Still having withdrawls. I had forgotten how much I love the Big Island. It is still my favorite, yet I have not been to Maui or Kaua'i (I should really go!). It was so great to be back after so many years and I have to say it is still generally the same place I fell in love with the first time I went.
Here are a few places to check out if you are ever on the Big Island or in Kona.
#1 - The King Kam - The King Kamehameha Hotel is right at the site of where King Kamehameha resided when he prospered on the Big Island. This hotel is all about Big Island history and royalty. The bay in which The King Kam sits on offers a gorgeous white sand beach, the picturesque view of the Ahu'ena Heiau, the historic temple reconstructed by King Kamehameha himself. In the lobby they offer 20 paintings depicting the history of King Kamehameha, his predecessors and of the island, all painted by a local artist, along with tons of photographs, artifacts and a mural.
#2 - Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Park - The City of Refuge - This is considered a sacred site as it was a place of sanctuary, where you could be saved. It was also Royal grounds in which chiefs came to visit and the many ki'i house the bones of these chiefs, that infuse the area with their mana, or spirit. Another great historical and spiritual site.
#3 - Waipi'o Valley - Hike down into this gorgeous valley and check out the waterfall, the black sand beach, the dense forest and river that make up this lush valley deep set in high sea cliffs. The hike back up is brutal, but if you have 4 wheel drive and a car that can make the climb and the trek through large mud puddles, that is a plus. Well worth the hike though, if you are on foot. The hike starts at the top of the southern lookout point, which also has great views.
#4 - Mauna Kea - Also, a sacred place, as are all the peaks in Hawai'i. Best known for being the highest peak in all of the state of Hawai'i. It is home to The Mauna Kea Observatories. Lots of stars to see and the drive is pretty awesome.
#5 - South Point - Down here you are at the most Southern point in the USA. There are giant sea cliffs that drop off into the ocean. Lots of fishing and jumping off of rocks happening here! There is also a green sand beach in which you can hike the 3 miles to or catch a ride with a few of the locals that take tourists to and from the beach for a small fee (it is worth it). The drive through this area is gorgeous! Lots of farm land and lots of untamed land that is rough, rugged and beautiful.
Here are some photos of our trip. Enjoy!
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| 30 feet up at South Point |
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| Green Sand Beach, South Point |
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| Honaunau |
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| Jimi on beach in front of the King Kam |
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| Kona, Big Island, Hawai'i |
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| Jumping off South Point |
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| Kona Sunset |
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| Waipi'o Valley |
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| Waipi'o Lookout |
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