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Big Island Attractions

Captain James Cook Monument Captain James Cook Monument
Located in the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the roped off area around the Captain James Cook Monument is actually official British territory to this day.  A great place to visit if your a history buff otherwise there isn't much to this monument.

Liliuokalani Park Liliuokalani Park
If your looking to get more in touch with nature during your vacation a relaxing visit to the Liliuokalani Park which is located on the Waiakea Peninsula in Hilo Bay is a great destination.  The 30 acre landscaped park features Edo-style Japanese gardens complete with bridges, carp ponds, Japanese statues and architecture.

Hawaii's First Church Hawaii's First Church (Mokuaikaua Church)
Sitting much as it did almost 200 years ago, this active church was the first Christian church in Hawaii.  The church is a great representation of New England architecture, but built with Hawaiian material consisting of lava rock, 'Ohi'a wood, and koa wood.  The walls are said to be built from lava rocks belonging to a heiau which stood at the current location.

Holei Sea Arch Holei Sea Arch
At nearly 100 feet tall this natural attraction located in the Volcanoes National Park is the best place to experience sea arches and sea stacks which is a common phenomenon in Hawaii.  Watch and experience the powerful waves of the Pacific Ocean crash around the sea arch.

Kalakaua Park Kalakaua Park
Dedicated to Hawaii's King Kalakaua, the park is a great place for people to relax.  Inside the park is a huge banyan tree and some fish ponds, but other than that not much else.

Kamaoa Wind Farm Kamaoa Wind Farm
This Big Island attraction consists of 37 Mitsubishi wind turbines which were shutdown in the end of 2006.  The wind farm is located in Ka Lae, the southernmost point of the Big Island and also the southernmost point of the 50 United States!  The area is known for its extremely strong winds.

Kilauea Caldera Kilauea Caldera
The caldera is a huge depression with a diameter of about 3 miles found on the southwest flank of the Kilauea volcano.  Tours to this natural attraction are offered on a daily basis and it is a part of the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  So make sure to check out the caldera while visiting the park.

Kona Town
The main town on the western part of the Big Island of Hawaii, Kona is one of the main destinations for tourists with great historical sites, restaurants, shops, hotels, and much more.  If vacationing on the Big Island you'll probably make your way to Kona at least once during your trip.

Lava Tree State Park Lava Tree State Park
A great natural wonder to visit while on the Big Island, Lava Tree State Park consists of a group of lava molds of tree trunks which were created when a lava flow swept through the area creating the natural spectacle which tourists enjoy visiting today.

Naha and Pinao Stones Naha and Pinao Stones
Located in front of the Hilo Public Library, the two legendary stones offer a unique look into Hawaiian history and folklore.  The Pinao stone is said to have been a pillar to the entrance of an ancient Hawaiian temple, and the 5,000 pound Naha stone was said to have been moved my King Kamehameha when he was still a teen.

Pepeekeo Scenic Drive
Enjoy the popular 4-mile scenic drive from the town of Papaikou to Pepeekeo on the Onomea scenic route.  You will experience some of the most majestic views, especially for those who love nature.  There are a number of great attractions to make stops at while taking the drive.

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Park Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Park
A place of refuge for ancient Hawaiians in the past, this park is now the location of Hawaiian temples and wooden statues, and also offers a peaceful setting to visit.  You might even catch a glimpse of the Hawaiian Green Sea turtle resting on the shores or feeding in the waters along the park.

Thurston Lava Tube Thurston Lava Tube
As you hike through 1/3 miles of tree fern forest the prehistoric Thurston Lava Tube awaits you.  A river of lava use to flow through the tube hundreds of years ago much like the way lava currently travels from Pu'u O'o to the ocean through a labyrinth of lava tubes today.

Wailuku Boiling Pots Wailuku Boiling Pots
Although not really consisting of boiling water, the Boiling Pots got its name because of the effect created by river water flowing beneath a level of old lava and then suddenly bubbling up similar to a Jacuzzi.  If your around Rainbow Falls or the Wailuku River this is an interesting natural attraction to visit.

Waipio Valley Waipi'o Valley
Located on the northeast coast of the Big Island, Waipi'o Valley is one of the most breath-taking natural attractions on the island consisting of a beautiful black sand beach on the coast and huge 2,000 feet cliffs on either side with hundreds of natural waterfalls.

Ai'opio Beach
A very secluded, sandy beach located a little north of Honokohau Harbor, sea turtles are often seen gathering in the protective cove of Ai'opio Beach.  The cove is also a great place to swim in as it is protected by a coral reef and the waters are almost always very calm.

Kahikolu Church Kahikolu Church

King Kamehameha III Birthplace King Kamehameha III Birthplace
Located east of Hilo near Keauhou Bay, this marker depicts the birthplace of King Kamehameha III on March 17, 1814.  The area is sacred to the Kamehameha dynasty and a heiau once stood somewhere in the area.  A great attraction to visit on the Big Island for those interested in Hawaii's history.

Kuemanu Heiau Kuemanu Heiau
Like all other heiaus, Kuemanu Heiau is a sacred site to the Hawaiians located in Kailua-Kona along Alii Drive next to a blue church.  It is said that this heiau was an ancient surfing temple of the Hawaiians.

Lekeleke Burial Grounds Lekeleke Burial Grounds
Three hundred warriors who fought a fierce battle are buried on the Lekeleke Burial Grounds.  The burial grounds are located at the end of Ali'i Drive in Keauhou.  The area around the burial grounds is where the Battle of Kuamo'o took place which left the 300 Hawaiians dead fighting to protect the ancient Hawaiian religion and traditions.

Waiakea Social Settlement Clock

Kahuna Falls Kahuna Falls
A 400 foot waterfall located in Akaka Falls State Park and one of the most impressive falls on the Big Island.  When taking the hike to visit the falls make sure to bring your camera as the scenic views and natural hike can be a once in a lifetime experience.

Wailuku Rainbow Falls Wailuku Rainbow Falls
An 80 foot waterfall falls over an ancient Hawaiian cave which is said to be the home of the mother of the demigod Maui.  Rainbow Falls  is located in Wailuku River State Park and gets its name from the rainbows that can be seen in the mist at the bottom of the falls.

World Botanical Garden World Botanical Garden
Opened on July 4, 1995 this peaceful and beautiful garden is located 16 miles north of Hilo and is situated on 300 acres of agricultural land which use to be sugar cane fields.  The garden is home to a large collection of exotic plant species from around the world, three-tiered Umauma Falls, and a flowing tropical river.

Caves of Mamalahoa

Hawi Town Hawi Town

Honokohau Boat Harbor Honokohau Boat Harbor
Home to many of the fishing charter, scuba diving, and tour boats;  Honokohau Boat Harbor is just like any other harbor and is a great place to visit for tourists interested in maritime and fishing boats.

Kalapana Lava Flow Kalapana Lava Flow
An active lava flow in the Kalapana area which actively flows into the Pacific Ocean on the coastline of the Big Island.  The Kalapana lava flow offers some spectacular views of the power of nature as lava flows into the ocean creating large clouds of steam and wonderful effects.

Kaumana Caves Kaumana Caves

Kumukahi Lighthouse Kumukahi Lighthouse

Painted Church Painted Church

Pololu Lookout Pololu Lookout

Pu'ukohola Heiau Pu'ukohola Heiau

South Point

Volcanoes National Park Volcanoes National Park

Tsunami Museum Tsunami Museum

Bond Memorial Library Bond Memorial Library

Kalalea Heiau

King Kamehameha Rock

Ku'ula Stones

Lyman Museum

Akaka Falls Akaka Falls

Kaluahine Falls Kaluahine Falls

Aimakapa Fish Pond Aimakapa Fish Pond

Coconut Island Moku Ola Coconut Island Moku Ola

Hilo Bay Hilo Bay

Hulihe'e Palace Hulihe'e Palace

Kaloko Fish Pond Kaloko Fish Pond

Kawaihae Harbor Kawaihae Harbor

King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo King Kamehameha Statue in Hilo

Panaewa Zoo Panaewa Zoo

Pu'u Huluhulu Pu'u Huluhulu

Richard's Ocean Park

Sulfur Banks Sulfur Banks

Waikaumalo Park Waikaumalo Park

Waimea Caves

1871 Trail 1871 Trail

Hikiau Heiau Hikiau Heiau

Kamehameha Akahi'Aina Hanau Kamehameha Akahi'Aina Hanau

Kings Trail Kings Trail

Lamokihanaiki Heiau

St. Peters Catholic Church St. Peters Catholic Church

Hamakua Cliff Waterfall

Uma Uma Falls Uma Uma Falls

Banyan Tree Drive

Crater Rim Drive Crater Rim Drive

Hilo Town Hilo Town

Ice Pond

Kaloko-Honokohau National Park Kaloko-Honokohau National Park

Kealakekua Bay Kealakekua Bay

Kohala Middle Road

Lava Steam Rooms

Mauna Kea Mauna Kea

Parker Ranch Parker Ranch

Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs

Saddle Road Saddle Road

Thomas A Jaggar Museum Thomas A Jaggar Museum

Wailoa State Park Wailoa State Park

Waiopae Kapoho Tide Pools Waiopae Kapoho Tide Pools

Ahu'ena Heiau Ahu'ena Heiau

Imiola Church Imiola Church

Kapuanoni Heiau

Kona Historical Society Kona Historical Society

Lapakahi State Park Lapakahi State Park

Star of the Sea Catholic Church Star of the Sea Catholic Church

Hi'ilawe Falls Hi'ilawe Falls

Waiale Falls Waiale Falls
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More Hawaii Attractions

Discover more attractions on other Hawaiian Islands.  Select the island where you will be staying during your vacation for a complete list of attractions on that island.

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