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 Twice as large as all of the other major Hawaiian Islands combined, the Big Island is also the youngest of the island chain. At some 800,000 years of age, it's also still growing. Akaka Falls, north of Hilo, plunges over 420 feet in a sheer drop over a volcanic cliff. Black Sand Beaches, located on the southeastern cliff, are made up of pulverized lava. 
Captain Cook Monument, at Kealakekua Bay, is a tribute to the British navigator and discoverer of the Hawaiian islands who was killed on this shoreline in 1779. First Christian Church, at Kailua-Kona, was erected by American missionaries who first landed on this coast in 1820. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has an array of unique volcanic formations, forests of giant tree ferns, steaming craters and a volcanological museum that shows free color movies daily. Kamehameha Statue is displayed in Kohala. This, the original statue, was lost at sea during shipment to Hawaii and later recovered after a replica had been erected in Honolulu. Lapakahi State Historical Park, north of Kawaihae, was once an ancient Hawaiian fishing village. Lava Flows are marked by Warrior signs, which designate flows, which have surged down the mountains of Mauna Loa and Kilauea since prehistoric times. Lyman Mission House Museum, in the city of Hilo, contains a collection of historic Hawaiian relics. Orchids and anthuriums grow in profusion in Hilo and surrounding areas for export. Painted Churches, at Honaunau, include St. Benedict's, the oldest Catholic church on the Island. The church has brilliantly hued murals depicting biblical scenes on the interior walls. Murals in the Star of the Sea Catholic church at Kalapana were painted by a priest half a century ago. Parker Ranch, in the Waimea-Kamuela district at the foot of Mauna Kea, is the largest privately-owned cattle ranch in the world. Pololu Valley in Kohala was once the locale of a number of ancient Hawaiian heiau (temples). 
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau (Place of Refuge) is a National Historical Park, said to have been built at its Honaunau location in the 12th century to provide political and religious asylum. Puukohola Heiau, near Kawaihae, was built by Kamehameha the Great and is now a National Historical Site. Rainbow Falls, in Hilo, is among the Big Island's loveliest waterfalls. Waha'ula Heiau, at the foot of the Chain of Craters Road, is maintained by the National Park Service as part of the Volcanoes National Park. Walking tours are available. Waipio Valley, north of the town of Honokaa, was once the index of kings of old Hawaii. |