Hawaii’s Big Island vacation rentals put you on the forefront of some of the Big Island’s unforgettable attractions, such as:

- Hiking through Waipio Valley, the “Valley of the Kings”

- Exploring Puukohola Heiau, the largest restored ancient Hawaiian religious temple

- Enjoying the entertainment, culture, and cuisine in Hilo and the Kona Coast

Located on the northern Hamakua Coast, the sacred Waipio Valley was the boyhood home of King Kamehameha I and an important center for political and religious life in Hawaii. Not only is “The Valley of the Kings” an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it’s also a place of dramatic tropical beauty. This fertile valley is about one mile across and over five-miles deep, and surrounded by cliffs up to 2000-feet high. Waipio Valley was once the home for thousands of native Hawaiians.

Today, there are less than 100 residents living amongst the waterfalls, taro fields, and rivers permeating the valley. The Big Island’s tallest waterfall, Hiilawe Falls cascades down 1,300 feet in the back of Waipio. You can view the valley from the coastal Waipio Valley Overlook, or you can take a guided van tour, hike, or horseback ride to explore the hidden wonders within. Tour guides will happily share the stories and legends of this special place. The road into the valley is extremely steep so driving isn’t recommended.

Puukohola Heiau, on the northwestern Kohala Coast, is the largest heiau in Hawaii. Heiau were sacred places of worship for ancient Hawaiians, and Puukohola heiau was a site built with added historic significance. Kohala born Kamehameha the Great was advised by kahuna (priests) to build and dedicate Puukohola heiau to the war god Kukailimoku in an effort to stop civil unrest and unite the Hawaiian Islands. The heiau was constructed overlooking the Kohala coast between 1790 and 1791.

King Kamehameha ultimately fulfilled the kahuna’s prophecy when he united the Hawaiian Islands in 1810. This massive stone temple has been carefully preserved, and it is believed to be one of the last sacred structures built in the Hawaiian Islands before Western influence. Puukohola, which means “hill of the whale” in Hawaiian, is also a great place to look for migrating humpback whales.

The sunny Kona coastline stretches from Kailua-Kona to beyond Kealakekua Bay and can take more than 45 minutes to drive through from your Hawaii accommodation. Within this expansive area you’ll find everything from Kona Coffee farms to historic Hawaiian landmarks. In fact, the Kona coast was once the home of Hawaiian royalty. King Kamehameha himself spent his later years in Kailua-Kona. Significant historic places like Puuhonua o Honaunau, Hulihee Palace, and Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park let you explore Hawaii’s past first-hand. South Kona’s calm and clear waters are also perfect for snorkeling, diving, and spotting dolphins and honu (green sea turtles). For the more adventurous, take a boat tour and swim with manta rays or go deep-sea fishing for giant Pacific Blue Marlin.

On land, the cooler uplands are home to hundreds of coffee plantations where you can sample Kona’s unique, aromatic bean. On the versatile Kona coast, the adventures are as big as the island itself. Whether you are looking for the perfect Hawaii villa, condo, or beach front rental, we can help you make your Hawaiian experience truly unforgettable!

Author by Alice Lane.