. Numerous bones from sea birds are located near the heaiu. A trail from Hulopo'e Beach leads to a wonderful overlook of Pu'u Pehe Rock. Along the trail are numerous tidepools, a sea arch, Sharks Bay and Sharks Cove. Pu'u Pehe Rock site 150 feet off shore between Manele Bay and Hulopo'e Bay. The rock is 80 feet high and has a summit measuring 70 feet in diameter. The "tomb" area at the to is easily seen from the overlook on shore.

Directions:

Take Highway 440 south from Lanai City approximately 13 miles. Follow the signs to the Hulopo'e Beach Park. Take the trail to the left of the beach to the overlook.

Useful Information:

DO NOT attempt to climb the rock - the walls are very steep and the ocean currents below are very swift

Great views of the coastline, Manele Bay Hotel, and Hulolo'e Beach