Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9.
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
Just south of Kawaihae, the reef-protected shore at Samuel M. Spencer Beach Park offers
thebestswimmingandsnorkelinginthearea.ApathfromthebeachleadstothePuukohola
National Historic Site, where King Kamehameha I, acting on the advice of a prophet, erec-
ted a temple in honor of a war god to ensure victory over his adversaries. Measuring 224
by 100 feet, the heiau was built from rocks and boulders that were fitted together without
mortar.Onthedayitwasdedicated,themanwhowouldbekinghelpedfulfilltheprophecy
by having his principal rival slain as he arrived for the ceremony.
NUTS ABOUT MACADAMIAS
Named for Dr. John Macadam, a friend of the man who first recognized their virtues,
macadamia nuts have been hailed for their perfection. Cooks are crazy about these
sweet nuggets because they're tasty and versatile. Nutritionists are nuts about them
because they're healthy. But Hawaiians are wild about them for a different reason:
They're a leading source of income on the Big Island.
10.
Puako Petroglyphs
Rejoin Rte. 19 (now known as the Queen Kaahumanu Highway) as it speeds southward.
Just beyond the turnoff for Hapuna Beach State Park is the entrance to the Mauna Lani
Resort, where a sign shows the way to the Puako Petroglyphs. A half-mile trail winds past
lava boulders incised with mysterious markings from the past: turtles, warriors, fish, and
enigmatic spirals. The 3,000 petroglyphs in and near Puako are some of the oldest and best
rock carvings in Hawaii.
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