Immediately across the street, Hulihee Palace on Kailua Bay was once a summer haven for Hawaiian royalty. The six-room mansion and palm-studded grounds have since become a museum that features the regal Hawaiian lifestyle. Guided tours of original wood furnishings and royal artifacts are offered. On the opposite shore of the Big Island, the bayside town of Hilo was impacted fiercely by earthquake-generated tsunamis in 1946 and 1960. The Pacific Tsunami Museum on Kamehameha Avenue aims to inform the public about tsunami hazards and to prevent future tragedies. Museum exhibits offer scientific explanations of tsunami formation and specific instructions for retreating to high ground during a tsunami threat. Heart-wrenching stories about local islanders of all ages who perished or survived during local surges are shared through written word, original artwork, and audio recordings from witnesses. A handsome hand- crafted wall quilt memorializes local tsunami victims. After strolling through the museum, why not visit the Hilo Farmers Market for a color-burst of fragrant local fruits, vegetables, and flowers? Or pick up some tasty macadamias or celebrated Kona coffee—the true tastes of Paradise. The open-air marketplace operates daily at the corner of Kamehameha Avenue and Mamo Street. Are you ready to visit Hawaii? Today might be the best day to start planning your island-hopping getaway. Aloha!
Hulihee Palace in Kailua-Kona was once the vacation home of Hawaiian royalty.
leave the plantation, indulge in a cool Dole Whip soft serve topped with fresh pineapple chunks. You’ll be glad you did. If you love glorious sandy beaches, the North Shore’s coastline is for you. Begin your beach tour at Waimea Bay Park and head north to Pupukea, Ehukai, and Sunset Beaches, then wander up the coast. Each sandy location offers sightseers something new. Visiting Kauai and the Big Island On the ‘Garden Isle’ of Kauai, the Kauai Museum in Lihue on Rice Street is a captivating jumble of the history, art, and culture of the islands of Kauai and neighboring Nii’hau. Both museum buildings sport lava rock exteriors, reflecting the islands’ volcanic origins. Kahili, brilliant red and gold feathered helmets and capes worn by Hawaiian kings, are particularly fascinating. Heritage Gallery walls are lined with color- drenched portraits of several generations of Hawaiian royals. Hand-carved koa wood bowls, a customary pahu or hula drum, and intricate shell leis demonstrate island traditions. A more contemporary collection includes Hawaiian surfing memorabilia, from surfboards past and present to vintage contest photos to a portrait gallery honoring Hawaii’s primo surfers. The Big Island of Hawaii contains more acreage than all the other islands combined. Its geographic diversity is remarkable, as are the coastal towns of Kailua-Kona and Hilo. Historic Kailua village is a walker’s wonder. Begin at Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s first Christian Church, on Alii Drive. The 200-year-old lava rock and coral structure with koa wood interior is a landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The church’s 11-foot-tall steeple still scores as the highest point in Kailua-Kona.
Mokuaikaua Church, Hawaii’s first Christian Church.
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