Must-See Sights in Kailua-Kona, on the Big Island of Hawaii

Kailua-Kona is a seaside town on the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii. It is a popular spot in Hawaii because of its weather, its coastline, and its food. Kailua-Kona has a lot to offer the Big Island visitor. The following is a list of the must-see sights in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island of Hawaii.

In downtown Kailua-Kona you will find King Kamehameha the Great's personal temple, called 'Ahu'ena Heiau. This is where the great king settled down to live his final days. It is a historic site to say the least and a must-see on your visit to Kailua-Kona. As a bonus, right in front of King Kamehameha's temple is one of the best beaches on the island, Kamakahonu Beach. This is a great beach for snorkeling and kayaking.

Not too far away lies the Hulihe's Palace, built in 1838 it was used as a vacation home for visiting royalty. It is now a museum featuring a collection of koa furniture and photos of Hawaiian royalty. The museum tour guides are very knowledgeable, providing a rich account of Hawaiian history, making this one of the must-see sights in Kailua-Kona. Admission is only $5.

South of Kailua-Kona you will find the Hikiau Heiau, a temple where human sacrifices were made. It is a stone structure on the south end of Kealakekua Bay. This is where the famous Captain Cooke was worshipped as the god Lono, the deity of fertility, agriculture and music. This is a very historic site in Hawaiian culture and one of the must-see sights in the Kailua-Kona area of the Big Island, although not for the weak-kneed.

Near Honaunau Bay, you'll find another one of Kailua-Kona's must-see sights, the Painted Church. It is formally called Saint Benedict's Catholic Church. It was built in the late 1800s. At the turn of the 20^th century, Father John Velge made it his mission to paint frescoes on the inside walls and ceiling depicting Biblical stories. While age has taken its toll on this beloved church, it is worth a visit.

And finally, one of the best sights in Kailua-Kona, and probably all of Hawaii, is the Pu'uhonua o Honaunau, or Place of Refuge. In the Hawaiian culture, the Place of Refuge was where lawbreakers could find asylum and forgiveness. The Pu'uhonua o Honaunau is a national park featuring reconstructed Hawaiian houses, temples and petro glyphs. But the most remarkable site in this national park is the 1,000 foot long, 10 feet high, 17 feet thick wall that separates the Place of Refuge from the palace, built in the 1500s. The park charges $5 per car, quite a bargain to walk along these historic grounds.

Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii has a lot to offer the traveler. From beautiful beaches, perfect weather to Hawaiian history and culture. Listed above are the must-see sights of the Kailua-Kona region of the Big Island of Hawaii.