Kamehameha Schools has purchased 163.5 acres that surround the birth site of Kamehameha I on the Big Island.

The charitable trust announced the $5.2 million purchase yesterday.

In addition to the king's birthplace, the land encompasses the Mo'okini Luakini Heiau in North Kohala. The heiau is sacred place about the size of a football field that, according to genealogical chants, was built around A.D. 480. It has been under the care of the Mo'okini family.

"The Mo'okini heiau and the Kamehameha birth site are cornerstones of our institutional identity and the history of Hawaiian people," said Neil Hannahs, director of land assets for Kamehameha Schools.

"By purchasing these parcels, we essentially protect these areas from encroachment by commercial and residential developers and create a staging area to launch educational and cultural programs."

Land sales around the sites have increased in recent years.

Plans for the site include planting of native coastal plants and trees and 'Aina Ula (place-based education) programs in partnership with the Mo'okini Foundation.

Kamehameha Schools is a private charitable trust endowed by the legacy of Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop. It is the sole beneficiary of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Estate, and operates a statewide educational system.