Ekomo Mai- Welcome – to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Hawaii is the name originally given the the island by the first Polynesian settlers 1,500 years ago. In more recent times the name has come to mean the entire state, so today residents simply call their home the Big Island Within the Big Island’s vastness is extraordinary diversity. (With 4,028 square miles, it is almost twice the size of all the other Hawaiian islands combined-twice the size of Delaware.)
Snowcapped peaks and black sand beaches, ranches and rainforests, farms and flowers, cowboys and coffee, art and astronomy, marlin and macadamia nuts…the Big Island is a colorful tapestry where the old and new mix harmoniously. Traditions of an older and simpler Hawaii-the hula, music crafts, speech and customs of rural communities-are interwoven with luxury resorts, major sporting events, technology and international visitors. The Big Island is indeed a special place, with surprises at every turn.
History
The Big Island’s West Coast is rich in history. In Lapakahi State Historical Park, the partially-reconstructed fishing village of Koai’e dates back to the 14th century. With its traditional houses and canoe landing, it is an impressive site.
Another of Kamehameha’s temples is the Ahu’ena Heiau in Kailua-Kona, a temple of peace and prosperity, where the great king spent his final years. You’ll feel the spirits in Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park in South Kona, a careful reconstruction of an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary. In the hart of Kona, Moku ‘aikaua Church was the first Christian church built in Hawaii. And for something really inspiring, stroll among the thousands of ancient Hawaiian rock art images in the Puako Petroglyph Archaological Preserve, north of the Mauna Lani Resort.
Culture
The Island of Hawaii is alive in land and spirit. Stories of great heroes exist around each corner; legend in a thousand elements of the land and creatures who reside there; stories of the unexplained are accepted here. On the Big Island, you may come to discover the past and find in yourself the opportunity to renew the spirit.
Legendary Hilo
Visiting these well-know tourist stops takes on new meaning with knowledge of the spirits who reside here. A selection of stories gathered by Frances Reed.
The Three Storms of Hina
In preparation for the Merrie Monarch Festival the dancers of Halau Mohala ‘Ilima practiced “The Three Storms of Hina” for close to a year. As they prepared to dance in competition the spirits became alive. A selection from Chicken Skin: True Spooky Stories of Hawaii, collected by Rick Carroll.
The Destruction of Keoua’s Army
As Keoua’s army journeyed across the Ka’u Desert in preparation for a final battle for the Island of Hawaii, the supernatural forces favored Kamehameha I. From Hawaiian Legends of Volcanoes, translated by William D. Westervelt.
The Legend of the Naha Stone
The Naha Stone is considered by historians to be one of the greatest relics in the Hawaiian Islands. Now resting at the entrance to the Public Library in Hilo, not far from the location of the ancient temple from which it was the entrance pillar.
Pele’s Earliest Automobile Ride
A lone woman hitch hiking at the side of the road. Would you stop? On more than one occasion Pele has accompanied me along the highways of the island. For a safe journey it is better to not turn your back on the goddess. This story is from Glen Grant’s Obake Files.
Pu’uhonua O Honaunau
Protecting the innocent and absolving the guilty. Now a National Historic Park, with the proper frame of mind you may cleanse your soul.
Mookini Heiau
One of the oldest and most sacred spots on the Big Island.