There are eight major islands that comprise the State of Hawaii. The largest bears the same name as the state, Hawaii, and is often referred to as the Big Island. Divided into moku, the Hawaiian word for district, Kona is one of those districts. As a visitor, here are some highlights that you will not want to miss. `
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.
In the center of the Village is Hulihee Palace, which was the vacation home for the Hawaiian monarchy. Built in 1838, the palace is filled with artifacts and furniture that represents the local culture and artistry. The palace gives a feeling for the history and culture of Hawaii.
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.
If you love to snorkel or scuba dive, Kealakekua Bay Historical Park is a must see. The brilliant bay waters are home to colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. This is the location where Captain James Cook first came to Hawaii in 1778. He was the first Westerner seen by native islanders. Killed in a skirmish one year later, the Hawaiians held Cook in high regard despite the dispute that resulted in him being killed.
Amidst coffee plantations, there is a small village known as Holualoa. Coffee lovers world wide appreciate the coffee grown in the rich volcanic soil. With nearly 600 coffee plantations, visitors can find a few with public tours. This is also home to the local art community. Come for the coffee and the art.
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.
In the center of the Village is Hulihee Palace, which was the vacation home for the Hawaiian monarchy. Built in 1838, the palace is filled with artifacts and furniture that represents the local culture and artistry. The palace gives a feeling for the history and culture of Hawaii.
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.
If you love to snorkel or scuba dive, Kealakekua Bay Historical Park is a must see. The brilliant bay waters are home to colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. This is the location where Captain James Cook first came to Hawaii in 1778. He was the first Westerner seen by native islanders. Killed in a skirmish one year later, the Hawaiians held Cook in high regard despite the dispute that resulted in him being killed.
Amidst coffee plantations, there is a small village known as Holualoa. Coffee lovers world wide appreciate the coffee grown in the rich volcanic soil. With nearly 600 coffee plantations, visitors can find a few with public tours. This is also home to the local art community. Come for the coffee and the art.
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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