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North America United States Big Island, Hawaii Do & See Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast

Overview

Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast

The guide was updated: 2024-09-25

The Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Byway covers 700 years of history. The seven-mile stretch of road takes you through the centuries of Hawaii’s Alii, or the ruling class. You will be led past four of Kona's seven “Royal Centers,” which were the sacred locations chosen due to an abundance of natural resources and recreational value. These centers were reserved for the kings and queens of Hawaii. Count among them Hulihee Palace (one of three palaces in the United States), the royal surfing grounds of Kahaluu, Hawaii’s oldest Christian church and several heiau, or sites of sacred Hawaiian temples.

Useful Information

Address: Alii Drive, Island of Hawaii

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

You have the unique opportunity to watch one of nature's most powerful, beautiful processes as the earth unfurls to release its magma from the volcanoes. As one of the most active volcanoes on the planet, Kīlauea volcano is consistently one of Big Island's biggest attractions. Its reputation precedes it as a sacred place for Native Hawaiians as well. Marvel at the active Mauna Loa, learn about volcanology at the Jaggar Museum, take a selfie at the viewpoint overlooking the Halema'uma'u Crater. The long, underground cave formed by ancient flowing lava called the Thurston Lava Tube (Nāhuku) is another must-see.

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Punaluu Black Sand Beach

Hawaii's black sand beaches are a world-class attraction. Punaluu Black Sand Beach, located on the southeastern Kau coast, draws its striking color from volcanic activity. Hawaiian Green Sea turtles often bask on the shore here — be sure to observe from a distance, as they are an endangered species.

Two Steps Snorkeling

Two Steps Snorkeling

Perfect for the beginner, Two Steps, a colloquial name for Honaunau Bay, is the marquee location for a jumping off point. There are plenty of sightseeing opportunities while exploring the sea, with corals, varied topography, and an abundance of ocean life.

Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor

Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor

Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor was named in honor of Kamehameha the Great’s “Law of the Splintered Paddle.” The storied footpath granted runners safe passage for centuries, and today the 10-mile Mamalahoa (paddle) Kona Heritage Corridor survives with stories of Hawaii's past and present. The immigrant influences of Europe, Asia and the Americas are still evident in the historic architecture, shrines, coffee farms, art galleries and Holualoa Village.

Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast

Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast

The Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast Byway covers 700 years of history. The seven-mile stretch of road takes you through the centuries of Hawaii’s Alii, or the ruling class. You will be led past four of Kona's seven “Royal Centers,” which were the sacred locations chosen due to an abundance of natural resources and recreational value. These centers were reserved for the kings and queens of Hawaii. Count among them Hulihee Palace (one of three palaces in the United States), the royal surfing grounds of Kahaluu, Hawaii’s oldest Christian church and several heiau, or sites of sacred Hawaiian temples.

Kau Scenic Byway — The Slopes of Mauna Loa

Kau Scenic Byway — The Slopes of Mauna Loa

The Kau Scenic Byway is a 54-mile loop of ancient Hawaiian history. Enjoy the wealth of natural wonders and the southernmost point of the United States. Long stretches of pristine, unrequited scenery make for exceptional experiences along this byway. Stop at the Honuapo Overlook, and indulge in one of Hawaii’s most remarkable views. The byway takes you to Punaluu Black Sand Beach, the 1,000-year-old cave system of Kula Kai Caverns and gives you majestic vistas of Hawaii's lava fields.

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls State Park

Akaka Falls State Park is nestled along the northeastern Hamakua Coast. The two mellifluous waterfalls are seen on only one short hike. A pleasant half a mile trek will take you through a lush rainforest of wild orchids, bamboo groves and coquettish ferns. You'll pinch yourself to find this is all indeed real, especially with the 100-foot Kahuna Falls and the towering Akaka Falls, which plummet down 442 feet.

Hilo

Hilo

Hilo is a region of Hawaii known for its dramatic waterfalls, fertile rainforests, blooming gardens and its geographic inverse of the volcanic Kohala Coast. Hilo is also the gateway to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, located 45 minutes south. You'll find plenty to do with a collection of renowned museums, art galleries, unique shops and everlasting favorites like the Hilo Farmers Market.

Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona)

Historic Kailua Village (Kailua-Kona) is a vivacious seaside town in the heart of the sunny Kona Coast. When the sun sets, Kailua Village puts forth a lively nightlife with live music, great local food and ocean vistas. During the day, find a variety of shops, cafes, historical sites, and more.

Keauhou

Keauhou

Visitors are never short of activities in Keauhou. Just south of the Historic Kailua Village, the Keauhou area has become one of Hawaii's most frequented destinations. The waters are perfect for snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking. Enjoy a combination of golf courses, spas and fine resort restaurants on land. Spot manta rays at night as they meander near the shores to feed on microscopic plankton, and you may even see napping honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) in the shallow tide pools as well.

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park

A centerpiece of Hawaiian culture, Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau is a 180-acre national historic park that once served as home to royal grounds and a sanctuary for ancient Hawaiian lawbreakers. Back in the day, those who broke kapu (or sacred law) were given one chance of redemption: evade pursuers and arrive at a pu’uhonua, or a sacred place of refuge. If successful, there would have been a ceremony of absolution, and the law-breaker would return to society.

Waimea

Waimea

Quirky and fun, Waimea immediately shows its sense of humor with stop signs that read “Whoa,” instead of “Stop.” Waimea is known as paniolo (Hawaiian cowboy) country, with rolling, green pastures that still serve home to cattle, cowboys and ranches. The community also features some of Hawaii Island’s finest chefs and endless entertainment with the Kahilu Theatre.

Hamakua Heritage Corridor

Hamakua Heritage Corridor

The Hamakua Heritage Corridor takes you on a scenic day trip along the Hamakua Coast. Drive 45 miles along sea cliffs, through lush valleys and tropical rainforests with ample opportunities to explore old plantation towns, see amazing waterfalls and take scenic detours.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site

Puukohola Heiau is a stunning stone structure visible from the road. Located north of Kohala Coast's resorts, the National Historic Site is home to one of the largest restored heiau (temples) in Hawaii. Heiau were sacred places of worship for Native Hawaiians, and Puukohola Heiau itself was built to fulfill a historic prophecy.

Pololu Valley Lookout

Pololu Valley Lookout

Experience remarkable views of verdant cliffs and the dramatic northeastern coastline. There are horses grazing on the hillside, outcroppings in the waters offshore and the black sand beach. You can hike down to the valley floor and the black sand beach. Swimming is not advised because of strong currents.

Anaehoomalu Beach

Anaehoomalu Beach

This thin strip of white-sand beach is flanked by the Anaehoomalu Bay on one side and two ancient Hawaiian fishponds, Kuualii and Kahapapa, on the other. Located near the Waikoloa Marriott, it is a favorite spot for swimming, windsurfing, snorkeling and other water activities.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden

This beautiful garden showcases some of Hawaii's rich variety of plant life, with a great selection of orchids as the standout feature. A walk through the garden takes visitors down to the shoreline and back up again, providing some great views of the ocean.

Hulihee Palace

Hulihee Palace

One of only three royal palaces in the entire United States, this former residence dates back to 1838, and once served as King David Kalakaua's summer palace. The elegant gardens, the vintage koa furniture, the Hawaiian quilts, and the whole of the decor are a page out of Hawaiian history.

Imiloa Astronomy Center

Imiloa Astronomy Center

This observatory, museum and educational and cultural center is dedicated to the study of the stars and the galaxy, as well as the cultural and historical importance of nearby Mauna Kea. It features interactive exhibits, shows and events.

Kilauea Iki Trail

Kilauea Iki Trail

This hiking trail can be a bit challenging, but adventurers will be rewarded with a unique experience. A descent through lush rainforest leads to a valley of a solid, yet still steaming lava lake. The scenery of the Kīlauea Iki Crater is barren and desolate, but eerily beautiful.

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