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WEST The Sites! Hulihe'e Palace This two-story New England-style mansion with an exterior constructed almost entirely of lava rock and coral mortar, Hulihe'e Palace is one of the Big Island's more unique structures, not to mention one of only three royal residences on U.S. soil. Erected in 1838 by the governor of the island of Hawaii, John Adams Kuakini, the palace overlooks the harbor at Kailua-Kona. The largest, most elegant residence on the island when it was built, Hulihee (the name means "turn and flee") was the gracious summer home of Hawaii's royalty. Built entirely of local materials – the architect used koa wood to give the place its distinctive New England charm – the home serves as a reminder of a different era in Hawai’ian history. Most of the royal family’s personal effects are still in the home, including the original hand-carved koa furniture and 19th century oddities. Although no longer occupied, the home continues to serve as the setting for some fairly regal affairs. You'll get lots of background and royal lore on the guided tour. No photography permitted. The Palace hosts 12 Hawaii music and hula concerts a year, each dedicated to a Hawaiian monarch, at 4pm on the last Sunday of the month (except June and December, when the performances are held in conjunction with King Kamehameha Day and Christmas). Open: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Sat-Sun 10am-4pm. Daily tours held throughout the day (arrive at least an hour before closing). Admission $5 adults, $1 students, 50¢ children under 12. ---------- Kamehameha's Compound at Kamakahonu Bay On the ocean side of the Kona Beach Hotel is a restored area of deep spiritual meaning to the Hawaiians. This was the spot that King Kamehameha the Great choose to retreat to in 1812 after conquering the Hawaiian islands. He stayed until his death in 1819. The king built a temple, Ahuena Heiau, and used it as a gathering place for his kahunas (priests) to counsel him on governing his people in times of peace. It was in this sacred ground in 1820 that Kamehameha's son Liholiho, as king, sat down to eat with his mother, Keopuolani, and Kamehameha's principal queen, Kaahumanu, thus breaking the ancient kapu (taboo) against eating with women; this act established a new order in the Hawaiian kingdom. Although the temple grounds are now just a third of their original size, they're still impressive. You're free to come and wander the grounds, envisioning the days when King Kamehameha appealed to the gods to help him rule with the spirit of humanity's highest nature. Open: Daily 9am-4pm; guided tours Mon-Fri at 1:30pm.. Free admission. ---------- Kona Pier This is action central for water adventures. Fishing charters, snorkel cruises, and party boats all come and go here. Come by around 4pm, when the captains weigh in with the catch of the day, usually huge marlin--the record-setters often come in here. It's also a great place to watch the sunset. ---------- Kona Historical Society Museum &
Greenwell Store Englishman Henry Nicholas Greenwell arrived on the Big Island around 1850 and, soon after, purchased a parcel of land in Kalukalu. On his farm, he raised cattle and grew everything from pumpkins and coffee to tobacco and corn. The only standing reminder of Greenwell's legacy is a stone-walled general store. This well-organized pocket museum is housed in the historic Greenwell Store, built in 1875 by Henry Nicholas Greenwell out of native stone and lime mortar made from burnt coral. This rustic structure was the community-gathering place for several years. Inside, antiques, artifacts, and photos tell the story of this fabled coast. The museum is filled with items that were common to everyday life here in the last century, when coffee-growing and cattle-raising were the main industries. Serious history buffs should sign up for one of the museum's walking tours. Those wanting to read up on area history can check out the bookstore inside. Open: Mon-Fri 9am-3pm. Admission $2. ----------
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