Aisa & Jeff
Hawaiian Places of Interest
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park
SPIRIT, POWER, AND SAFETY In the time of ancient Hawai'i, this place possessed extraordinary mana (spiritual power). It came in part from 23 ali'i (chiefs) whose bones were protected in Hale o Keawe, the heiau (temple). The Royal Grounds were a center of power, open only to ali'i and those serving them. Beyond the Great Wall, the Pu'uhonua served as a place of refuge for those who broke kapu, the sacred laws and beliefs by which all lived. These wahi pana (legendary places) and ancient Hawaiian culture endure here as Pu'uhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park.
ʻAnaehoʻomalu Beach (A-Bay)
Rest underneath a coconut grove and watch the sunset.
Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station
Maunakea holds major spiritual significance to Native Hawaiians. Rock pilings which appear natural may be man-made markers or cultural altars and are protected by law. During your visit, please demonstrate respect and leave the mountain as you found it. Do not leave items behind, or move or remove anything. In addition to the cultural resources, Maunakea is home to unique species and habitats, and contains the world’s most sophisticated collection of astronomical facilities. Use only marked trails and roads and be mindful of your impacts on the sensitive natural and scientific resources. Maunakea: Though simply translated as “White Mountain” since at least 1823, the name Maunakea is also known in native traditions and prayers as Mauna a Wākea (Kea), “The Mountain of Wākea.” It is the first-born mountain son of Wākea and Papa, who were also progenitors of the Hawaiian race.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
For over one hundred years Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park has offered its visitors a window into the past through the many and varied cultural sites contained within its boundaries. Established as Hawaii National Park in 1916, the landscape of Hawaiʻi Volcanoes has been shaped by the people who have been a part of its history. Over five centuries before the establishment of the park, Native Hawaiians lived, worked and worshipped on this sacred ground.
The JADE Restaurant
Best Chinese food on The Big Island.
Volcano Winery
Paradise is a sip away! Exotic wines and teas inspired by volcanic fire and the bounty of Hawaii. Restaurant Open daily 10-5:30. 808.967.7772
Onekahakaha Beach Park
Located just east of the Hilo Airport, Onekahakaha Beach is a favorite with keiki (children). This small, shallow, sand-bottomed ocean pool is one of the safest swimming areas along the Hilo coast, with tide pools and inlets. Although there’s no actual beach, the park is perfect for play, picnics and lovely views of Hilo Bay. It’s also a great locale for family snorkeling.
Rainbow Falls at Wailuku River State Park
The 80-foot Rainbow Falls is renowned for the rainbow formed from its mist many mornings. Legends say that the cave beneath the waterfall was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui.
Moku Ola (Coconut Island)
A small island in Hilo Bay, just offshore from Lili'uokalani Park and Gardens, in Hilo.
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
What: One of the island of Hawaii's most expansive white sand beaches Where: Along the Kohala Coast When: Open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily More Info: Parking Fees - $5 for cars
Richardson Ocean Center
The shallow bay fronting Richardson Ocean Center is the most popular snorkeling site on the east side of the island. Located outside Hilo, just two miles south down Kalanianaole Avenue from Onekahakaha Beach, the ocean here is spring-fed, calm and current-free. With its tide pools and picnic tables, it’s a great beach for keiki (children). It also features unusual black sand flecked with green olivine crystals.
Manta Ray Dives of Hawaii
Swim with manta rays, the Hawaiian Kona Coast is home to over 240 resident Manta Rays and each has been identified and named. Much like a fingerprint is unique to each human, Manta Rays have distinguishing black and white markings on their underside that are used to identify them nightly.
Hāmākua Macadamia Nut Co Visitor Center
Hamakua Macadamia Nut Company can proudly boast all of our macadamia nuts are 100% Hawaiian grown by local farmer’s right here on the Big Island. The macadamia nut products that leave our store represent our commitment to quality. Always raising the bar, always trying to improve our existing quality, and never being satisfied with the idea our product cannot be improved. Supporting our local macadamia nut farmers is as important as our sound environmental practices using “green” energy to produce steam and utilizing the sun as an energy source to produce electricity becoming a sustainable company.
Punalu'u Bake Shop
Punalu'u sweet bread is baked according to a secret, generations-old recipe. Available in a variety of flavors and baked fresh daily.
Hilo Farmers Market
At Hilo Farmers Market, more than 200 vendors sell locally grown and made foods, island crafts, cut flowers (see lots of antheriums, heliconia and, yes, orchids) and other great souvenirs from ukuleles to swimsuits. Under the tarps across from Hilo Bay, fill a bag with papayas for less than the cost of one at the store, sample seasonal fruits like sweet white pineapple and lychee, and sip Puna coffee while mingling with locals and tourists. Voted 1 of 5 best places to visit in Hilo by USA Today. https://traveltips.usatoday.com/5-things-hilo-107072.html