Big Island Vacation Guide 2009 - (Page 4) Itinerary Suggestions Day 1 Day 3 Kohala Kailua-Kona Friends of NELHA At the Natural Energy Laboratory Hawai‘i Authority (NELHA), learn about Hawai‘i Island aquaculture, ocean thermal energy conversion and ocean water desalination. Tue-Thu: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (Visitor Center), 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. (Public Presentations), 329-8073, www.keaholepoint.org Day 2 Pu‘ukohola Heiau National ¯ Historical Park This “Place of Worship” was built by King Kamehameha the Great as an offering to the gods to ask for success in his campaign to unite the Hawaiian Islands. Daily: 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., 882-7218 x 2, www.nps.gov/puhe South Kona & Beyond Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden Stroll the plant collections or take a guided tour of the 15-acre garden. There are over 200 types of plants, many of which are native and rare. Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., 323-3318, www.bishopmuseum.org/greenwell Pua Mau Place Walk along the garden paths of Pua Mau Place Arboretum and Botanical Garden. With an expanding collection of flowering plants, original sculptures and a Hibiscus Maze, it’s a great place to bring the keiki (children). Daily: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 882-0888, www.puamau.com Kaloko-Honok¯ hau National o Historical Park This park was established to preserve, protect and interpret the traditional native Hawaiian activities and culture that formerly thrived on the site. Daily: 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Hale Ho‘okipa Visitor Center), 326-9057, www.nps.gov/kaho Kona Coffee Living History Farm Take a step back in time at this working coffee farm. Tour the coffee orchards, farmhouse and mill to learn more about Hawai‘i’s coffee industry. Enjoy a delicious cup of pure Kona coffee. Mon-Fri: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., 323-2006, www.konahistorical.org/tours-farm.html Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory ¯¯ Tour the Hamakua Macadamia Nut Factory ¯¯ and check out their retail shop full of coffee, nuts, cookies and more. Daily: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., 888-643-6688 or 882-1116, www.hawnnut.com Ahu‘ena Heiau King Kamehameha I restored this heiau (place of worship) in 1812, where he also established the capital of his newly unified kingdom. Located near the Kailua Pier, it includes thatched structures, wooden images and a canoe landing. Kealakekua Bay Preserved as a Marine Life Conservation District, this bay is popular with divers and snorkelers. The Captain Cook Monument is located at the north end of the bay, at the site of Captain Cook’s death. Lapakahi State Historical Park Take a self-guided tour of this ancient fishing settlement, located about 12 miles north of Kawaihae. Hulihe‘e Palace See the collection of beautiful furniture and fascinating artifacts at this museum, once a vacation residence of Hawaiian royalty. Closed for repairs, Hulihe‘e Palace is scheduled to reopen in January 2009. Daily: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., 329-1877, www.daughtersofhawaii.org/huliheepalace/ Twelve Trees Educational Center Stroll the garden and learn about the island’s tropical fruit crops on a self-guided tour of the Twelve Trees Project Orchard. Guided and group tours are available by appointment only. Mon-Fri: 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., www.hawaiifruit.net/12trees.html North Kohala Tour Art galleries and charming restaurants welcome visitors to this area. See the historic sites of North Kohala, including the original King Kamehameha statue in Kapa‘au. Pololu Valley ¯ A lookout at the end of Hwy 270 provides spectacular views of the northeastern coastline and the valley below. Moku‘aikaua Church Moku‘aikaua Church is right across the street from Hulihe‘e Palace. This was the location in 1837 of Hawai‘i’s first Christian church. Artifacts are housed in the back of the church. Daily: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 329-0655, www.mokuaikaua.org St. Benedict’s Painted Church Built in 1902, this is one of the older Catholic churches on the island. View the biblical scenes painted on the walls inside the church. 328-2227, www.thepaintedchurch.org Waimea Town Visit some of the historic structures and unique restaurants in and around Waimea. And be sure to explore the Visitor Center and other attractions at the famous Parker Ranch. Hapaiali‘i Heiau ¯ Restoration of this ancient heiau (place of worship) was completed in December 2007. Experts rebuilt the massive stone platform that once stood for prayers. Carbon dating indicates it was built sometime between 1411 and 1465. Pu‘uhonua o Honaunau National ¯ Historical Park Stroll the grounds of this “Place of Refuge.” It is thought to date back to 1200 and has been beautifully restored. Daily: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Visitor Center), 328-2288, www.nps.gov/puho Day 4 Waipi‘o Valley Ha ma kua Heritage Corridor ¯¯ Drive to the end of Highway 240 to reach the Waipi‘o Valley Overlook. Manuka State Wayside Park ¯ A two-mile loop trail will take you through the park’s arboretum. Kona Side Shopping Browse for gifts in the shops along Ali‘i Drive in Kailua-Kona. Head down Kuakini Hwy to the Keauhou Shopping Center and continue your shopping excursion. Ka Lae (South Point) As the southernmost point of land in the United States, the views here seem endless. Honoka‘a Town Located on the Hama kua Coast, this former ¯¯ sugar town has an interesting collection of shops and galleries. If it’s Saturday morning, pick up some local produce and fresh flowers at the farmers market. 4 www.bigisland.org http://www.nps.gov/puhe http://www.keaholepoint.org http://www.bishopmuseum.org/greenwell http://www.puamau.com http://www.nps.gov/kaho http://www.konahistorical.org/tours-farm.html http://www.hawnnut.com http://www.daughtersofhawaii.org/huliheepalace/ http://www.hawaiifruit.net/12trees.html http://www.thepaintedchurch.org http://www.mokuaikaua.org http://www.nps.gov/puho http://www.bigisland.org
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