Sweetheart Rock (Puʻu Pehe) on Lāna‘i: History, Legend, and Why You Should Visit
On the southern coast of Lānaʻi, nestled between the turquoise waters of Mānele Bay and Hulopoʻe Bay, rises an 80-foot sea stack known as Puʻu Pehe—or more romantically, Sweetheart Rock. To the casual visitor, it’s a stunning geological marvel, a lone sentinel standing against the crashing waves. But to those who know the island’s stories, it’s a place straight out of legends.
A warrior’s Love
Long ago, in a time when the Hawaiian Islands were ruled by chiefs and guided by gods, a young warrior named Makakehau lived on Lānaʻi. His name, meaning “misty eyes,” came from the way his eyes welled with tears every time he looked upon Pehe, a beautiful maiden from Lahaina. Her beauty was said to rival the sunrise over Haleakalā—her skin radiant, her hair adorned with lehua blossoms, and her eyes like stars shimmering in the night sky.
Makakehau was so captivated by Pehe that he brought her to Lānaʻi, determined to keep her close and safe. But his love was possessive. Fearing that others might steal her away, he hid her in a sea cave near the base of the cliffs at Mānele Bay, where the ocean whispered secrets and the waves danced with the wind.
The Storm
One day, Makakehau ventured out to gather fresh rainwater for Pehe. He climbed to the highest point on Lāna‘i, as close to the clouds as he could get. From the top of the island, he was able to see dark clouds swelling on the horizon. A massive storm was sweeping toward Mānele Bay and Hulopoʻe Bay, right towards where the sea cave sheltered his beloved.
Panicked, Makakehau dropped his supplies and raced down the rugged slopes, his heart pounding with fear. He ran as fast as his legs could carry him, but by the time he reached the cave, the ocean had already claimed Pehe. The sanctuary he had chosen for her had become a trap. Towering waves had surged into the cave, sweeping her away into the raging sea.
Desperate and grief-stricken, Makakehau plunged into the churning waters. With only one thought in his mind—his love and light, Pehe—he fought against the powerful surf, searching for her among the waves. At last, he found her, but it was too late. Her lifeless body lay in his arms as the storm roared around him.
Overcome with sorrow, Makakehau called upon the gods to grant him the strength to climb the towering rock that stood watch over the bay. With Pehe cradled against his chest, he scaled the steep cliffs of Puʻu Pehe, the sea stack now known as Sweetheart Rock. At the summit, he laid her to rest in a tomb of stone. Then, in a final act of heartbreak, he leapt from the rock into the sea below, joining her in death.
Pehe’s Tomb of Stone
The LEgacy of Pu’u Pehe
Today, Puʻu Pehe, also known as Sweetheart Rock, stands as a silent monument to their love and tragedy. Though archaeologists have found no human remains atop the rock, only the bones of seabirds, the legend endures. It has been passed down through generations as a poignant tale of devotion and heartbreak.
Visitors to Lāna‘i can hike a short trail from Hulopoʻe Beach to a scenic overlook, where Sweetheart Rock rises majestically from the ocean. It is a favorite spot for sunset watchers, photographers, and couples seeking a romantic backdrop for proposals and weddings.
Beyond its beauty, Puʻu Pehe reminds us of the power of love and the dangers of possessiveness. It is a story that continues to echo across the waves, whispered by the wind and remembered by the land.
Experience Sweetheart Rock with Trilogy
While Sweetheart Rock stands as a timeless symbol of love and loss, it is also a destination you can experience firsthand with Trilogy Excursions. We are the only company with permission to bring guests directly to Hulopoʻe Bay, a protected marine preserve and home to some of the most pristine beaches in Hawaiʻi. Our Discover Lāna‘i Tour, operating since 1973 as our flagship tour, offers a full-day adventure from Maui to Lāna‘i that blends luxury with culture and nature.
After a scenic sail across the ʻAuʻau Channel, guests are welcomed ashore for a day of snorkeling, relaxing on the beach and a delicious BBQ grilled lunch at the Hale O Manele Pavilion. One of the most memorable moments is an optional, short, scenic walk to Puʻu Pehe (Sweetheart Rock) itself. Standing at the overlook, you will see the legendary sea stack rising from the ocean, just as Makakehau once did, its silhouette etched against the horizon, whispering the story of eternal love.
Whether you are drawn by the legend, the landscape, or the luxury, Trilogy’s Discover Lāna‘i tour offers a rare chance to connect with the heart of the island and the soul of its stories.