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Highway 450

In 1736, invading forces from O'ahu fought the combined forces of Molokai and Hawai'i on this site. Even though O'ahu warriors were more powerful, the spiritual strength of the Molokai fighters won the battle after five days of fighting and the O'ahu chief, Kapiiohookai, was killed. Archeologists studying this area say the number of bones found here indicate that the death toll was in the thousands. In 1794, Kamehameha I, in his effort to unite the islands, also landed his invading force near Kawela. It is said that his canoes stretched for over four miles. However, he was successful in his assault and for his victory captured and later married the child bride, Keopuolani, one of Maui's highest-born chieftesses. The Pukuhiwa Battleground along the this coast is still littered with stones slung from slingshots during the battle. Nearby is Puuhonua is a temple of refuge where defeated warriors could take sanctuary. As this area was the site for many savage acts and death, the area is considered by locals to be haunted with the spirits of the Night Marchers. Many people have reported seeing and hearing the warriors on their march to the sea.

Directions:
Take Highway 450 east from Kaunakakai. Around the Mile Marker #13 on the ocean side of the highway is the Warrior Sign indicating the site. The actual battlefield extends from Mile Marker #6-13.