Hawaii Sights

  1. 'Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawai'i

    'Imiloa is a unique, provocative look at the creation stories of two very different peoples: Native Hawai'ians and modern astronomers. This unusual combination wouldn't make sense except that it embodies the story of Mauna Kea, which is central to Hawai'ian mythology and is now home to the world's most important conglomeration of observatories.

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  2. Diamond Head State Monument

    One of the best-known landmarks in the Pacific, Diamond Head is familiar to every visitor to O'ahu as the backdrop to Waikiki. The 228m (760ft) mountain is a tuff cone and crater formed by a violent steam explosion deep beneath the surface long after most of O'ahu's volcanic activity had stopped.

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  3. Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park

    Unique among American parks, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contains two active volcanoes and terrain ranging from tropical beaches to the sub-arctic, 4103m (13,679ft) summit of Mauna Loa. The centrepiece is Kilauea Caldera, the still-steaming sunken centre of Kilauea Volcano. Rangers can provide the lowdown on guided walks and trail conditions.

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  4. Isaacs Art Center

    The stunning collection of significant and historic Hawai'ian paintings and artifacts at this art center makes it much more a museum than a traditional gallery - one of the best outside of the Honolulu Academy of Arts. It's housed in a 1915 plantation schoolhouse (now on the historic register), whose single row of six spacious classrooms makes an ideal exhibition space.

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  5. Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

    Kealakekua Bay is one of the Big Island's (and the state's) premier snorkelling spots. In the pristine waters, a spectacular diversity of marine life thrives. The bay is both a state park and a marine-life conservation district. Among the protected species here are spinner dolphins that frequently swim into the bay.

    Read more about Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park

  7. Mauna Kea

    Mauna Kea (White Mountain) is Hawaii's highest peak, and its 4140m (13,796ft) summit has a cluster of observatory domes, containing what is considered the greatest collection of astronomical telescopes in the world. The Onizuka Center offers displays and stargazing, while a rugged 9.7km (6mi) hiking trail leads from here to the summit.

    Read more about Mauna Kea

  8. Mo'okini Heiau

    On the northernmost tip of the island, Mo'okini Heiau is one of the oldest and most historically significant temples in Hawaii. Charts date the temple back to AD 480, when human sacrifices were offered to the war god Ku. Because so few people come this way, chances are you'll be alone with the wind and the spirits.

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  9. Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

    Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park comprises ancient temples, royal grounds, burial sites and a pu'uhonua (place of refuge). Explore the carved-wood representations of ancient gods; the stone board for konane , an ancient form of checkers played with black lava and white coral; and the wonderful snorkelling found off some natural lava steps.

    Read more about Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

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