Learning Adventures

History and Culture in Kohala

Anaehoomalu Petroglyph Field: On the grounds of the Waikoloa Resort, this is one of the best places in the state to view well-preserved ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs (drawings inscribed into the lava rock). You’ll see human forms, canoes, circles signifying piko (the navel) and various abstract shapes. A short trail makes access easy.

Eva Parker Woods Cottage: This replica of a historic cottage on the beautiful grounds of the Mauna Lani Resort has small but interesting exhibits of ancient Hawaiian fishing gear, kapa cloth, feather leis and more. 800-367.2323 or 808-885-6622. www.maunalani.com/a_s_evawoods.htm

King Kamehameha Statue: This imposing statue in Kapaau honors Hawaii’s most admired ruler, famous for unifying all the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. And the statue itself has an interesting history. Forged in Florence, Italy in 1880, its trip to Hawaii was interrupted when the ship that was ferrying it to Honolulu sank off the Falkland Islands, where it later turned up in a junkyard. By then a replacement statue had been erected in Honolulu, so the original was brought to Kapaau, near Kamehameha’s birthplace.

Lapakahi State Historical Park: Here, on a one-mile self-guided tour, you can walk in the footsteps of the Hawaiians who lived in this ancient fishing village. You’ll see the partially restored remains of this ancient coastal settlement, and have the chance to play traditional Hawaiian games. The snorkeling here can be excellent when the sea is calm. www.hawaiimuseums.org/mc/ishawaii_lapakahi.htm

Mookini Heiau: The stone wall remnants of this ancient temple define a place that Hawaiians and others consider to have great mana (spiritual power). This was a luakini —a temple of human sacrifice, built around 480 A.D. A short walk away is the birthplace of Kamehameha the Great, who united the Hawaiian Islands. Note: The October 15, 2006 earthquake caused some damage to the heiau and the Kamehameha Birthplace, but both may still be visited from the outside.

Puukohola National Historic Site: When Kamehameha the Great was a young chief, his kahuna (priest) foretold that if Kamehameha constructed a heiau (temple) on the site, he would unite and rule all the islands as one kingdom. The temple was built between 1790-91 and consecrated with the sacrifice of a neighboring chief—and the prediction came true. This is the largest heiau in Hawaii. In March a new visitors center will open featuring videos, exhibits and a small museum. (808) 882-7218. www.nps.gov/puhe.