The Ultimate Guide To The Island Of Hawaii
The Big Island
Hawaii is the official name of The Big Island. It’s the largest island in the US’ Hawaiian archipelago. It’s almost twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian Islands combined and hence the name The Big Island. The island of Hawaii is the youngest, biggest and most volcanically active island in the Hawaiian chain. The Island of Hawaii or the Big Island is popular for its natural spectacles: volcanoes (including Kilauea volcano, which has most recently active in 2018), awe-inspiring waterfalls, and gorgeous beaches.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This is one of the most remarkable national parks that I have seen in the US. It’s home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes – Kīlauea and Mauna Loa. The park allows visitors to explore these wonders of nature in action, but with occasional closures when volcanic activities peak in the area making it unsafe. Depending on what’s open, I would recommend visiting Kīlauea – which has most recently been active in 2018; Nāhuku – Thurston Lava Tube – a tunnel, 500 feet long and 20 feet high, created by lava; Steam Vents – groundwater seeping down to the hot volcanic rocks, returning to the surface as steam; Chain of Craters Road – a scenic drive, Kīlauea Iki Overlook and much more.
Address: 1 Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii National Park, Hawaii
Akaka Falls State Park and Kahuna Falls
Akaka Falls State Park, located near Hilo, is home to two gorgeous waterfalls: Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls. The Akaka Falls are the tallest of all waterfalls on the Big Island, dropping about 440 feet. The place is surrounded by beautiful shrubs, tropical ferns, bamboo, and elegant orchids.
Address: 875 Akaka Falls Rd, Honomu, HI 96728
Rainbow Falls
This gorgeous waterfalls is conveniently located within the town of Hilo and is easily accessible. The Rainbow Falls cascades over a lava cave, and according to legends, this cave was once home to the ancient Hawaiian goddess of the moon, Goddess Hina. To see the rainbows form over the Rainbow Falls, you would need to go in the morning.
Address: GPS Lat: 19.719606, Long: -155.109465
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
It’s told that in ancient Hawaii, kapu (laws) ruled every perspective of the Hawaiian society. With death being the only penalty of breaking the law/Kapu. The only way to escape the death penalty was to elude and reach the nearest pu’uhonua (a place of refuge). Once you enter the pu’uhonua, the place of peace and forgiveness, you would be saved. There are ki’i (carved wooden images) surrounding the Hale o Keawe temple, housing the bones of the chiefs, that infuses the area with mana (power).
The Pu’uhonua is still considered a sacred site and there are certain restrictions: No picnics, no food, no pets, snorkeling or any other recreations activities. I highly recommend visiting this historical park, and learn about the island’s history and traditions.
Address: GPS Lat: 19.422490, Long: -155.910654
The painted church
The painted church, officially called the St. Benedict Catholic Church, was built between 1899-1902. The church was constructed under the guidance of the Belgian Catholic missionary’s Father John Velghe, in Kapalelua. Post-completion the church was relocated to its current location in the 1900s. It’s called the “painted church,” because of its painted interior, with depictions from the Bible. These paintings were the best preaching tools in the era when people couldn’t read or write.
Address: 84-5140 Painted Church Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii (HI) 96704
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park is located where Captain Cook landed in the year 1779 and was also killed here, in a conflict between his crew and the Hawaiians. The Kealakekua region is a protected marine life preservation area resulting in pristine waters and plentiful sea life. Popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, and kayaking. The other two points of interest within the park include (1) Captain James Cook Monument, the monument can only be reached by hiking to it, or by kayaking or by taking a boat tour and (2) Hikiau Heiau, a temple built to honor the Hawaiian god Lono.
Address: 82-6099 Puuhonua Road, Captain Cook, Hawaii
Other Hawaii Attractions & Related Posts
I hope you enjoyed reading the post, The Ultimate Guide To The Island Of Hawaii, and I expect this will help you plan your trip to The Island Of Hawaii.
Happy feeding your soul!
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