Big Island – The West
Big Island - Hawaii
...a short remark in advance...
As already mentioned on the overview pages, we visited the Hawaiian Islands in 2000. At the time these pages are created (February 2020), our visit will be almost 20 years ago. Although we have fond memories of our three weeks on the islands, all of our assessments are based on 20-year-old memories. Even though the locations we describe here still exist, the circumstances have certainly changed. We ask you to keep this in mind. All opening hours and entrance fees are as of February 2020.
King Kamehameha I. Birthplace Memorial
Description: The founder of the Kingdom of Hawaii has very many statues scattered all over the islands. This one can be found in front of the former county courthouse in Kapa`au in the north of Big Island. The statue was designed by Thomas Ridgeway Gold and dedicated in 1883.
For the GPS: Akoni Pule Hwy, Kapaau, HI 96755
Our rating: We made a short stop here on our way to Pololu Lookout. Driving a huge detour is not worth it, but if you are in the area anyway...
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Description: The Historic Site protects the ruins of the last great Hawaiian temple. The temple was built without mortar in less than a year. Construction was completed in 1791. In 1966, the site was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Our rating: When we arrived, the Visitor Center was unfortunately closed, so we had only the short interpretive trail down to the ruins of the temple. It is not allowed to enter the temple, because legends say that there are still bones of the deceased inside. So for the visitor there is only a view of a few walls. This is not a place for which you have to drive long detours, but nevertheless we found the history around it quite interesting.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- Free of charge
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open daily from 7.30am - 5pm.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
For the GPS: 62-3601 Kawaihae Rd, Waimea, HI 96743
Puùhonua o Honaunau NHP
Description: The National Historic Park preserves the place where criminals could take refuge if they broke laws. If they managed to reach the place here, they were absolved of their crimes by priests and could leave as free people. The buildings in the park are replicas of the buildings that originally stood here.
Our rating: We enjoyed the visit here very much. Not only the history of the place is very interesting, but also the whole complex is beautifully located and designed. We can recommend a visit here.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 20$/car valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Daily from 7am - 15min after sunset.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
For the GPS: 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726
Punalu´u Beach
Description: The beach consists of basalt sand formed by eroded lava. The special feature of this beach, besides the black Sand are also the turtles that can often be found here.
Coordinate: Latitude 19.134143, Longitude -155.505576
Our rating: During our visit we had the great fortune to be able to observe several turtles at once. That was really a great experience.
We would not have liked swimming here, because even if the lava sand is very fine, it is unpleasant to walk on it. But since the beach is really something special, we can definitely recommend a stop here.
