Hawaii Travel: Discovering the Big Island
There is no better way to see the Big Island in Hawaii but by driving around it. You will be going thru different landscapes like lava flows, jungles, cool highlands, valleys, soaring mountains, and warm beaches. The Big Island is the biggest portion of Hawaii and is the first seat of the old Kingdom that started it all.
Kailua Kona
Start your journey at the Kailua Kona where you will see the first church built by the Christians in 1820. The Mokuaikaua was rebuilt using lava rock and crushed coral in 1837 and up to this day, it is a good place to retreat into if you want to escape from all the urban noise you are used to. Just nearby is the Hulihee Palace which now serves as a museum.
Ahuena Heiau
The Ahueana Heaiu was used by the Great Kamehameha when he conquered the islands of Hawaii in the early part of the nineteenth century. The surrounding villages was known as the capital of the islands thru 1821 and up to now a lot of the natives see it as the capital of Hawaii.
Coffee Country
Just before reaching the village of Captain Cook on the 110 mile marker, pull over to the Kona Coffee farm where you can learn about the lifestyle in the plantation that has evolved in the last century. Here you will know more about coffee and also be able to try local fruits like Kona oranges, guavas, passion fruit and more.
Kealakekua Bay
In the Kealakekua Bay, you will see a monument where James Cook was killed in 1779 by the natives of the islands. This significant piece of history happened a year after Cook became the first Europeans to reach what they called Sandwich Island.
Forest and Lava Fields
After the coffee shack and Painted Church, you will be passing thru fields of lava and paradise like forests.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Stop by at the visitor center of the park and inquire how you can see some active lava flowing out of the earth. Most likely a ranger will take you thru a guided hike.
Honokaa
From Honomu you have to get off the highway to go to the Honokaa which overlooks the Waipio Valley offering one of the most picturesque sites in Hawaii.