Volcanoes National Park
Location: Volcano Hwy, Volcano, HI
Facts: This national park, which includes a diverse range of ecosystems, is said to be the home of Pele, Hawaii's fire goddess, with the Halema'uma'u Crater as her residence. According to lore, her power controls the lava, fire, heat and anything related to volcanoes. It is not unusual to see offerings of fruits and flowers made at this site, and legend has it that if any person takes volcanic rock away from the park, then that person will be cursed by Pele until the rock is returned.
Puu Loa Petroglyphs
Location: Chain of Craters Rd., Mile Marker 16, Volcano
Facts: Meaning "Long Hill," Puu Loa is considered to be sacred grounds among Hawaiians where fathers go and leave their infants’ umbilical cords to wish long life for their children. This vast petroglyph field can be reached by hiking from the Chain of Craters Road.
Naha Stone
Location: Located in front of the Hilo Public Library
Facts: This massive boulder weighs about 7,000 pounds or 2 ˝ tons. Legend tells that the person who could lift and turn the stone over would unite all of Hawaiian Islands and rule the whole kingdom, a feat said to be achieved by Kamehameha I.
Kohala Historical Sites State Monument
Location: Kohala Coat
Facts: Set on the Kohala Coast, this place marks the birthplace of Kamehameha I, one of the greatest figure in Hawaiian history. The Mookini Heaiu, the island’s most famous sacrificial temple, can also be found here.
Puako Petroglyphs
Location: Holoholokai Beach Park, Mauna Lani Resort, Kamuela
Facts: More than 1,200 petroglyphs in myriad designs—from paddlers and animals to dancers and deities—can be seen in Kailua-Kona’s dry-wood forest. Lava tube caves and ancient fishponds can also be explored in the area.
Puukohola Heian National Historic Site
Location: 62-3601 Kawaihae Rd., Kamuela
Facts: Dedicated to the war god Ku, this sacrificial temple in Kawaihae was built by Kamehameha I, with his rival and cousin as the first human sacrifice. An underwater site was also built on a nearby beach as a sacred monument to Hawaii’s shark god.
Ahuena Heiau
Location: 75-5660 Palani Rd., Uninc Hawaii County
Facts: After uniting the Hawaiian Islands, Kamehameha I ruled the kingdom from this royal hut built with stone walls, a grass roof and stones scattered around. Now within the premises of the King Kamehameha Hotel, the temple grounds are off limits to visitors, though they can get close enough for a good look at the historic structure.
Hiki Au Heaiu
Location: Captain Cook
Facts: Upon his arrival on the island in 1779, Hawaiians celebrated Captain James Cook as the Polynesian god Lono in South Kona’s sacred temple. This misunderstanding was later settled and he was killed in Kealakekua Bay.
Kaloko Honokohau National Historical Park
Location: 73-4786 Kanalani St., Kailua-Kona
Facts: What used to be an ancient village in North Kona is now a national park comprising 1,160 acres. Visitors can view fishponds, petroglyphs, huts and a heiau, a sacred temple.
Kealakowaa Heiau
Location: 74-5221 Queen Kaahumanu Hwy, Kailua-Kona
Facts: Before canoes hit the open sea, they were blessed at this site built in the 17th century. Tourists can visit the temple with prior arrangements with the Kona Outdoor Circle Education Center next door.
Keolonahihi State Historical Park
Facts: Named after an ancient priestess, this sacred park boasts numerous heiaus, house platforms and even a mortuary temple.
Kuemanu Heaiu
Location: Kailua-Kona
Facts: This is the only temple solely dedicated to surfing, invented by Hawaiians to ride the waves.
Puuhonua o Honaunau
Location: Hwy. 160, Honaunau
Facts: Ancient warriors, war victims and those who broke the law used to seek refuge at this sacred place, which includes houses, royal fishponds and a heiau.
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