Hawaii is a magical place with the aroma of life that can fill the minds of any visitors with visions of paradise. The magnificent beach, the overwhelming cuisine, the rich cultural heritages; but little are they aware about the vastness of history that they are treading on.
Hawaii is home to many historical sites than what meets the eyes; you can get to know more about the place, people and its culture by visiting the museums and historical buildings that have now been given the tag of “heritage”. Here are the top 10 historical sites you absolutely must visit on a joy ride to Hawaii. They have specific timings of opening and closing, please check it beforehand to avoid any confusion –
- Puukohola Heaiu National Historical Site: Situated on Kohala coast, this site owns the biggest and the last heaiu or temple built in Hawaii. This temple was build in the honor of the great war god Ku that is said to bind the islands together.
- Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: This 180 acre national park situated in south Kona is home to heaiu, Hawaiian fishponds, royal grounds, and the 10 feet high and 15 feet thick Great Wall. In olden times it was an ideal place for lawbreakers to take refuge here.
- Mookini Heaiu State Monument: Now one of the most sacred spots on the island, this beautiful place in North Kohala was once a place of human sacrifice. A few yards from there is the site that marks the birthplace of the great king Kamehameha.
- Keauhou: The land of Keauhou is a historical place where the great Kumaoo battle was fought and which now holds the Lekeleke burial grounds. You can also witness the holua slide and the birth place of Kamehameha III.
- Kailua Village: The village is a complete kingdom in itself. Visit the Hulihee palace, Mokuaikaua Church and the Ahuena Heaiu are few of the many attractions the village is famous for.
- Kealakekua Bay: Located south of Kailua-Kona, it is a Marine Life Conservation that was first found by the British explorer Captain James Cook. It is also the place where he was killed by a native Hawaiian. A white obelisk in the memorial site marks his dead bed.
- Koloa, Kauai: Hawaii’s first sugar plantation, Koloa was found in 1835 and was a great mix of Japanese, Chinese, Portuguese, Filipino and Korean plantation workers until it closed down. You can still witness the remains of their sugar mills and experience the plantation era all over again in their cultural programs.
- Pearl Harbor: Possibly the most famous and remarkable place in the pages of history, Pearl Harbor was the target of an aerial attack by the Japanese during the World War II. Visiting this place, you can still feel the heat of the destruction that left a burning finger in the cries of its awake.
- Waimea: Coming out of monuments and sites, visit the lush green valleys of Waimea that is home to horses and cowboy. And whatever the purpose do not forget to get a horseback ride.
- Lahaina: Until 1845, it was known as the national capital of Hawaii and is now Maui’s biggest sugar industry. Take a leisure walk around the great Banyan tree along the Lahaina Historical Trail and uncover history all over again.
Once you have done with visiting these places, the knowledge about Hawaii is sure to be extensive; their interesting history helps you to actually know the place in depths and folds. Have a great journey down the lane of historic Hawaii!