Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
Top 10 Monuments & Statues in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI)
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Mookini Heiau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Spiritual place thought to be the birthplace of King Kamehameha.
Reviewed By IndridKolde
My rental Jeep got me to within a short 15 minute walk to the Heiau, there’s one 3’ deep pond I didn’t want to cross even in the Jeep and the Heiau isn’t much farther on foot so I hiked on in. I was the only person there. A very quiet and sublime place where thousands of Hawaiians were sacrificed. Respect was given. Probably one of the less visited sites but well worth the short trip for the history and the incredible view of Maui and breaching whales offshore. A very picturesque place to visit while noting the horror and yet history of the past
2. The Captain Cook Monument
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 572 reviews
A monument dedicated to Captain James Cook, who discovered the Hawaiian Islands and ended Hawaiian royalty.
Reviewed By Underwateredd - Amsterdam, The Netherlands
We opted to hike down to the monument to snorkel and the walk down is not difficult but strongly advise wearing hiking boots or sneakers. A pair of long trousers might be preferred by some as the grass can be overgrown in some places and may scratch. It's approx 45-60mins down to the water from the parking area. The path down is 200m from the main junction. Parking is available on the opposite side of the road from the path. (Try to park perpendicularly and off the road - some selfish people took up 3 car spaces by parking parallel to the kerb). As you get down to the water, you'll see a bay infront of you, follow the path to the left and it brings you to the monument and the best entry point to the water which is via a semi submerged wall. It doesnt take a genius to work out that if people sit on the wall then no one can enter nor exit the water...but people still do it! DOH!! The reef extends out to a steep drop but also in both directions left and right and the whole area is worth exploring. Stay away from the large day trip boats with the 100+ snorkelers clinging to the noodles as they will definitely scare away the more interesting things. We saw, green turtles, a hawksbill turtle, white tip reef sharks, moray eels, box fish, needle fish, tangs, different wrasse and dolphins further out. The walk up is not as hard as Waipio road. It's a longer uphill but the gradient is not so severe as Waipio and is mostly shaded. It took 65 mins to walk back up. (Make sure you have sufficient water for the walk up)
3. The Original King Kamehameha Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 299 reviews
Reviewed By Hollyrik - Bellevue, United States
Showing off the Big Island to an old friend, having not been here in over 30 years. A bunch of obviously kanaka teenagers were surrounding it, so we offered to take their group photo. They were on a field trip from Lahainaluna School on Maui. Their teacher had them sit down while he told them the story of the statue and of their school’s connection to Kamehaeha. Then they stood, sang three Hawaiian songs including their school anthem and performed a hula accompanied by 5 ukuleles. We thanked them profusely. My Mother was kamaaina Maui, born in Paia, and my grandmother and great grandmother were both educators on Maui, so this was especially meaningful to us.
4. Kealakowa'a Heiau
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
5. King Kamehameha Statue
6. Statue of King David
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 4 reviews
Reviewed By psudino - Weehawken, United States
King David Kalākaua is The Merrie Monarch of Hawaii. Previous monarch and leaders tried to separate the Hawaiian culture from the people and King David believed that Hawaii needed to be known for it's rich history. Under King David's rule, the Hulu and other traditional Hawaiian arts were not only brought back, but encouraged with gusto. He was obviously responsible for many other things, political, educational and international, but the legacy that our tour driver spoke about was his influence on making Hawaii Hawaiian again.
7. Peace Corps Memorial Monument Plaque
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
8. Hilo WWII Memorial
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
9. Art By Ulrich
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
10. King Kamehameha Statue
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1 reviews
