|
|
|
Waimea & South Kohala Photo Gallery
|
|
Click on the thumbnails to see a bigger image
|
|
Waimea (Kamuela), South Kohala
December morning in Waimea
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Is the town called Waimea or Kamuela? Well,
it's both or either.
When Hawaii became a United States territory
at the turn of the 20th century, "Waimea" referred to both the upland community and the slice of the
island stretching from today's Lakeland to the sea, 10-20 miles long and four to nine miles wide.
As was the case with Kailua (which became Kailua-Kona), there were sister communities named Waimea on other islands.
The postal service needed something more specific. So "Kamuela", Hawaiian for Samuel, was selected, honoring
a prominent resident.
It is the original name, "Waimea", however that remains in the hearts of its residents. |
|
Parker Ranch and Views of South Kohala
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
What is South Kohala?
On the West coast of the Big Island,
going from South to North the districts are South Kona, North Kona, South
Kohala, and North Kohala.
South Kohala contains a very diverse geography. Just north of Kona much of the land is overrun by barren lava fields.
This area is often called the "Kohala coast", and this is where most of the luxury resorts are located.
As you continue north you will reach Waikoloa, and then turn up into the Kohala mountains towards the town of Waimea. |
|
Pu'ukohola Heiau
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Pu'ukohola Heiau ("Temple on the Hill
of the Whale"): Heiau (temples)
were places of worship that were central to Hawaiian religious beliefs. From the heiau, the kahuna (priest) communicated
with the gods and advised the ali'i (chief).
The National Historic Site of Pu'ukohola Heiau about
a mile south of Kawaihae, is the single most imposing and dramatic heiau in all of Hawai'i. Unlike the peaceful
Ahu'ena Heiau in Kailua-Kona, this 85 acre site had a bloody history of war
and sacrifice. This is the heiau Kamehameha built and dedicated to his family's war god Kuka'ilimoku
to insure success in his drive to unite all the islands into one nation. Kamehameha was told by the prophet Kapoukahi
that he would be successful only after the heiau was complete and he had sacrificed a major chief; to that end,
Kamehameha invited his cousin Keoua (his last rival on the Big Island) to the dedication
ceremonies. Amazingly enough, the cousin showed up, and he and most of his companions were slain and offered as
sacrifices to Ku. This is a stunning sight, and worthy of a stop if you want to get a real feel of Hawai'i's history.
It is very special to the Hawaiian people, so obey the signs and show respect. Open daily from 7:30-4:00-- and
it's free. By the way, this area is great for spotting whales.
An interpretive trail begins at the visitor
center and leads to the ruins of Pu'ukohola.
The trail from the visitor center is long, hot and rugged. If you are not physically fit and dressed properly,
do not attempt the hike.
The other temple in the park is the ruins of
Mailekini Heiau, between Puukohola Heiau and the ocean. It is thought that this
temple was used by the ancestors of Kamehameha. It is older than Pu'ukohola and although almost the same size it
wasn’t as well constructed. Kamehameha converted this temple into a fort.
KAILUA-KONA
|| KEAUHOU & HOLUALOA || WAIMEA, PARKER RANCH &
SOUTH KOHALA
BIG ISLAND GALLERY HOME
|
|
|
|
|
