|
Big Island Activities
and travel tours
|
|
The Kona Coast offers some of the most accessible and interesting archaeological sites in Hawaii. The most spectacular of these is the reconstructed temples at Puuhonua O Honaunau, a National Historic Park about 20 miles south of Kailua Town. Set alongside sheltered Honaunau Bay, Puuhonua was an important residential site for the Hawaiian ali'i or royal chiefs. Next to the residence was an important temple known as the place of refuge where anybody could seek shelter to escape corporal punishment after breaking a kapu (law) or after defeat in war. The site includes several huge stone platforms and a reconstructed temple with ornate carved wooden statues. Just to the north of Puuhonua is Hikiau Heiau, a temple foundation where Captain Cook was honoured on his arrival to the islands and where he buried one of his men who had died from illness. This act defied the belief the Hawaiians had that Cook was in fact a god, and indirectly resulted in his death at Kealakekua Bay where a small memorial marks his honour.
Kailua Town has its own visually impressive reconstructed archaeological site. Ahuena Heiau is a temple of peace and prosperity built around Kamakahonu Beach in downtown Kailua Town. This was where King Kamehamaha spent the last years of his life teaching his children and statesmen his views on life. Another interesting heiau can be found partly submerged in the sea off the beach at Honokohau adjacent to the small boat marina.
About 30 miles north of Kailua at Mauna Lani is the Puako Petroglyph Preserve. This collection of over 1,200 stone carvings on a large exposed rock basalt is the states greatest collection and can be viewed along a 15-minute nature trail. A short drive to the north is the states most impressive temple foundation. Puukohola war temple (where human sacrifices were made) was built from 1790-1791 by King Kamehameha I to fulfil a prophecy that he would conquer all of Hawaii on completion of the temple, a prophecy that came true in 1810.
Our top big island travel attractions are:
1) - Archaeological sites of the ancient Hawaiians
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial
2) - Volcano National Park
lava flows; volcanic crater; walking trails; unique flora
3) - Hiking Waipio Valley,
lush valley, black sand beach, waterfalls, strenuous hiking
4) - Waterfalls and Botanical Gardens of Hilo,
Tropical rainforest, short trails, cascading waterfalls
5) - Waimea Countryside and Pololu Valley,
horse riding; cattle ranches; valley and coastal trails;
6) - Summit of Mauna Kea,
13,796 feet; observatory and star gazing; snow in winter;
7) - Kona coffee and Macadamia nut farms - South Kona
coffee tasting; tours; bed and breakfast
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Activities Guide
Fiji Activities Guide
Samoa Activities Guide
Tonga Activities Guide
Tahiti Activities Guide
Hawaii Activities Guide
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
