Hawaii Heritage Sites

(courtesy of gohawaii.com)

Heritage Sites of Hawaii are special places located throughout the islands that provide significant historical, cultural and environmental contributions to the understanding and enjoyment of Hawaii. Whether it’s a unique natural wonder; a National Historical Site, Park or Monument; or a sacred place that encapsulates Native Hawaiian customs, beliefs and practices; these are the sites that are “must see” destinations on your next visit to Hawaii.

Kauai Heritage Sites

Kilauea Lighthouse: This 52-foot lighthouse features amazing views from Kauai’s northernmost tip. This is also a National Wildlife Refuge.

Waimea Canyon State Park: Stretching 14-miles long on Kauai’s west side, this geological wonder is nicknamed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”

Oahu Heritage Sites

Bishop Museum: The premier natural and cultural history institution in the Pacific region, Bishop Museum is known throughout the world for its cultural collections, research projects, public education programs, and Native Hawaiian artifacts.

Diamond Head (Leahi) State Monument: Hike to the top of Hawaii’s most recognized landmark for panoramic views of Waikiki and Honolulu.

Iolani Palace State Monument: Dedicated in 1882 and the only official state residence of royalty in the U.S., Iolani Palace’s grounds and galleries are now open to the public as a museum.

Makapuu Point Lighthouse: Located on the Ka Iwi State Scenic Shoreline, the Makapuu Point Lighthouse Trail features breathtaking ocean views.

National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, Punchbowl: This is one of the nation’s prominent national cemeteries. Over five million visitors come to pay their respects here and to see the panoramic view of Honolulu.

Nuuanu Pali Lookout: Also known as the Nuuanu Pali State Wayside, this historic site provides an impressive, 1,200-foot view of the Windward side.

Pearl Harbor: Visit the five Pearl Harbor Historic Sites located in this National Historic Landmark and World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument.

Queen Emma Summer Palace: The summer retreat of Queen Emma, this museum houses a collection of her belongings, furnishings and artifacts.

Washington Place: Visit Washington Place in Downtown Honolulu, the residence of Queen Liliuokalani, Hawaii’s last reigning monarch. It is located in Hawaii’s Capital Historic District and is open for private tours

Molokai Heritage Site

Kalaupapa Lookout at the Palaau State Park: This overlook features an amazing view of Molokai’s north coast and Kalaupapa National Historical Park.

Lanai Heritage Site

Kaunolu Village: A favorite fishing spot of King Kamehameha I, this archaeological site features the largest surviving ruins of a prehistoric Hawaiian village.

Maui Heritage Sites

Haleakala National Park: Spanning 30,004 acres from the coast to its 10,023 feet summit, this park has a larger concentration of endangered species than any other National Park.

Iao Valley State Monument: Home to the iconic Iao Needle, this is the site of the Battle of Kepaniwai where the forces of Kamehameha I conquered the Maui army in 1790.

Hawaii, the Big Island Heritage Sites

Akaka Falls State Park: A popular self-guided walk that features two amazing waterfalls, Akaka Falls (442 feet) and Kahuna Falls (100 feet).

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: A World Heritage Site, this expansive park is the world-famous home of Kilauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes and one of Hawaii’s most popular visitor attractions.

Hulihee Palace: Located in the heart of Historic Kailua Village, this was a historic vacation home for Hawaiian royalty.

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park: Learn about life in early Hawaii by viewing fishponds, kii pohaku (petroglyphs) and heiau (temples).

Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park: On the southern Kona Coast, this is where Captain Cook first arrived on the Big Island and where he also died just a year later in 1779.

Lapakahi State Historical Park: Take a self-guided tour of this over 600-year old, partially restored fishing settlement.

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: This 180-acre national historic park was once the site of royal grounds and was a place of refuge for Hawaiian lawbreakers.

Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site: Part of the National Park System, this historic site is home to one of the largest heiau (temple) built in Hawaii (1790-1791