Big Island Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 31) marriage to King Kamehameha’s granddaughter came with 640 acres, started the ranch in the middle of the 19th century. Over 150,000 acres, the property is now one of the larger cattle ranches in the United States. There’s still a ranch-town atmosphere that flavors the many restaurants, gift shops and cowboy clothing stores that have sprung up to service this fast growing community. To experience the way the Parker family lived, tour the Parker Ranch Historic Homes, two 19th century family residences furnished as they may have been back in the 1860s. Horse drawn covered wagon rides are available. If you’re in town on the Fourth of July, don’t miss the Parker Ranch Rodeo held at the Paniolo Park in Waimea. Amazingly, North Kohala has been built down, not up, over the years. There are fewer residents here today than 100 years ago. North Kohala is home to a growing number of art galleries. The area attracts artists inspired by its beauty and history. You’re sure to find some unique gifts when browsing the small shops and galleries here. The Hama ¯ ¯kua Macadamia Nut Factory in Kawaihae offers self-guided tours of the factory. The gift shop in the Visitor Center is a great place to pick up a variety of nuts, NORTH KOHALA coffee and cookies to bring back home. Visit Pua Mau Place Botanical Gardens located on the dry, western slope of the Kohala Mountain. With gorgeous garden paths, picnic tables and birds to feed, it’s a great place to bring the keiki (children). See a reenactment of early Hawaiian life at Lapakahi State Historical Park, located about 12 miles north of Kawaihae on Hwy 270. The self-guided tour of this traditional fishing settlement will reveal the culture of past times. Considered Hawai‘i’s greatest king, Kamehameha I united all the islands into the Kingdom of Hawai‘i. Kamehameha’s birthsite is a state monument located off Hwy 270 (near mile marker 20) at the northernmost section of the Big Island, just south of Mo‘okini Heiau, a National Historic Landmark that dates back to 480 AD. Mo‘okini Heiau is one of Hawai‘i’s oldest, largest and most sacred historical sites. From here, you can see Maui across the channel. The charming little town of Hawı is ¯¯ actually the largest city in North Kohala, though it’s probably best known as the bicycle turnaround for the Ironman Triathlon World Championship held every October. Hawı is also home to a number of art ¯¯ galleries, with works by local artists. King Kamehameha statue, North Kohala ¯¯ HAWI For an adventurous journey, take a guided tour of the area’s waterfalls. Along with streams and waterfalls, you’ll explore stunning mountain vistas, green valleys and the famous Kohala Ditch. Try a Hawai‘i Passion Fruit Margarita from Bamboo Restaurant & Gallery, located off Hwy 250, where the drink was invented. MAUNA LANI’S SPECTACULAR AMENITIES OFFER truly unique and authentic Hawaiian experiences. Play golf among prehistoric lava flows. Enjoy an outdoor massage that begins with a traditional Hawaiian prayer. Or take a stroll down paths that take you through ancient fishponds and historic petroglyphs. Relax and renew amid the stunning views, tranquil gardens and seaside luxury of Mauna Lani Resort – and enjoy personal service with aloha. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel & Bungalows Mauna Lani Spa Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Courses 800.367.2323 www.maunalani.com/vg 800-648-2441 31 http://www.maunalani.com/vg http://www.maunalani.com/vg
For optimal viewing of this digital publication, please enable JavaScript and then refresh the page. If you would like to try to load the digital publication without using Flash Player detection, please click here.