The Island of Hawaii covers all but four of the world’s temperature zones, making it a diverse terrain with unique natural experiences. The island offers countless opportunities for nature enthusiasts to explore its natural beauties. Comprising five Hawaii National Parks, many historical sites and paths, and more than a dozen state parks, the Island of Hawaii presents a unique window into Hawaiian history and culture.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park Visit this 1,160-acre site on the Kona coast to find the ruins of an early Hawaiian town. Hiking a portion of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail within the Kaloko-Honokohau Hawaii National Parks will allow you to see heiau (holy temples) and kii phaku (rock sculptures), providing a unique window into the island’s past. Comprising more than 200 ahupuaʻa (traditional land divisions), this 280-kilometer circuit passes several of the early Hawaiian settlement sites inside the Hawaii National Parks. In ancient times, the Ala Kahakai rounded the whole island. Visitors can now reach portions of the path on the west and southeast coastlines.
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site
Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site Follow in the footsteps of a king at this enormous Kohala Coast heiau, the last and largest of its kind constructed in Hawai’i. Kamehameha I, the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, ordered its construction in order to fulfill a prophecy of him uniting the Hawaiian Islands and placating the battle deity Kūkāʻilimoku. Take a walking trip to expose more unusual sites, such as Hale o Kapuni, a submerged heiau devoted to the shark gods, to inquisitive visitors. Within this Hawaii National Parks site, walking the one-kilometer park path takes twenty to thirty minutes.
Akaka Falls State Park
Breathe in the breathtaking views of Akaka Falls State Park, which features two quite amazing cascading waterfalls. Trekking across the rich Hāmākua Coast rainforest allows you to see both the 30-meter Kahuna Falls and the 135-meter Akaka Falls. In under an hour, this climb is fairly reachable. Should you not be in the mood for hiking, why not experience this natural beauty from a bird’s-eye perspective? This area is located near one of the Hawaii National Parks.
Hāpuna Beach State Recreation Area
On the sun-drenched Kohala Coast, Hāpuna Beach is a lovely length of white sand and turquoise waters loved by both visitors and residents. Go swimming, snorkeling, and bodysurfing in the waves. In fact, early in the year, you might find migrating whales! This site is not far from several Hawaii National Parks.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park.
Perfect for kayaking, scuba diving, and snorkeling, Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District. Schools of tropical fish and vibrantly blue corals call the bay’s waters home. Spinner dolphins periodically show up to thrill beachgoers as they swim across the bay. If you want to remain dry, keep on the ground and have a picnic lunch. Kona Coast Park is one of the first sites in the Hawaiian Islands where significant interaction between Hawaiians and Westerners occurred, notably with the arrival of British adventurer Captain James Cook in 1779. People often compare the historical significance of this site to other Hawaii National Parks.
