Cultural & Historical

Sacred sites and the story of Hawaiʻi

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

National ParkSacred SiteHeiau

One of the most powerful places in Hawaiʻi. This ancient "place of refuge" sheltered those who broke kapu (sacred law) — reaching its walls meant absolution. The reconstructed temple platforms, carved kiʻi (guardian figures), and palm-shaded shoreline create an atmosphere that is both reverent and profoundly beautiful.

Tip $20/vehicle entrance fee (7-day pass). Visit at sunset for an unforgettable experience — the light on the carved figures is extraordinary.

Hwy 160, Hōnaunau, HI 96726 (808) 328-2326 Visit website

Kaloko-Honokōhau National Historical Park

National ParkFishpondsPetroglyphs

Just minutes from the Kona airport, this coastal park preserves ancient fishponds, petroglyphs, and heiau (temples) built by early Hawaiian settlers. Green sea turtles bask on the beach, and the Honokōhau settlement trail reveals how Hawaiians thrived on this arid coast.

Tip Free admission. The visitor center is open 8:30 AM–4 PM daily. Bring water and sun protection — there is little shade.

73-4786 Kanalani St #14, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (808) 329-6881 Visit website

Huliheʻe Palace

PalaceMonarchyMuseum

A graceful 19th-century palace on Aliʻi Drive that served as a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty. The interior is filled with period furnishings, koa wood pieces, and artifacts that illuminate the lives of Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefs) during the monarchy era.

Tip Open Wednesday through Saturday, 10 AM–3:30 PM. Docent tours at 11:30 AM offer rich context.

75-5718 Aliʻi Dr, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 (808) 329-1877 Visit website

Ahuʻena Heiau

HeiauKamehamehaSacred Site

When Kamehameha the Great returned to the Big Island in 1812, this was his personal temple and the center of political power in the Hawaiian kingdom during his final years. The restored heiau stands behind the King Kamehameha Hotel, its thatched structures and carved figures a striking reminder of Kona’s royal past.

Tip The heiau itself is sacred and cannot be entered. Free tours of the grounds depart from the hotel lobby at 1:30 PM on weekdays.

75-5660 Palani Rd, Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 Visit website

Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site

National ParkHeiauKamehameha

The massive stone temple that Kamehameha I built in 1790–91 to fulfill a prophecy and unite the Hawaiian islands under one rule. Standing at the base of its 224-by-100-foot platform, with the Pacific crashing below, you can feel the weight of that ambition.

Tip Free admission. Open daily 8 AM–4:45 PM. The visitor center has an excellent exhibit on the unification of Hawaiʻi.

62-3601 Kawaihae Rd, Kawaihae, HI 96743 (808) 882-7218 Visit website