Stop At: Puukohola National Historic Park, Hwy 270, near Kawaihae Harbor, 62-3601 Kawaihae Rd, Kawaihae, Hawaii 96743
The ruins of the last major Ancient Hawaiian temple. The site is significant for its association with Kamehameha I, who unified the Hawaiian Islands. The heiau (temple), named Puʻukoholā, meaning "Temple on the Hill of the Whale," was constructed under the guidance of Kamehameha I following the advice of a respected priest to gain the favor of the war god Kūkaʻilimoku. Built entirely by hand without mortar, the red stones for the temple were transported by a human chain about 14 miles long from Pololū Valley. The construction involved thousands of people and was completed in less than a year.
The site also includes the ruins of an earlier temple, Mailekini Heiau, and the nearby Hale o Kapuni, an underwater structure dedicated to sharks. Puʻukoholā Heiau played a crucial role in the unification of the Hawaiian Islands under Kamehameha I, marking a significant moment in Hawaiian history.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Mahukona Beach Park, From Kawaihae, take Highway 270 north. Between Mile Markers #14 and 15, Waimea, Hawaii
Mahukona is a former settlement on the island of Hawaiʻi. This area was once the terminus of the Hawaiian Railroad and played a significant role in the sugar industry's history in the Kohala district. Mahukona served as a crucial port where sugarcane from plantations on the wet windward side of Kohala could be transported to ships for export. The harbor was developed by Samuel Gardner Wilder, who also built a pier at Mahukona harbor to facilitate this trade.
A sugar mill was also built on the north side of the bay, and its remains still stand today. Despite its initial success, the port's significance declined over time, and by 1945, the railroad had closed. The town, which once consisted of about 40 families, was abandoned in the 1950s, and the harbor was closed in 1956. Today, the bay is the site of a park of Hawaii County, known as Mahukona Beach Park, offering fishing, snorkeling, picnic areas, and camping, despite lacking a sandy beach.
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Hawi, Hawi, Hawaii
Hawi is a great town to find locally produced food and souvenirs. There are multiple shop and restaurants. Heading out of town be sure to stop at the original Statue of King Kamehameha.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: King Kamehameha Statue, Bishop St, Hilo, Hawaii 96720
The Kamehameha I statue is an outdoor sculpture by American artist Thomas Ridgeway Gould, cast in 1880 and installed in 1883. It stands in front of the old country courthouse
Duration: 15 minutes
Stop At: Pololu Valley Lookout, End of Hwy. 270, Hawaii 96755
Pololū Valley is the northernmost of a series of erosional valleys that form the east coast of Kohala Mountain. The name "Pololū" means "long spear" in Hawaiian. This valley is characterized by its deep cut into the side of Kohala Mountain and is traversed by Pololū Stream. The valley is known for its stunning black sand beach and a yellow sand dune that protects the lush inland areas from the ocean.
Historically, Pololū Valley was a significant site for kalo (taro) farming, with a particular variety known for its crimson stems being cultivated here. The valley also saw rice farming in the 1800s but fell into disuse in the 20th century. Part of the Kohala ditch, which diverts water from Honokane Valley to the sugarcane fields of the North Kohala district, runs along the sides of Pololū Valley.
Duration: 30 minutes
Stop At: Kohala Mountain Scenic Point, 62-2741 Kohala Mountain Rd, Waimea, Hawaii 96743
The Kohala Mountain road offers a twisty scenic ride to Waimea. Be sure to stop at the lookout for amazing views of the Kohala Valley
Duration: 15 minutes
Pass By: Waimea, Waimea, Hawaii
Waimea is the center of ranching activities in the region, with Parker Ranch, one of the largest privately owned cattle ranches in the United States, playing a pivotal role in the community. The town is also known for its annual Fourth of July rodeo, which is a major event. Another significant event in Waimea is the Waimea Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival, held annually in the first week of February.
The town hosts the headquarters of two astronomical observatories located on Mauna Kea, the W. M. Keck Observatory and the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope. It is also home to the International Lunar Observatory Association.
