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A TOUR OF THE BIG ISLAND, HAWAII AT
ITS BEST
The Kohala Coast
Traveling north out of Kailua Village a few miles
along Highway 11 takes you over stark black volcanic flows which contrast sharply against
the turquoise blue water of the Kohala coast. Here are some of the most beautiful
beaches, golf courses and resort recreational facilities on the island. It has come
to be known as the "Gold Coast". Irrigation and imaginative development
have created a thriving modern oases amidst the desolate lava desert.
| The elegant architecture and grandeur
of the Kohala Coast hotels is unrivaled. The resorts over look the sea before them
and the dramatic lava landscape behind them. They offer a vacation experience that
ranges from simplistic to grandiose. But they all afford a fabulous Hawaiian formula
for a first class vacation, sun... sea... fun... food... and all the necessary comforts. |
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| The hotels and condominiums along the
coast are also surrounded by some of the best and most beautiful golf courses ever
designed, making it one of the foremost destinations in the world. |
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Hawaiian history has also been well preserved at a
number of archaeological sights along the Kohala Coast. Ala Mamalahoa, or the old
"Kings Trail", is a hike into Hawaii's past. The well worn foot trail
passes through intricate petroglyphs carved into the lava.
| The fish ponds of Ka'upulehu,
Anaeho'omalu and Mauna Lani reflect the ancient Hawaiian practice of aquaculture. The old
Hawaiians were always conscious of maintaining their ecology and resources. |
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| The impressive Pu'ukohola Heiau, or
temple, overlooking Kawaihae harbor was built by Kamehameha. A prophet predicted
that if the young chief were to build this heiau and dedicate to the war god
Ku'ka'ili-moku, he would eventually conquer and rule over all of the Hawaiian islands.
The heiau was built and the prophecy was to prove true. |
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Today Pu’ukohola Heiau overlooks the deep sea
harbor of Kawaihae. Here you will find a number of interesting stores, galleries and
restaurants which cater to the adventuresome who are drawn to the water's edge.
| Continuing on into Kohala brings us
through the towns of Hawi and Kapa'au on the northern most tip of the island. This
area is the birth place of Kamehameha, and here stands a statue of the King. It was
created by an American artist in Italy in 1880. |
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| A few winding miles past Kapa'au is
the end of the road and a spectacular view overlooks Pololu Valley and the rugged Hamakua
coastline. |
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Return to the
Big Island Television Visitor's Information Page
Introduction & History
Continue the tour in Kailua-Kona
Continue the tour From Keauhou to Honaunau
Continue the tour in Kamuela & Honokaa
Continue the tour in Hilo
Continue the tour in Volcano National Park
Continue the tour at Mauna
Kea
Continue the tour at Mauna
Kea
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