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Big Island of Hawaii Sights
Location: Hilo Town
Located on the banks of the Wailoa River, the park offers many places to wander and relax. The park encircles Waiakea Pond, a spring-fed estuary with many saltwater species to observe. Here is where you will find an ornate statue in the likeness of King Kamehameha off Bishop Drive. There are also two memorials, one in honor of Vietnam veterans and another to honor tsunami victims. The Wailoa Center, located off Pauahi Street, often features changing cultural displays.
... Wailoa River State Park details continued
Located on the banks of the Wailoa River, the park offers many places to wander and relax. The park encircles Waiakea Pond, a spring-fed estuary with many saltwater species to observe. Here is where you will find an ornate statue in the likeness of King Kamehameha off Bishop Drive. There are also two memorials, one in honor of Vietnam veterans and another to honor tsunami victims. The Wailoa Center, located off Pauahi Street, often features changing cultural displays.
... Wailoa River State Park details continued
Location: Kohala
Lapakahi State Historical Park is located just before mile marker 14 on Highway 270 in Kohala. Six hundred years ago this land was discovered by the Hawaiians, and it has remained much the same since that time. The park staff has dutifully preserved and restored several structures in order to give visitors a glimpse into the past and what it was like to live on this side of the Big Island. When you enter the park make sure to find the trailhead on your left and pick up a brochure which will guide you through the 23 stops on the path.
... Lapakahi State Historical Park details continued
Lapakahi State Historical Park is located just before mile marker 14 on Highway 270 in Kohala. Six hundred years ago this land was discovered by the Hawaiians, and it has remained much the same since that time. The park staff has dutifully preserved and restored several structures in order to give visitors a glimpse into the past and what it was like to live on this side of the Big Island. When you enter the park make sure to find the trailhead on your left and pick up a brochure which will guide you through the 23 stops on the path.
... Lapakahi State Historical Park details continued
Location: Kona
A slice of ancient Hawai'i amid the modern day Kona, Ahu'ena Heiau was reconstructed by King Kamehameha as his retreat and the place where he mentored his successor Liholiho. There are three main structures on the "paepae" (stone platform). The first, the Hale Mana which was thatched with ti leaves and trimmed with fern, was where the King and his advisers met, the prince was tutored and prayer was held.
The Hale Pahu housed the great ceremonial drum and the large white tower, 'Anu'u was where the high priest received and proclaimed answers he elicited from the gods. ... Ahuena Heiau details continued
A slice of ancient Hawai'i amid the modern day Kona, Ahu'ena Heiau was reconstructed by King Kamehameha as his retreat and the place where he mentored his successor Liholiho. There are three main structures on the "paepae" (stone platform). The first, the Hale Mana which was thatched with ti leaves and trimmed with fern, was where the King and his advisers met, the prince was tutored and prayer was held.
The Hale Pahu housed the great ceremonial drum and the large white tower, 'Anu'u was where the high priest received and proclaimed answers he elicited from the gods. ... Ahuena Heiau details continued
Location: Kona
This historic landmark is located near the seawall on Ali'i Drive in Kona. Hulihe'e Palace, managed by the Daughters of Hawai'i, is one of only three royal homes in the United States. Unfortunately it sustained heavy damage during the October 2006 earthquake which has significantly limited the number of visitors and tours it can sustain. The quake caused cracks in the exterior plaster was well as damage to inside ceiling cornices.
Built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini, King Kamehameha's cousin, Hulihe'e was a vacation spot of Hawaiian Royalty. Its expansive lawn and stately palm trees offered a lovely playground. Before the earthquake both the first and second floors were filled with artifacts from Hawaii's ruling class from ancient tools to royal dress. Upstairs royal bedrooms were preserved. It is likely however that access to the second floor will be restricted for some time. ... Hulihee Palace details continued
This historic landmark is located near the seawall on Ali'i Drive in Kona. Hulihe'e Palace, managed by the Daughters of Hawai'i, is one of only three royal homes in the United States. Unfortunately it sustained heavy damage during the October 2006 earthquake which has significantly limited the number of visitors and tours it can sustain. The quake caused cracks in the exterior plaster was well as damage to inside ceiling cornices.
Built in 1838 by Governor John Adams Kuakini, King Kamehameha's cousin, Hulihe'e was a vacation spot of Hawaiian Royalty. Its expansive lawn and stately palm trees offered a lovely playground. Before the earthquake both the first and second floors were filled with artifacts from Hawaii's ruling class from ancient tools to royal dress. Upstairs royal bedrooms were preserved. It is likely however that access to the second floor will be restricted for some time. ... Hulihee Palace details continued
Location: Kona
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a 1,160 acre area on the Kona coast. Established as a park in 1978, development and preservation is on going, but you do have to opportunity to explore two ancient fish ponds, Aimakapa and Kaloko, as well as Aio'pio fish trap.
This hot, lava strewn landscape held great spiritual significance for the ancient Hawaiians who decided to settle here. They used their skills to establish fish ponds and traps to provide abundant sources of food and to build several heiau which can be seen today.
... Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park details continued
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a 1,160 acre area on the Kona coast. Established as a park in 1978, development and preservation is on going, but you do have to opportunity to explore two ancient fish ponds, Aimakapa and Kaloko, as well as Aio'pio fish trap.
This hot, lava strewn landscape held great spiritual significance for the ancient Hawaiians who decided to settle here. They used their skills to establish fish ponds and traps to provide abundant sources of food and to build several heiau which can be seen today.
... Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park details continued
Location: Hilo Town
This small museum provides a wealth of multimedia information on tsunamis and their effect on the Pacific islands. Docents, many of whom are actual tsunami survivors, are more than happy to share their experiences and guide guests through the displays. Television sets are anchored throughout the museum and play short videos to accompany the stories recounted on the walls. There are several interactive displays, including one that teaches visitors about the Tsunami Warning System by allowing them “create” a tsunami and then decide whether or not it is strong enough to warrant evacuation.
... Pacific Tsunami Museum details continued
This small museum provides a wealth of multimedia information on tsunamis and their effect on the Pacific islands. Docents, many of whom are actual tsunami survivors, are more than happy to share their experiences and guide guests through the displays. Television sets are anchored throughout the museum and play short videos to accompany the stories recounted on the walls. There are several interactive displays, including one that teaches visitors about the Tsunami Warning System by allowing them “create” a tsunami and then decide whether or not it is strong enough to warrant evacuation.
... Pacific Tsunami Museum details continued
Location: Hilo Town
Behind the rather reserved walls of the Lyman House Memorial Museum is a fascinating collection of galleries that span the natural and cultural history of the islands. On the ground level there is an eye-popping mineral and seashell collection, recreations of the various natural habitats on the islands, and a tour through a simulated lava tube.
Upstairs the focus turns toward the cultural aspect of the islands. You can wander through displays featuring ancient Hawaiian weapons, tools, cookware, and games. Other showcases describe the care taken in creating the massive feather capes and leis used to adorn the Hawaiian royalty. Homage is also paid to the various other cultures, such as the Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, and Koreans, that have shaped the ethnic makeup of the islands. ... Lyman Museum and Mission House details continued
Behind the rather reserved walls of the Lyman House Memorial Museum is a fascinating collection of galleries that span the natural and cultural history of the islands. On the ground level there is an eye-popping mineral and seashell collection, recreations of the various natural habitats on the islands, and a tour through a simulated lava tube.
Upstairs the focus turns toward the cultural aspect of the islands. You can wander through displays featuring ancient Hawaiian weapons, tools, cookware, and games. Other showcases describe the care taken in creating the massive feather capes and leis used to adorn the Hawaiian royalty. Homage is also paid to the various other cultures, such as the Japanese, Filipinos, Chinese, and Koreans, that have shaped the ethnic makeup of the islands. ... Lyman Museum and Mission House details continued
Location: Kona
The steeple of the Mokuaikaua Church reaches toward heaven amid the tourist shops and restaurants on Ali'i Drive, a testament to the industriousness and belief of Hawai'i's first Christian missionaries. Construction of the church began in 1820 with the blessing of King Liholiho, the late King Kamehameha's son and was completed in 1837. After his father's death and before the missionaries' arrival, Liholiho had abolished the strict kapu system and was dismantling the old temples.
Having already been familiar with Christianity, which was originally brought to the islands in the 1700s with Capt. James Cook, the Hawaiian people were open to learning about the faith. ... Mokuaikaua Church details continued
The steeple of the Mokuaikaua Church reaches toward heaven amid the tourist shops and restaurants on Ali'i Drive, a testament to the industriousness and belief of Hawai'i's first Christian missionaries. Construction of the church began in 1820 with the blessing of King Liholiho, the late King Kamehameha's son and was completed in 1837. After his father's death and before the missionaries' arrival, Liholiho had abolished the strict kapu system and was dismantling the old temples.
Having already been familiar with Christianity, which was originally brought to the islands in the 1700s with Capt. James Cook, the Hawaiian people were open to learning about the faith. ... Mokuaikaua Church details continued
Location: Central Hawaii
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area encompasses 20 acres within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve but is also very close to the Pohakuloa Military Reservation. Recreation opportunities at Mauna Kea state park include camping, picnicking, hiking and viewing scenery. At 6,500 feet the park has cooler temperatures than coastal areas. Be prepared with layers if camping at this site. ... Mauna Kea State Recreation Area details continued
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area encompasses 20 acres within the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve but is also very close to the Pohakuloa Military Reservation. Recreation opportunities at Mauna Kea state park include camping, picnicking, hiking and viewing scenery. At 6,500 feet the park has cooler temperatures than coastal areas. Be prepared with layers if camping at this site. ... Mauna Kea State Recreation Area details continued
Location: Kohala
If you are eager to explore this waterfall, you're going to have to pay the piper with some sweat and hard physical labour (tough hiking may be an understatement here). Or, you could just take a helicopter tour of the Kohala coast. We'll let you pick.
But if you're a hard core hiker, here's the scoop. Wai`ilikahi Falls is located in Waimanu Valley, accessible via the Muliwai Trail (Z-Trail) that begins on the far side of Waipio Valley. This trail is not for the novice hiker. Once you reach the top of the ridge, it is another eight miles of hiking through gorges and over hills to reach Waimanu Valley. Do not attempt to do this hike in a single day. You will have to cross 13 streams along the way, so it is not advised during the rainy season where unbelievable amounts of mud and swollen streams will make the trek dangerous and significantly less enjoyable. The descent into Waimanu can be tricky. Once you reach the end of the switch backs, cross the stream to the campsites on the other side. Do not drink the water straight from the stream. It must be purified to be suitable for drinking. If you are one of the adventurous to make the trip, you will likely have the valley to yourself. Waimanu has all the charm and beauty of Waipio without the people. At one time several hundred people lived in Waimanu until a tsunami made them leave for good in 1946. You may encounter some of the ruins on your exploration. Waimanu is bursting with waterfalls, including the one you've come to see - the spectacular Wai'ilikahi Falls. ... Wai’ilikahi Falls details continued
If you are eager to explore this waterfall, you're going to have to pay the piper with some sweat and hard physical labour (tough hiking may be an understatement here). Or, you could just take a helicopter tour of the Kohala coast. We'll let you pick.
But if you're a hard core hiker, here's the scoop. Wai`ilikahi Falls is located in Waimanu Valley, accessible via the Muliwai Trail (Z-Trail) that begins on the far side of Waipio Valley. This trail is not for the novice hiker. Once you reach the top of the ridge, it is another eight miles of hiking through gorges and over hills to reach Waimanu Valley. Do not attempt to do this hike in a single day. You will have to cross 13 streams along the way, so it is not advised during the rainy season where unbelievable amounts of mud and swollen streams will make the trek dangerous and significantly less enjoyable. The descent into Waimanu can be tricky. Once you reach the end of the switch backs, cross the stream to the campsites on the other side. Do not drink the water straight from the stream. It must be purified to be suitable for drinking. If you are one of the adventurous to make the trip, you will likely have the valley to yourself. Waimanu has all the charm and beauty of Waipio without the people. At one time several hundred people lived in Waimanu until a tsunami made them leave for good in 1946. You may encounter some of the ruins on your exploration. Waimanu is bursting with waterfalls, including the one you've come to see - the spectacular Wai'ilikahi Falls. ... Wai’ilikahi Falls details continued
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