about Big Island Hawaii
The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest in the archipelago. It has diverse landscapes from barren lava fields to lush rainforests to rugged coastline and beaches. Here you can immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture by visiting some petroglyphs and historic national sites. Big Island has Hawaii Volcanoes National Park which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to two of the world’s most active volcanos: Mauna Loa and Kilauea. The Big Island is also home to several National Historic Sites including Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, and Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park. These protected areas are packed with history, abundant wildlife and untouched natural beauty.
how to get to to the National Parks and historic sites
The best way to explore the National Park and Historic Sites is by car. If you rent your own car, you will have the flexibility to add these sites into your own schedule. An alternative, is that many people take guided tours of Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park. We also saw bus tours stop at the Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park. The other two Historical Parks we didn’t see any large groups so may not be as common on tour itineraries.
Hawai'i Volcanos National Park
Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park is located on Big Island in Hawaii. It is known for its volcanic terrain, sunrises and sunsets, stargazing, hiking and more.
Getting here
The drive from Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park from Hilo is 29 miles which is about 50 minutes and from Kona is about 90 miles or about 2 hours and 5 minutes.
Where to stay
You can stay in the small village of Volcano which is just outside of the National Park. There are several types of accommodation available at various price points.
Within the park, you can stay at one of the campgrounds. There are two drive-in campgrounds in Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park, Nāmakanipaio and Kulanaokuaiki. There is a maximum of a 7 night stay. Also, there is lodging within the park at the Volcano House. This overlooks the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater.
What to do
Some of the highlights of this park include the Hōlei Sea Arch, Ha’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks), Chain of Craters Road, Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku), Puʻuloa Petroglyphs and more.
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park
Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park is located on the western coast of the Big Island. It spans 1,160 acres and boasts coastal lava fields, fishponds, scared sites. There are coastal trails to explore heiau (temples), petroglyphs and native nature. We saw so many turtles here- it was fantastic!
Getting here
The Hale Ho’okipa visitor center is located on Queen Ka’ahumanu Hwy. It is about 4 miles north of Kailua-Kona or about a 10 minute drive. It is across the island from Hilo about 78 miles or a 1.5 hour drive. An alternative entrance is at the Honokohau Harbor which is closer to the ‘Ai’opio Fishtrap and can remain parked after 4 PM.
Where to stay
Kailua-Kona is the closest city to this historic site and offers an abundance of accommodation options. We stayed in Waimea when we visited this park so it was about a 35 minute drive away.
What to do
The best way to explore this park is with its coastal trails. If you want to visit the visitor center it is open from 8:30 AM to 4 PM ad his parking area closes by 4 PM. This park allows you to walk along the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. It is a great place for viewing turtles.
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park
Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park is a sacred cultural heritage site of Hawaii. It is known as the “Place of Refuge” as it served as a haven for those seeking forgiveness and protection.
Getting here
The drive from Kailua-Kona is 22 miles or about 40 minutes. The drive from Hilo is about 99 miles or 108 miles depending on which route you go and takes 2 hour and 10 minutes versus 2 hours 25 minutes. It is 80 miles or 1 hour 45 minute drive from Volcano.
Where to stay
This park is near the Captain Cook area of the Big Island. It is a great place to visit if you are staying in Kailua-Kona or the beach towns south of there.
What to do
There is a self guided audio tour of the royal grounds of the park. There are regular cultural demonstrations from weaving of baskets to playing Hawaiian games. Even if you miss a demonstration you can pick up rules to the games and play yourself. Just outside the borders of the National Park is a great snorkel spot called “Two Step” right under the Hōnaunau Bay Boat Ramp.
Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is located on the northwestern coast of Hawaii’s Big Island. It was built in the late 18th century by King Kamehameha I. It is a massive stone temple that served as both a place of politics as well as a place of worship. This site also has amazing panoramic ocean views.
Getting here
The drive from Kailua-Kona is 34 miles or about 45 minutes. The drive from Hilo is about 70 miles and takes 1.5 hours. We stayed at the Fairmont Orchid which was a 15 minute drive away.
Where to stay
This located north of Kailua-Kona. The Waimea area is closest to this park.
What to do
The park loops is 0.5 miles and you can do a self guided audio tour. The park is open 7:30 AM to 5 PM. You can hike the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail. From the park to the Mau’uma Beach is about 3/4 mile or to Hapuna Beach is about 3 miles.
National Parks
These National Historic sites and the Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park are not to be missed when visiting the Big Island. I would recommend at least 2 days for the National Park especially if you want to get some good hiking in. The other sites you can spend anywhere from an hour to more depending on your interest but are definitely worth the time. Be aware that the historic sites due close the gates at closing time so plan accordingly. Trust me you will love exploring and learning from these incredible places!
