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Kohala Coast
 
Kohala
Fish Ponds with snow-capped Mauna Kea in background. |
Almost always under bright sunny skies the Golden Kohala
Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii has for years been
the tropical playground of not only ancient Hawaiian
royalty but contemporary vacationers from around the
world. The Kohala coast which hosts many important historical
sights is also home to one of America’s most highly
rated public beaches, Hapuna Beach State Recreation
Area. Hapuna’s long white sand beach, rolling surf,
clear skies, and accessibility make it a popular destination
for many island guests. Among the ebony lava fields
that comprise the Kohala Coast landscape are several
world renown championship golf courses. From the air
or from a distance the green fairways that blanket this
rugged terrain soften its landscape. And, because of
the Kohala coast’s perfect sunny weather the courses
are rarely closed... maybe once every five years. Wild
goat, donkeys and other four legged creatures roam the
land freely and occasionally the Hawaiian short eared
owl, the pueo, can be seen in flight.
Connecting this forty or so mile coastline is the ancient
King’s Trail which was travelled by the ruling
ali`i as well as malo-clad runners who were responsible
for transporting pond raised fish wrapped in ti leaves
to the tables of Hawaiian royalty living down the coast
in Kailua-Kona. The King's trail passes through not
only the several resort properties but Pu'ukohola Heiau
and scores of petroglyph fields.
Snorkelling
in crystal clear waters along the Kohala Coast. |
Pu'ukohola was the last Hawaiian temple built during
King Kamehameha's reign of power. It was said that if
Pu'ukohola was built to honor the war god Kuka`ilimoku,
Kamehameha would be granted the power to conquer and
unite the islands of Hawaii under one kingdom. After
the temple’s completion, Kamehameha did go on to
unite the islands of Hawaii, but only after several
bloody battles had been waged on outer islands. Today,
the heiau which was the last human sacrificial site
in Hawaii is preserved by the National Park service
and is open daily to the public.
The extensive petroglyph fields that are found all
along the King’s trail hosts its most popular spot
near the King’s Shops on Waikoloa Beach drive.
Follow the signs along a short trail that direct you
to the petroglyphs. Keep in mind that the preservation
of these field depends on people staying on the trail
while viewing these ancient rock carvings. And it should
be added that this petroglyph field runs along side
the golf course so keeping a third eye out for flying
golf balls would not hurt. Enjoy it all while you wine,
dine, and are treated like royalty on the Kohala coast.
Well... that’s our Island. Perhaps the best part
of this tour is that you most likely ended up where
you began... which is the best place to start your tour
again.
Aloooooooha!! ~ Les
Lomilomi massage. |
Aerial view of Mauna
Lani. |
Surfers at sunset. |
Puukohola Heiau. |
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