Popular Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii
Hawaii was recently named the world’s “Best Value Destination” in the SmarterTravel Editor’s Choice Awards 2010. The ranking was based on sales and deals offered for the Hawaii travel market. The value is based on the total experience a visitor gets when they come to Hawaii.
Some of the attractions in Hawaii you’ll want to experience when you visit the Big Island include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and Waipio Valley.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Established in 1916, this national park displays the results of hundreds of thousands of years of volcanism. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the most massive volcano at this national park, offer insights on the origins of the Hawaiian Islands and provide visitors dramatic views of volcanic landscapes. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. There is a visitor center located a the park with displays and information, as well as a Volcano Arts Center and the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, located a few miles west of the visitor center, features even more volcanic art.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park: This Park is located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke kapu, or ancient laws, could a avoid death by fleeing to this place of refuge or pu’uhonua. The grounds just outside the Great Wall of the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau were also home to several generations of powerful chiefs. The park contains a reconstruction of the Hale O Keawe heiau.
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site: Located on the northern coasted of the Big Island, this historic site preserves the ruins of the last major ancient Hawaiian temple, among other historic sites. A visitor center and interpretive trail can be explored, as well as the ruins of an earlier Mailekini Heiau, an underwater structure dedicated to sharks called the Hale o Kapuni and across the bay is Kawaihae harbor.
Some of the attractions in Hawaii you’ll want to experience when you visit the Big Island include Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park, Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and Waipio Valley.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Established in 1916, this national park displays the results of hundreds of thousands of years of volcanism. Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the most massive volcano at this national park, offer insights on the origins of the Hawaiian Islands and provide visitors dramatic views of volcanic landscapes. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is designated as an International Biosphere Reserve and a World Heritage Site. There is a visitor center located a the park with displays and information, as well as a Volcano Arts Center and the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum, located a few miles west of the visitor center, features even more volcanic art.
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park: This Park is located on the west coast of the Big Island of Hawaii. It preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke kapu, or ancient laws, could a avoid death by fleeing to this place of refuge or pu’uhonua. The grounds just outside the Great Wall of the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau were also home to several generations of powerful chiefs. The park contains a reconstruction of the Hale O Keawe heiau.
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site: Located on the northern coasted of the Big Island, this historic site preserves the ruins of the last major ancient Hawaiian temple, among other historic sites. A visitor center and interpretive trail can be explored, as well as the ruins of an earlier Mailekini Heiau, an underwater structure dedicated to sharks called the Hale o Kapuni and across the bay is Kawaihae harbor.
Waipio Valley: Waipio means “curved water” in the Hawaiian language, which accurately describes this beautiful site. Located in the Hamakua district of the Big Island, the Waipio Valley was the capital and permanent residence of many early Hawaiian kings. The shore line in the valley is a black sand beach, popular with surfers. Several large waterfalls and taro farms are also located here. Hiking the Waipio Valley and stopping at the Waipio Valley lookout are popular things to do in this area.
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