If you’re planning a vacation to Hawai‘i’s Big Island, make sure the beautiful National Parks are part of your itinerary. There are four national parks on the island, and each one is unique.
Home of the fire goddess Pele, Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park is a must-see destination on the southeast side of the island. Encompassing the volcano of Kilauea and portions of the Mauna Loa, the park is open year-round, 24/7. Plan your trip so that you’ll still be in the park at dusk and witness the orange glow of Halemau‘uma‘a Crater as the lava lake brews close to the surface. Other sites include the steam vents, sulfur banks, Thurston Lava Tube, Kilauea Iki Trail and plenty of breathtaking natural scenery.
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| Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park |
Closer to Kailua-Kona, Pu‘uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is considered sacred ground in Hawaiian culture. For centuries, this beautiful sanctuary served as a place of refuge for warriors, kapu breakers and other seeking to escape death or punishment. The park includes the reconstructed ancient temple known as Hale O Keawe, as well as royal fish ponds, coconut groves, self-guided trails and incredible marine life such as green sea turtles, spinner dolphins and humpback whales offshore.
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| Pu‘ukohola Heiau |
Another park in Kona, Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is located just a few mile south of the airport. The site of an ancient Hawaiian settlement, the park features enormous fishponds created by seawalls built of lava rock. Visitors can hike, fish, swim, picnic and snorkel here. Farther to the north in Kawaihae past the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, Pu‘ukohola Heiau National Historic Site showcases the the great temple built by Kamehameha the Great prior to his unification of the Hawaiian Islands.
Centrally located, Holualoa Inn offers our guests great proximity to the best sites on the islands. Our akamai (knowledgeable) innkeepers are happy to provide you with all the insider tips and travel information to help you make the most of your romantic vacation in Hawai‘i Island.
Innkeeper Holualoa Inn