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Big Island is the largest
and most volcanically active of the Hawaiian islands.
Within Volcanoes National Park, there are 2 active
volcanoes, Kilauea and Mauna Loa.
Its diverse terrain spans barren volcanic
peaks, lush rainforests and multi-colored colored-sand
beaches.
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The eastern coast is the drier and
more developed area. The western coast is rugged and volcanic.
Highways skirt the edges.
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Kailua-Kona is the hub of the
island. Alii Drive along Kailua Bay is designated as a scenic
byway and features historic sites associated with the last of
the Hawaiian royalty.
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In Kailua Bay lies Ahu'ena
Heiau, a temple of peace and prosperity, built by King
Kamehameha I in 1813 to honor Lono, the god of
fertility.
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Located at Honaunau Bay in South Kona,
Puuhonua o Honaunau is a180-acre national historic park which
was once the home of royal grounds and a place
of refuge for
Hawaiians who broke a kapu law.
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Hulihe`e Palace was the vacation residence of
Hawaiian royalty.
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The St. Benedict Catholic church, also called the
painted church, in the south Kona district (Hōnaunau) was built
in 1842 in Kapalelua.
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At the Puako petroglyphs (kii pohaku)
there are thousands of preserved images which include paddlers,
marchers, dancers and family groups, as well as sails, dogs,
chickens, turtle and deity symbols.
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Lapakahi State Historical Park is a large
area of ruins from an ancient Hawaiian fishing village.
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The Christmas decorations feature
Hawaiian themes.
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Kailua is the start and end point of
the famous Ironman triathon.
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Kailua Bay is a protected
natural area.
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La'alo Bay Park is one of the
popular beach areas. |
There is a strong revival of
Hawaiian traditions and language. Often tourist resorts will
sponsor a hula school.
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Ahaeho'omalu Beach, protected
by an offshore reef, features a long white-sand beach,
several tide pools, fishponds and a large grove of
coconut palms.
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From the fishpond at Ahaeho'omalu,
the best sunsets can be viewed.
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