The state of Hawaii is comprised of eight major islands. Of these, the Island of Hawaii is the largest and referred to as the Big Island. The Island is divided into districts, which the Hawaiians call moku. Kona is one moku, or district of the Big Island. There are many highlights to visit in this district.
Puuhonua o Honaunau is one of a few National Parks in the district. The one hundred eighty acres are filled with history sacred to Hawaiians. You can walk the self guided tour of restored remains complete with a sacred temple that houses the bones of more than twenty Hawaiian chiefs. The park has its own great wall that is ten feet high and seventeen feet thick. Years ago, long before the Westerners came, this is where the Hawaiian lawbreakers came to hide. The wooden images that depict Hawaiian Gods are further evidence that to Hawaiians this is a sacred place.
Keauhou Resort is great for vacationers who want spas, fine dining, golf courses and high end resorts. The weather is sunny, and you can see honu, Hawaiian green turtles, swimming in shallow tide pools. Nearby is the Historic Kailua Village, which every October hosts the starting line of the Iron Man Triathlon.
Also in the heart of the Village is the Hulihee Palace, once the summer home to Hawaiian royalty. The home was built in 1838 and features artifacts and ornaments from the cultural past of Hawaiian monarchy. You can really get a sense of the culture and history of this peaceful paradise.
The National Parks have much to offer. The Kaloko Honokohau Historical National Park is filled with both natural and man made wonders. With four ahupuaa, Hawaiian word for sea to mountain land division, sacred temples and fish ponds engineered by man, there is a lot to see. The visitor center can provide information regarding guided tours.
People who love to snorkel and scuba dive will be thrilled with the Kealakekua Bay Historical Park. The bay waters are brilliantly clear and full of vividly colored tropical fish and breathe taking coral reefs. In 1778 this is where Captain James Cook first saw the native people. He was the first Westerner they saw and somewhat revered by the islanders. One year later Cook was killed in an angry dispute, but the people showed their respect by erecting a white obelisk memorial in his honor.
In the heart of coffee plantations, there is little village called Holualoa that is a center for the art community. The volcanic soil is uniquely perfect for the coffee bean. There are almost six hundred coffee farms here, some of which have public tours. Whether you are coming for the art or the coffee, you will not be disappointed.
To really get a feel for the culture and history of a place, it is best to confine your stay to a small area. This will give you the time to take in all the sights and read about the stories and culture behind the sites. Westerners have left a huge footprint on the land, but the old Hawaii can still be seen and appreciated. Stop and smell the flowers. You will not regret it.
Puuhonua o Honaunau is one of a few National Parks in the district. The one hundred eighty acres are filled with history sacred to Hawaiians. You can walk the self guided tour of restored remains complete with a sacred temple that houses the bones of more than twenty Hawaiian chiefs. The park has its own great wall that is ten feet high and seventeen feet thick. Years ago, long before the Westerners came, this is where the Hawaiian lawbreakers came to hide. The wooden images that depict Hawaiian Gods are further evidence that to Hawaiians this is a sacred place.
Keauhou Resort is great for vacationers who want spas, fine dining, golf courses and high end resorts. The weather is sunny, and you can see honu, Hawaiian green turtles, swimming in shallow tide pools. Nearby is the Historic Kailua Village, which every October hosts the starting line of the Iron Man Triathlon.
Also in the heart of the Village is the Hulihee Palace, once the summer home to Hawaiian royalty. The home was built in 1838 and features artifacts and ornaments from the cultural past of Hawaiian monarchy. You can really get a sense of the culture and history of this peaceful paradise.
The National Parks have much to offer. The Kaloko Honokohau Historical National Park is filled with both natural and man made wonders. With four ahupuaa, Hawaiian word for sea to mountain land division, sacred temples and fish ponds engineered by man, there is a lot to see. The visitor center can provide information regarding guided tours.
People who love to snorkel and scuba dive will be thrilled with the Kealakekua Bay Historical Park. The bay waters are brilliantly clear and full of vividly colored tropical fish and breathe taking coral reefs. In 1778 this is where Captain James Cook first saw the native people. He was the first Westerner they saw and somewhat revered by the islanders. One year later Cook was killed in an angry dispute, but the people showed their respect by erecting a white obelisk memorial in his honor.
In the heart of coffee plantations, there is little village called Holualoa that is a center for the art community. The volcanic soil is uniquely perfect for the coffee bean. There are almost six hundred coffee farms here, some of which have public tours. Whether you are coming for the art or the coffee, you will not be disappointed.
To really get a feel for the culture and history of a place, it is best to confine your stay to a small area. This will give you the time to take in all the sights and read about the stories and culture behind the sites. Westerners have left a huge footprint on the land, but the old Hawaii can still be seen and appreciated. Stop and smell the flowers. You will not regret it.
About the Author:
For the latest facts about Kona, pay a visit to the web pages online here today. More details are available at http://www.kohalatours.com now.
0 comments:
Post a Comment