Things to do / Travel Guide
The Lyman House Memorial Museum in Hilo provides a comprehensive overview of the Big Island's history.
There are also many other sites of historical significance on the Big Island, mostly on the Leeward coast. The Big Island's historical attractions are divided into two main periods - Ancient Hawaiian (before contact with the Western world) and Modern (after contact with the Western world).
Ancient Hawaiian
Ancient Hawaiian attractions are mainly religious in nature and are mostly located on the Leeward coast, the major attractions being along Honaunau Bay and stretching north.
The best-preserved ancient Hawaiian complex is the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park (Place of Refuge), built around 1550. It is the site of the Hale o Keawe Heiau (a heiau is a temple). As a national park property, the site is well-marked, accessible to all, and staffed by friendly and knowledgeable rangers. Ancient Hawaiian crafts are sometimes demonstrated at the site.
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site was built by King Kamehameha as a temple to a war god, prior to his conquest of the entire island of Hawaii. It is a very impressive and imposing site.
Mookini Heiau, at the northern tip of the island, is one of the oldest (tradition dates it back 1,500 years), largest, and most significant temples in Hawaii. As the temple is difficult to reach by car, when you get there you will most likely be alone to experience the uniqueness of the site.
Petroglyphs (ancient rock carvings in lava) can be seen at various sites, the largest collection of which is at the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District north of the Mauna Lanai Resort on the Malama Trail. The most accessible petroglyphs are in the Kona Village Resort.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park is the site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement which contains fishponds, petroglyphs, a holua (stone slide), and a heiau. All of the ancient settlement attractions are accessible by well-marked footpaths.
The ancient Hawaiians were among the first people to “farm” fish. Remains of these ancient fishponds exist throughout the Big Island. The Kalahuipuaa Fishponds south of the Mauna Lanai Resort are still stocked today. Lapakahi State Historical Park is a partially-restored ancient Hawaiian fishing village. The park offers a self-guided trail and showcases a re-enactment of daily life. It's a quite remote and desolate destination, even today.
Modern Hawaiian
The historical attractions from the more modern times of the monarchy and post-annexation are mainly related to the missionaries, early settlers, and the royal family.
The Hulihee Palace was the residence of King Kalakaua and is now a museum showcasing a combination of European furnishings and Hawaiian objects. It is also one of only two royal palaces in the United States.
King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel is located on the site of King Kamehameha's royal residence. He retired here in 1812 after unifying the Hawaiian islands. The ancient, partially-restored sites are tastefully integrated into the resort's grounds. Ahuena Heiau, once a site of human sacrifice, is also located nearby. The hotel lobby doubles as a showcase of Hawaiian culture, including displays of Kamehameha-era artifacts.
The Mokuaikaua Church is the oldest church in Hawaii. St. Benedict's Painted Church near Keokea is another interesting modern religious site.
The Kona Historical Society Museum in Kealakekua contains artifacts and photos from the modern historical period, focusing on the coffee growers, cattlemen, and early Western settlers of the area.
If you are driving through Kapaau, you will notice the King Kamehameha statue in front of the Civic Center. This statue is the original one. A copy of the statue is much more centrally located, in Honolulu.
The Parker Ranch, near Waimea, claims to at one point have been the largest cattle ranch in the United States. It continues to be very significant in the Big Island's development. The ranch also features a museum and preserved houses which are open for tours.
Tsunamis have caused great destruction in Hawaii, the most recent one having been in 1960. The Pacific Tsunami Museum in Hilo gives visitors the opportunity to hear firsthand accounts of the most recent natural disaster.
Historical Sites in Hilo, Kona, Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii
Historical-Sites
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