HAWAII: THE ALOHA STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
A
vacation can soothe the soul and leave you renewed, refreshed, and invigorated.
Whether you are just now starting to plan your next vacation, or are merely
looking for travel ideas
and suggestions, read all the articles about travel. So take away some of the
stress of making travel plans, and get started thinking about the fun and
relaxing times you will soon be having on your next trip! When you are ready to plan an
exciting vacation contact me!
Hawaii – “The Big Island”
About Hawaii Island
It’s easy to feel awed on Hawaii
Island. From the molten magma flowing from Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park to the snow-capped heights of Maunakea; from the green
rainforests of the Hamakua Coast to
the jet-black sands of Punaluu Beach;
Hawaii Island is an unrivaled expression of the power of nature.
To avoid confusion with the name of the entire
state, the Island of Hawaii is often called the “Big Island,” and what an
appropriate name it is. Nearly twice as big as all of the other Hawaiian
Islands combined, its sheer size can be inspiring. You can travel through ten*
of the world’s 14* different climate zones on Hawaii ranging from Wet Tropical
to Polar Tundra, a result of the shielding effect and elevations of the massive
volcanoes Maunakea and Maunaloa.
The dramatic size and scope of the largest Hawaiian Island create a microcosm of environments and activities. On this island’s vast tableau, you’ll find everything from extravagant resorts and incredible golf courses to modest local towns and sacred Hawaiian historical sites, from the birthplace of King Kamehameha I to Hawaii’s first missionary church in Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona). With so much to see, it’s best to experience the island in small pieces. There’s plenty of room on Hawaii Island for your return.
Hawaii
Island History
It all began on Hawaii Island. The
youngest island in the archipelago, Hawaii Island was believed to be the first
island Polynesian voyagers from the Marquesas Islands set foot on 1,500 years
ago at Ka Lae (South Point).
You can explore early Hawaiian culture today at Puuhonua o Honaunau
National Historic Park. This last place of refuge for kapu (taboo)
breakers on the Kona Coast,
is a 180-acre, completely restored compound offering an authentic look at
Native Hawaiian temple ruins, royal grounds, fish ponds, sacred burial spots
and petroglyphs from
before western contact.
In 1778, Captain Cook arrived on Kauai, opening
the door to an influx of westerners. Only a year later on Hawaii Island,
warriors at Kealakekua Bay killed Cook after a contentious chain of events.
Today, a monument stands in this marine life preserve in honor of Captain Cook.
During this time of discovery, Hawaii
Island was divided into separate chiefdoms and war between factions was common.
In 1790-1791, Kamehameha built the Puukohola Heiau National
Historic Site in North Kohala as
a tribute to the war god Kukailimoku to help in his efforts to unite the
Hawaiian Islands. This was the last major religious heiau (religious temple)
built by early Hawaiians and the largest restored heiau in Hawaii. Soon after
completion, the Kohala-born Kamehameha conquered Hawaii Island and went on to
unify the Hawaiian Kingdom.
Hawaii Island was also the home to
King Kamehameha’s court until it moved to Oahu in
1804. In 1812, Kamehameha the Great returned to his beloved Hawaii Island where
he died in 1819. You can see the original King Kamehameha I statue in
Kapaau, not far from where Hawaii’s greatest king was born.
In 1820, the first missionaries
arrived in Kailua-Kona. Mokuaikaua Church on Alii Drive in Historic Kailua Village
(Kailua-Kona) still stands and is in use today. Other
westerners followed, introducing cattle to the island. Sugar plantations also
bloomed on the Hilo side
in the 20th century.
Today, Hawaii Island remains a vital
touchstone for Hawaiian culture. Throughout its modernization, one ancient
Hawaiian god is believed to be alive and well here. Pele, the volcano goddess,
has settled in Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National
Park after moving south along the island chain. She continues
to display her power today, keeping Kilauea in a constant state of eruption
since 1983.
Featured Sites and Attractions
Spanning the summit of Maunaloa to the sea
and home to Kilauea, one of the world’s most active volcanoes.
Historic Kailua Village is a lively seaside
town in the heart of Kona home to shopping, dining and important historic
sites.
The original King Kamehameha Statue can be
found in Kapaau, near his birthplace in North Kohala. Kamehameha the Great
unified the Hawaiian Islands in 1810.
Visit Puuhonua o Honaunau and learn about
early Hawaiian history at this National Historic Park, historic place of refuge
and former royal grounds.
Part of the National
Park System, this historic site is home to one of the largest and last heiau
(temple) built in Hawaii.
REFERENCE SITES:
Hawaii is paradise. It sounds
cheesy to say it, but there's music in the air there.
Bruno Mars
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