Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
What to do and see in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best Historic Sites
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. Puukohola National Historic Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 194 reviews
Historical park honoring King Kamehameha
Reviewed By artess1 - Tiburon, United States
The"Place of Refuge" national park has a fascinating Hawaiian history and is still a sacred site with Chiefs Temple and 3 Heiaus, one of which is located just offshore underwater. It has a small, charming gift shop and "guided tours" are offered twice a day (morning & mid-afternoon). However, the "self-guided tour" is easily followed on your own. Local volunteers are Informative and work thruout the park maintaining the grounds, restoring paths, walls & other structures found thruout and the Chiefs Temple surrounded by large, wooden Ki'i's statues. One guide explained a question we had re. the Hawaiian laws & sanctuary while weaving a grass cape for an upcoming ceremony. NOTE: As a sacred site, the activities by visitors are truly limited to walking & viewing the gorgeous location & grounds (No pets, beach or picnicking equipment, weddings, etc). Wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a sun hat & definitely a water bottle.
2. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,652 reviews
This 182-acre park contains the Puuhonua, a sacred place of refuge, as well as other temples and coastal sites.
Reviewed By KLE2013 - Centreville, United States
Located on the southern edge of Kealakekua Bay, Pu'honua Honaunau was designated as a National Park in 1961. Also called Place of Refuge this extraordinary historical sight offers a fascinating journey through Hawaiian history. Within the extensive grounds of the park are a Great Wall over 1000 feet long and 10 feet high built of lava rock in the 1500's, reconstructed thatched roof Hawaiian houses, temples and wooden carvings of gods protecting the Hale-o-Keawe mausoleum. Park Rangers offer introductory talks at times during the day and a visitors center, restroom facilities, picnic tables, tide pools, hiking trails and free audio tour of the cultural sights is available. There is a small fee to park.
3. Pu'ukohola Heiau
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 175 reviews
A stone temple built by King Kamehameha in 1719.
Reviewed By ayakoi619
This is a old temple, Heiau, which was built by King Kamehameha I and one of the best preserved place compare to all of the others which locate in Hawaii state. You also can enjoy short trail around the heiau, so please wear comfortable shoes. Visiting the center first, then look around the heiau will be easy to understand for young kids.
4. Kealakekua Bay
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 813 reviews
Reviewed By celestewest10s - Waikoloa, United States
This Is a wonderful day trip for the whole family to experience the wonders that make up what Hawaii is all about. It has history in that it was the site of a thriving Hawaiian village, you can rent kayaks to take across the bay to Captain Cook Monument; if you are a good swimmer, you can swim/snorkel in the bay and catch a glimpse of the magnificent dolphin pods that frequent the bay and you can just hang out at the rocky beach and watch the world go by. Easy to get to by car down the main hwy to Napooopo Rd, then follow the road down to the beach, about 5 miles. There are a few interesting things to see on the way down, besides the view, like Hawaii Island honey farm and the Kona coffee roasting building, with free samples at both places. Definitely worth the stop.
5. The Puako Petroglyphs
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 30 reviews
See petroglyphs of men and animals at this site.
Reviewed By D_PN
After parking in a nice parking lot you follow a narrow rocky trail through low hanging twisted trees, out into baking sun and finally to a large expanse of flat lava nearly covered with petroglyphs of stick figures. Both the walk and the petroglyphs are interesting, but bring water if you do it during mid day and wear stiff shoes, not sandals. There is a pretty, rocky beach if you walk towards the water from the parking lot.
6. 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
7. Kamakahonu
8. The Painted Church
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 707 reviews
Reviewed By chimayred - Durham, United States
an interesting middle ground between something to make a destination and something to stop at as you drive by. A beautiful little whitewashed church, with a beautiful interior painted with biblical scenes; nice setting, interesting history. I would recommend this.
9. Anna Ranch Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 32 reviews
Come visit the Anna Ranch Heritage Center which offers insight to the rich history of ranching and the paniolo on the Big Island. Ranch is nestled among the hills of the Kohala mountain range in the heart of Waimea, Hawaii Island’s cattle country. Experience the history, culture, beauty and aloha of a ranch that is a treasured resource of our island community. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the State of Hawaii Register of Historic Sites, historic home tours tell the legacy of Anna Leialoha Lindsey Perry-Fiske, Hawaii’s “First Lady of Ranching” and the stories of how five generations became premier contributors to the rich culture of ranching in Hawaii. Enjoy wandering through the expansive beauty of manicured gardens bounded by Wai‘au‘ia Stream and rolling pastures and leave with treasured feelings of having experienced the “Real Hawaii”.
Reviewed By QIL115
We visit this decent place and participated the historical home site tour with warm welcome from a young lady, we enjoy this educational eye opening tour guilded by her,a lot of great communications,quite friendly staff, she even checked reference to answer our questions. We were surprised by the layout of the house and furnitures, we bought anna' biography to kona more about this legendary cowgirl.
10. Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 145 reviews
Located at the Orchid at Mauna Lani.
Reviewed By RainSeattleMom - Issaquah, United States
The petroglyphs share a parking lot with the Holoholokai Beach next to the Fairmont Orchid. The trailhead is in the first parking area on the right (not towards the beach). It is an obvious trailhead, but can be missed since people start naturally looking towards the water. There is a bathroom across from the trailhead. The trail isn't real long, and it was almost completely shaded when we went in the late morning. I loved it because it was so unique! Hiking under the trees over and around roots and lava rock. There is a fake petroglyph area at the head of the trail FYI - that isn't it. After hiking through the beautiful trees and crossing a bit of a field, we came upon the real petroglyphs that are partially fenced in to alert you not to step on them. There is a little trail going all the way around them though so you can get pretty close and see different perspectives. WARNING: We went to a road next to the petroglyphs instead of taking the trail back (my husband wanted to check it out). There are bees being kept on this road. Don't walk that way. Just take the trail back - it's much prettier anyway.
