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Ten Popular Attractions on the Big Island
Information about ten of the Big Island's most popular attractions.
These may or may not be the most visited attractions
on the island but they are the attractions I personally
would encourage visitors to see if they were visiting
Hawaii Island for the first time.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
This United States National Park was established
in 1916 and features within its boundries include
the Kilauea Volcano Caldera,
the Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory,
the historic Volcano House Hotel, the Jagger Museum,
and many trails and wilderness areas. The Kilauea
Volcano is one of the most active volcanoes in the
world, and within the park it is sometimes possible to
view active lava flows up close.
West Hawaii Island Attractions
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Kealakekua Bay
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Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park
The 420 acre area of Honaunau Bay that was historically
a place of refuge for Hawaiians who had broken traditional laws,
was declared a National Historic Park in 1955.
At that time it was called the City of Refuge
National Historic Park. On November 10, 1978
it was given a new name: Puuhonua o Honaunau
National Historic Park. Historic structures and
features within the park include temple platforms,
royal fishponds, sledding tracks. Reconstructed
structures include the Hale o Keawe temple and
several thatched huts.
Picnic and barbecue facilities are available at the
back of the park and while the National Parks Service
does not want visitors snorkeling inside the park, due
to the cultural and spiritual significance of the area,
there is good snorkeling in the adjacent Honaunau Bay,
near the boat ramp. Sea turtles can often be seen
at Keoneele Cove or swimming just offshore, but if
you see one, a federal law says you must stay at
least 15 feet away from them.
Honaunau Bay is located on the west coast of Hawaii
Island, south of Kailua-Kona and a few miles south
of Kealakekua Bay.
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Pololu Valley
Overlook and hike to the beach in
the Pololu Valley
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King Kamehameha State at Kapaau
The original golden King Kamehameha Statue
is located in the town of Kapaau, the
birthplace of King Kamehameha I.
Every June 11 there is a celebration honoring
King Kamehameha in Kapaau that includes
a statue lei-draping ceremony,
a floral parade, and a hoolaulea and music festival.
Kapaau is located a few miles east of Hawi near
the far northwest tip of Hawaii Island.
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Kailua-Kona Town
East Hawaii Island Attractions
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Akaka Falls State Park
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Waipio Valley
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Hilo Town
Popular visitor attractions in the town of Hilo include
the Lyman Mission House and Museum,
the Pacific Tsunami Museum, Rainbow Falls, the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo,
Nani Mau Gardens, Liliuoklanai Gardens, and Banyan Drive.
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Imiloa Astronomy Center
The beautiful, state-of-the-art Imiloa Astronomy Center
of Hawaii is located on a hillside above the town of Hilo
and it features a planetarium and exhibits telling the story
of the Maunakea Volcano as it relates to astronomy and the Hawaiian culture.
Astronomy buffs visiting the Big Island will probably
also want to visit the observatory area
on top of Mauna Kea.
See also:
Other Big Island Attractions
Big Island Activities
Big Island Events
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Related Links
Hawaii Island - Main Menu
Islands of Hawaii
Hawaii for Visitors
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