Friday, January 8, 2016

See The Highlights Of Kona On The Big Island Of Hawaii

By Rebecca Foster


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.

One of several National Parks, Puuhonua o Honaunau, is 180 acres of Hawaiian history and culture. To fully appreciate the grounds, there is a self guided tour where you can leisurely stroll through the remains of sacred temples that have been beautifully restored. There is a temple, very sacred to the Hawaiians, where the skeletal remains of 23 chiefs have been put to rest. There is the Great Wall that was built to protect the people. You can see evidence of the Hawaiian religious beliefs with wooden statues of Hawaiian Gods. This National Park is a snapshot of the history and culture of the Hawaiian people.

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.

In the center of the Village is Hulihee Palace, which was the vacation home for the Hawaiian monarchy. Built in 1838, the palace is filled with artifacts and furniture that represents the local culture and artistry. The palace gives a feeling for the history and culture of Hawaii.

Another National Park, Kaloko Honokohau, is filled with natural wonders and man made wonders. You can see the sea to mountain land divisions, of which there are four. View the sacred temples and the two beautifully engineered man made fish ponds. Check in with the visitor center to find out about the guided tours.

If you love to snorkel or scuba dive, Kealakekua Bay Historical Park is a must see. The brilliant bay waters are home to colorful tropical fish and coral reefs. This is the location where Captain James Cook first came to Hawaii in 1778. He was the first Westerner seen by native islanders. Killed in a skirmish one year later, the Hawaiians held Cook in high regard despite the dispute that resulted in him being killed.

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.

Narrow your scope of exploring as a tourist, and you will get a lot more out of the experience. The beauty of this island is not only found in nature. Learning about the history and culture of Hawaii is just as meaningful and allows tourists to really appreciate all the island has to offer. Westerners have come to the islands and left their large footprint, but if you look closely the old Hawaii is still there. It should not be missed.




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