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Top 10 Attractions
Hawaiian Archaeological Sites
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The Kona Coast offers some of the most accessible and interesting archaeological sites in Hawaii. The most spectacular of these is the reconstructed temples at Puuhonua O Honaunau, a National Historic Park about 20 miles south of Kailua Town. Set alongside sheltered Honaunau Bay, Puuhonua was an important residential site for the Hawaiian ali'i or royal chiefs. Next to the residence was an important temple known as the place of refuge where anybody could seek shelter to escape corporal punishment after breaking a kapu (law) or after defeat in war. The site includes several huge stone platforms and a reconstructed temple with ornate carved wooden statues. Just to the north of Puuhonua is Hikiau Heiau, a temple foundation where Captain Cook was honoured on his arrival to the islands and where he buried one of his men who had died from illness. This act defied the belief the Hawaiians had that Cook was in fact a god, and indirectly resulted in his death at Kealakekua Bay where a small memorial marks his honour.
Kailua Town has its own visually impressive reconstructed archaeological site. Ahuena Heiau is a temple of peace and prosperity built around Kamakahonu Beach in downtown Kailua Town. This was where King Kamehamaha spent the last years of his life teaching his children and statesmen his views on life. Another interesting heiau can be found partly submerged in the sea off the beach at Honokohau adjacent to the small boat marina.
About 30 miles north of Kailua at Mauna Lani is the Puako Petroglyph Preserve. This collection of over 1,200 stone carvings on a large exposed rock basalt is the states greatest collection and can be viewed along a 15-minute nature trail. A short drive to the north is the states most impressive temple foundation. Puukohola war temple (where human sacrifices were made) was built from 1790-1791 by King Kamehameha I to fulfil a prophecy that he would conquer all of Hawaii on completion of the temple, a prophecy that came true in 1810.
Hawaii Tour Companies
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Our top 10 scenic attractions in Hawaii are:
1) Na Pali Coast - KAUAI
dramatic coastline; hiking; scenic beaches
2) Volcano National Park - BIG ISLAND
lava flows; volcanic crater; trails; flora - 1 day minimum
3) Waikiki Beach - OAHU
world famous activity beach and shopping
4) Whale Watching - MAUI
Nov-May; calving late Jan-Mar; excellent viewing from coast
5) Archaeological Sites - BIG ISLAND,
stone foundations; temples; petroglyphs; Captain Cook memorial
6) Historical Lahaina Town - MAUI
charming seaside town; art galleries; restaurants
7) Pearl Harbor - OAHU
historical world war two site and USS Arizona War Memorial
8) Waimea Canyon - KAUI
unusual rock formations, large canyons and walking tracks
9) Waipio Valley - BIG ISLAND
hidden valley of yester-year with taro fields and horse drawn carts
10) Oahu Scenic Coastal Drive - OAHU
blowholes, snorkelling and scenic beaches
Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:
Cook Islands Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Fiji Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Samoa Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tonga Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tahiti Tours - Top 10 Attractions
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