Historic Sites
Get to know Hawai‘i’s fabled history, up close and personal. Walk through ancient temples and find out how the royals lived. Learn about native Hawaiian customs, traditions and rituals. Stand where battles were fought, lost and won. Don’t miss Hawai‘i’s many compelling historic sites, parks and preserves.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
This 180-acre park in South Kona was once royal grounds. Explore one of Hawai‘i’s most sacred historic sites on a self-guided walking tour: the immaculately restored Great Wall, kiʻi (larger than life wooden carvings of gods), thatched work house, fish ponds and heiau (temple) housing the remains of the aliʻi (chiefs), one of the park’s oldest remnants.
Kealakekua Bay
This clear turquoise bay near Kailua-Kona is teeming with sea life — and widely considered one of the best snorkeling spots in all of Hawai‘i. With an abundance of archaeological and historic sites, it’s a day trip in paradise. Explore an ancient temple built for human sacrifice, Hiki‘au Heiau, and see where Captain James Cook landed in 1778 — and was infamously killed just a year later.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
This history-filled coastal park situated on the lava flow has it all — petroglyphs, temples and historic settlements — plus it’s conveniently close to the airport, making for a perfect departure day excursion. Take a guided tour or sign up for a special program spotlighting the engineering prowess of native Hawaiians.
Eco-Tourism
