Of the eight major islands that comprise the state of Hawaii, the island of Hawaii is geographically the largest. Called the Big Island, it is divided into districts, and Kona is one district or moku. This area is rich in Hawaiian culture and history. Here are some highlights visitors should see.
Puuhonua o Honaunau is one of a few National Parks in the district. The one hundred eighty acres are filled with history sacred to Hawaiians. You can walk the self guided tour of restored remains complete with a sacred temple that houses the bones of more than twenty Hawaiian chiefs. The park has its own great wall that is ten feet high and seventeen feet thick. Years ago, long before the Westerners came, this is where the Hawaiian lawbreakers came to hide. The wooden images that depict Hawaiian Gods are further evidence that to Hawaiians this is a sacred place.
Keauhou Resort is great for vacationers who want spas, fine dining, golf courses and high end resorts. The weather is sunny, and you can see honu, Hawaiian green turtles, swimming in shallow tide pools. Nearby is the Historic Kailua Village, which every October hosts the starting line of the Iron Man Triathlon.
Also in the heart of the Village is the Hulihee Palace, once the summer home to Hawaiian royalty. The home was built in 1838 and features artifacts and ornaments from the cultural past of Hawaiian monarchy. You can really get a sense of the culture and history of this peaceful paradise.
Another National Park, Kaloko Honokohau, is filled with natural wonders and man made wonders. You can see the sea to mountain land divisions, of which there are four. View the sacred temples and the two beautifully engineered man made fish ponds. Check in with the visitor center to find out about the guided tours.
Kealakekua Bay Historical Park is the place to go for snorkeling and scuba diving. The surrounding brilliant waters of the bay are exceptionally colorful with tropical fish and vivid coral reefs. The park is historic as this is the land that Captain James Cook first landed on when he sailed to Hawaii in 1778. Before Cook, the Hawaiians had not seen any Westerners. Despite the fact that he was killed in a dispute one year later, the Hawaiians esteemed him and erected an obelisk in his honor.
A small village called Holualoa is filled with coffee plantations and is home to art community. Volcanic soil contributes to the unique coffee been flavor. Some of the approximately six hundred coffee farms offer public tours. If you are in search of art and great coffee, you will find both here.
To really get a feel for the culture and history of a place, it is best to confine your stay to a small area. This will give you the time to take in all the sights and read about the stories and culture behind the sites. Westerners have left a huge footprint on the land, but the old Hawaii can still be seen and appreciated. Stop and smell the flowers. You will not regret it.
Puuhonua o Honaunau is one of a few National Parks in the district. The one hundred eighty acres are filled with history sacred to Hawaiians. You can walk the self guided tour of restored remains complete with a sacred temple that houses the bones of more than twenty Hawaiian chiefs. The park has its own great wall that is ten feet high and seventeen feet thick. Years ago, long before the Westerners came, this is where the Hawaiian lawbreakers came to hide. The wooden images that depict Hawaiian Gods are further evidence that to Hawaiians this is a sacred place.
Keauhou Resort is great for vacationers who want spas, fine dining, golf courses and high end resorts. The weather is sunny, and you can see honu, Hawaiian green turtles, swimming in shallow tide pools. Nearby is the Historic Kailua Village, which every October hosts the starting line of the Iron Man Triathlon.
Also in the heart of the Village is the Hulihee Palace, once the summer home to Hawaiian royalty. The home was built in 1838 and features artifacts and ornaments from the cultural past of Hawaiian monarchy. You can really get a sense of the culture and history of this peaceful paradise.
Another National Park, Kaloko Honokohau, is filled with natural wonders and man made wonders. You can see the sea to mountain land divisions, of which there are four. View the sacred temples and the two beautifully engineered man made fish ponds. Check in with the visitor center to find out about the guided tours.
Kealakekua Bay Historical Park is the place to go for snorkeling and scuba diving. The surrounding brilliant waters of the bay are exceptionally colorful with tropical fish and vivid coral reefs. The park is historic as this is the land that Captain James Cook first landed on when he sailed to Hawaii in 1778. Before Cook, the Hawaiians had not seen any Westerners. Despite the fact that he was killed in a dispute one year later, the Hawaiians esteemed him and erected an obelisk in his honor.
A small village called Holualoa is filled with coffee plantations and is home to art community. Volcanic soil contributes to the unique coffee been flavor. Some of the approximately six hundred coffee farms offer public tours. If you are in search of art and great coffee, you will find both here.
To really get a feel for the culture and history of a place, it is best to confine your stay to a small area. This will give you the time to take in all the sights and read about the stories and culture behind the sites. Westerners have left a huge footprint on the land, but the old Hawaii can still be seen and appreciated. Stop and smell the flowers. You will not regret it.
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