The Kohala peninsula is geographically the oldest part of the island, being the first volcanoes to rise from beneath the sea. Kohala volcano has long been extinct, and over the eons it has deeply eroded into a beautiful range of slopes, canyons and coastal cliffs. The vast Kohala Coast is home to many upscale resorts and the birthplace of King Kmaehameha 1, the great warrior who conquered and unified the Hawaiian Islands. A statue commemorates his birthsite in the town of Kapa'au on the island's northern most tip. The region is also home to one of Hawaii's remotest and most significant ancient temples, the Mo'okini heiau.