If you are going to Kailua-Kona, be sure to visit the Pu’uhonua o Honaunau in south Kona. This is a traditional Hawaiian place of refuge sanctuary where those who broke laws could come to seek forgiveness and absolution. In a society where the punishment for breaking a law was death, law breakers had to elude capture and seek the safety of one of these refuge areas. This one is particularly well preserved and is a great place to learn about ancient Hawaiian life. The park is open from 7:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. daily. The Visitor Center is open from 8:45 A.M to 4:30 P.M. On weekends, the park often has presentations from locals who share crafts, explain Hawaiian customs and tell stories about the Hawaiian Culture. This is a great place for young and old to learn about ancient Hawaii. Since it is also a nesting ground for the Hawaiian Turtle, you may also see several of the wonderful creatures sunning themselves in the bay here as well.
For a time, the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau historical sanctuary was closed due to damage caused by the Tsunami of 3/11/2011. The park is now open again and receiving visitors.
Video – Historical Landmark reopens.
One of the unique benefits of having active volcanoes in the Hawaiian Islands is the unusual black sand beaches that dot the Big Island’s southern coastline. One of the most famous and easily accessible beaches on the island is Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. While the water can often be treacherous at the southern end of the Big Island of Hawaii, the sheltered bay of Punalu’u provides a relatively calm and safe swimming area. The area has a bath house, picnic tables and even a small snack shop that is open in the summer months. A fresh water wading pool on the south side of the beach is also available here. You can often see the large Green Hawaiian sea turtles swimming here in the sheltered waters of this dramatic bay. Just remember not to disturb them since sea turtles are protected in Hawaii and bothering them can get you a huge fine so please don’t harass or bother them in any way.
Black Sand Beach
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When you are staying in the Waikiki area, a great place to go especially with the children is the Waikiki Aquarium. The facility, located at 2777 Kalakaua Avenue oceanside in Kapi’olani Park, is an easy walk from the Waikiki beach area. At the Aquarium, you can see wonderful displays of corals of all types, learn about the relationships of the sea animals found in Hawaii’s beautiful coral reefs, view unusual sea creatures such as the octopus, squid and jelly fish to name just a few. A special attraction of the Aquarium is the 5,500 gallon Great Barrier Reef exhibit containing over 100 types of fish, clams and corals. Some of the clams in this exhibit weigh over 170 pounds. Adult admission is $9 with youth 13-17 for $4 and children 5-12 at $2. Children 4 and under are free when accompanied by an adult.
Colorful Reef Fish
The coral reefs of Hawaii were very special to the Hawaiian people. In ancient times, not only did ancient Hawaiians get food from the sea, but they also worshiped coral as one of the first creatures to emerge from the sea during creation. The coral reefs are highly prized and protected as the special treasure that they are.
Exploring the Hawaiian coral reef is one of the outstanding things to do while vacationing in Hawaii. The waters are temperate and filled with fish of every color in the rainbow. Visitors can go snorkeling, scuba diving or even “snuba diving” on every island. Sea life is abundant and colorful among the swaying sea plants and corals. The Hawaiian coral reefs are home to to unique species of sea animals that are not found anywhere else on the planet. It is believed that well over a quarter of the reef animals living in these waters are unique to the islands. Places like Hanauma Bay on Ohau or Kealakekua Bay on the Big Island of Hawaii, to name just two, are great places to see unique marine life and enjoy all that the ocean has to offer in Hawaii.
Looking to do some shopping while in Maui? Be sure to drop by this lush, oceanfront shopping mall located in Lahaina at 2435 Ka’anapali Parkway near Ka’anapali Beach. Shop and enjoy wonderful Hawaiian restaurants at this mall. While you are there, be sure to stop by the Whalers Village Museum at the Mezzanine level to learn about Maui’s more “wild” days when whaling was at its heyday. The museum hosts displays of 19th century whaling life and displays over 70 species of whales. There are films about Maui’s colorful history, the whaling industry and Humpbacks. An authentic whaleboat i on display to show how men lived and worked while at sea. The museum is open from 9:30 A.M. to 10 P.M. and admission is free. Be sure to also stop by the Hale Kohola or the “House of Whales” to learn more about Maui’s wonderful whale population.
