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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

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

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

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.

• Admission Ticket Not Included

Waipiʻo Valley Lookout offers breathtaking views of the valley’s lush landscape, the ocean, and the waterfalls that feed the river flowing from the back of the valley out to the sea. The lookout is a popular spot for visitors to take in the majestic scenery and to begin exploring the valley, either by hiking down into the valley or by taking guided tours that are respectful of the valley’s cultural and environmental significance.

The valley is renowned for its dramatic beauty, featuring a black sand beach at its shoreline, several large waterfalls, and taro farms. The valley floor, which is almost 2,000 feet below the surrounding terrain, is accessible via a steep road from a lookout point located on the top of the southern wall of the valley. This road is known for its steep grade, rising 800 feet in 0.6 miles at a 25% average grade, making it the steepest road of its length in the United States and open only to 4-wheel drive vehicles.

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Not Included

Honokaa is a great place to stop and shop for locally produced items. Make sure to stop at Tex Drive in for Malasadas!

1 hour • Admission Ticket Free

This short detour will take you over the Roller Coaster of Big Island. This short section of the Old Saddle Road has many twists, turns and hills.

• Admission Ticket Free