Big Island Sights

Hulihee Palace. The Daughters of Hawaii, with their impressive collection of Hawaiian artifacts, maintain this historical Kona site, a modest but exciting piece of Hawaiian history. Hula dances and musical performances liven up the palace, built by one-time governor of Hawaii John Adams Kuakini in 1838. A former favorite royal retreat, the grounds and oceanfront location eclipse the actual building, which only has six rooms. King Kalakua, the “Merrie Monarch,” was famous for being quite the socialite, and he filled the abode with countless parties. The palace lay abandoned in the early 20th century, serving as a playground for neighborhood children and an impromptu parlor for an enthusiastic group of card players. It has since been restored and contains numerous Hawaiian artifacts, including the javelins and spears of Kamehameha the Great. (75-5718 Alii Dr. ☎808-329-1877; www.huliheepalace.org. Open M-F 9am-4pm, Sa-Su 10am-4pm. Guided tour available. $6, seniors $4, ages 18 and under $1.)

Mokuaikaua Church. Built in 1837 out of lava rock and coral lime mortar, this is the oldest church in the state. It’s also the tallest structure in town; for years fishermen used the 112 ft. steeple for navigation. There is a small exhibit explaining the building’s history at the entrance and beautiful stained glass over the altar. A model of the Brig Thaddeus, the boat that carried missionaries to the Big Island during a 164-day voyage, sits in the back of the church. (At the northern end of Alii Dr. ☎808-329-1589. Open daily sunrise to sunset. Free.)

Ahuena Heiau. Ahuena Heiau was the centerpiece of Kamehameha the Great’s government from 1813-1819. Kamehameha, the only man to unite the Hawaiian islands under one ruler, was born on the Kohala coast in the 16th century. After consolidating his power over the other islands, he returned to Kona to rule (see History). He built the heiau and dedicated it to Lono, the god of agriculture and prosperity. At the top of the hut is a golden plover, a slight bird thought to have led the first Polynesian settlers to the Hawaiian islands. (At the northern end of Kailua Bay, adjacent to King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel. The heiau sits on hotel property, but can be seen from the pier or water of Kamakahonu Beach.)