Big Island - Hawaii's Heiau and History on Holiday

Description:

At this site on the Big Island, the Ruins of Pu'ukohola Heiau ('Temple on the Hill of the Whale') are preserved and protected. Facilities within the park include a visitor center with exhibits on the site's cultural and historical significance. The park also offers waysides along the interpretive trail.

The park lies on the northwestern shore of the island of Hawaii in the district of South Kohala. The access road to the visitor center is located on 62-3601 Kawaihae Road, off Route 270, .25 mile north of Highway 19 intersection.

Description:

This was the site of important Hawaiian settlements before arrival of European explorers. It includes coastal areas, three large fishponds, a house site and other archeological remnants. Resources include fishponds, kahua (house site platforms), ki'i pöhaku (petroglyphs), hölua (stone slide) and heiau (religious site).

Because the park is still relatively undeveloped, there are very few facilities available within the park. There is a chemical toilet located at Kaloko Pond and at Ai'opio, there is also a composting toilet located along the trail leading from the south end of the park to Honokohau Beach.

Visitors can hike along the coast through the park and enjoy other activities such as: picnicking, fishing, snorkeling, swimming, bird-watching, and surfing. Other activities enjoyed in the park include backpacking, sea kayaking, SCUBA diving and viewing wildlife.

Kaloko-Honoköhau is located at the base of Hualälai Volcano, along the Kona coast of the island of Hawai'i. It is three miles north of Kailua-Kona and three miles south of Kea hole-Kona International Airport, along Highway 19 (the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway). There is no park sign or visitor center (yet) in this newly established park, so a trip to the park headquarters may be helpful to get your bearings.

Description:

This ancient heiau is nearly indistinguishable from the other grass huts that were erected nearby for the King Kamehameha Hotel luau grounds. Exuding an aura of mystique and timelessness, it consists of a stone wall, some other stones and a few modest grass buildings. Although no one can enter this Hawaiian holy place, it is possible to go right up to the gates that protect it. Another good viewpoint is from across the Kailua Pier.

Description:

Snorkelers and divers flock to this bay, which is a designated marine preserve and home to hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, sea turtles and even some dolphins. Kayakers also enjoy the calm, warm waters. History buffs will be more interested in the monument to Captain James Cook, the first British sailor to venture to Hawai'i. Cook was at first revered by the Hawaiians, who believed him to be the god Lono, but eventually they killed him in a skirmish upon his return to the island.

Description:

Visitors to this national park can enjoy a diverse environment of volcanic mountains and craters, lava flows and rain forests. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides an unusual landscape for a variety of recreation opportunities.

Located just inside the park entrance, Kilauea Visitor Center offers visitor information and exhibits. Films and videos, highlighting the park's special features and current eruption, are shown in the auditorium. A schedule of Ranger-led walks/talks is posted on the Ranger Activities bulletin board in the visitor center at 9:00am each morning.

Located along Crater Rim Drive, three miles from the park entrance, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum offers earth science displays and features murals depicting Hawaiian culture. An adjacent overlook offers a panoramic view of Kilauea Caldera and Mauna Loa.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawaii, 96 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona and 30 miles southwest of Hilo.