We love locations that have history or places that are no longer being built. It is always amazing to us how customs, location, and people have changed over the years. It is good to move forward and with every period of time there is a lesson to learn. When we visit historic locations we try to imagine how it really was for those people at that particular time in history. The history of the Big Island is pretty rich and we feel fortunate to have been able to walk in some amazing and sacred places.
We were in Hawaii last year celebrating our 15 year anniversary. This time we are in Southern California celebrating our 16 year anniversary. We enjoy getting away for a bit just the two of us in February to celebrate our birthdays (Feb 2nd & Feb 17th) and our wedding anniversary (Feb 23rd). February is a special month for us. God is so good.
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau Park
Did you know that this was a safe haven for those who broke sacred laws? If you made it to Pu’uhonua O Honaunau you would be safe as long as you did not leave the boundaries. A group of Ki’is can be found as you enter the grounds. This is a sacred place for those who have sinned because it is here where they could once find forgiveness and refuge.
Located at Highway 160, Honaunau, HI 96726
Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
In this place a king walked here. This was the last major temple built in Hawaii. In 1790 to 1791 Kamehameha united all the Hawaiian Islands. You are not aloud to enter here but once a year in August you can come and witness offers made to the king.
Located at 63-3601 Kawaihae Rd, Kamuela, HI 96743.
Hulihe’e Palace
If you want to see how loyalty lived you won’t want to miss this place. This palace was built originally out of lava rock. Seven rulers once occupied this vocation home. In this palace you can see how with time the Hawaiians were influenced by the American and British architecture as well as the way they dressed. Before walking in you are asked to remove your shoes.
Located at 75-5718 Ali’i Drive, Kailua-Kona.
Mokuaikaua Church
This was the first Christian church built on any of the Hawaiian Islands. Seven couples from New England arrived on the Big Island with four Hawaiian boys who came from Boston. When they arrived there were no belief system because Kamehameha had passed away shortly before they arrived. This is still an active church.
Located at 75-5713 Alii Dr, Kailua Kona, HI 96740.
St. Benedict Roman Catholic Church
This is a small but beautiful church with interior ceiling and walls so wonderfully drawn by an untrained folk-artist known as Fr. Velghe. This church has a Hawaiian feel to it with palm trees drawn on the ceilings where the posts support the ceiling.
Located at 100 N Main St, Carrolltown, PA 15722.
Puako Petroglyph Park
You’ll have to walk a short hike through a forest of trees and bushes in order to get to the Petroglyphs. This hike gets hot and you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes because the rock and bushes are very sharp. You can recognize around 1200 petroglyphs which are in one large patch of lava rock. So much history and culture can be seen here.
Located at 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr. Kamuela, HI 96743.
Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve
Before heading to the airport we decided to see these wonderfully preserved petroglyphs. This place is located right in the middle around a beautiful resort known as Walkoloa Beach It is interesting to see new and old in one place. Many of the historic land has been destroyed and this is the only thing left of it. You can see cave shelters here.
Located at 68-1400 Mauna Lani Dr. Kamuela, HI 96743.
Pu’ u Loa Petroglyphs
For me nothing makes me feel more connected to the past then seeing Petroglyphs. I can just imagine someone in the distant time creating these ancient images to tell us their story. These are very well preserved images carved into the volcanic rock. It is just a short hike away, only 1.4 mile round trip . A boardwalk was built to help preserve these petroglyphs so that you will be higher up and get a better view.
Oh and hubby kept on saying that I looked like Moses in my outfit. 🙂
Thank you for reading our post. We share a new post every Tuesday and Thursday at 8pm.
Sylvie
I enjoyed your post, thank you!
Rachel
A fascinating story here, documented so beautifully. Love the pics – the water an mountains are incredible.
Sarah Bailey
Oh my goodness what an amazing island to get to go and explore, the pictures are just fascinating and the story is wonderful, thank you for sharing.
Emma Steve
Documented so beautifully,amazing Islands and mountains.I really enjoyed your post.
What Corinne Did
This island looks amazing! The pictures are gorgeous and there seems to be so much to see and explore! I had never heard of the place before. xx corinne
Kadambari
Wow!.I like the introduction part of your blog, the Chinese proverb everything you guys believe in is a just great way of living.
amazing pics from your Feb month specials
Holly Hood
Oh I just love the gladiator sandals and the boho dress. The little church chapel is so romantic. God is good all the time. Happy Anniversary! Happy Birthday! Happy Life, Happy Wife!
Dee Jackson
This island is so cool. I love all the statues and other bits of culture. I want to visit
Courtney Buechle
This vacation spot looks absolutely beautiful! Your pictures should be in travel magazines! Looks like you had so much fun!
Becca Wilson
This island looks like it would be amazing to visit! I am so in love with seeing culture in different places and this looks like it would teach me so much and I could relax.
Khushboo
That place looks amazing and beautiful.. All the clicks are awesome.. Wish I could visit there too sometime..
Meg
My husband LOVES geology and has always wanted to go to the Big Island. It’s so fun to see your pictures. Now, I’m excited to plan a trip there (someday).
Tabitha Blue
I’m with you… I love hearing about and seeing the history in a place! Love this post, that looks amazing and so beautiful!
Joanna Clute
Historical excursions are some of the best. This looks like an awesome place to catch some really neat information!
Kris
It looks like a great place. Perfect for family, especially those who love to be surrounded by bodies of water
Ats C.
Aside from enjoying the beautiful view, knowing the history of the place is one of the most important things I need to do when I’m visiting a new place!
Lant G.
I love everything about this place. It’s so stunning and relaxing!
Xamri
I really love to go to a place where I can enjoy and relax.. I love the view, it’s so beautiful!
Letty
Thank you for letting everyone experience and feel the way you’ve felt when you visited that beautiful island!
Gabryl Ley
My favorite part among your itineraries is the Puako Petroglyph Park. I wanna go there soon!
Kays
My friends and I love to go on different different adventures. This should be on our bucket list!