As the year draws to an end, Hawaiian Islands beckon with their breathtaking sunsets, colorful rainbows, and powerful surfs. Your Hawaiian trip could be a symbol of new beginnings as you usher in the coming year.
For fairytale travelers, the islands are ripped straight from a storybook. It’s a land of the gods, ghosts, and legends. Here are a few ancient sites in Hawaii you could tour for an otherworldly and unforgettable experience.
You’ll be Fascinated When You Visit These Ancient Sites in Hawaii
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
The Hawaii Volcanoes national park hosts some of the world’s most active volcanoes. At this site, awe-inspiring nature abounds. The two active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, have left behind evidence of the cycle of creation and destruction. For Kilauea, lava eruption is a daily occurrence, a sight you wouldn’t want to miss.
This land, with its diverse ecosystem, is fabled to be the habitat of Pele, the Hawaiian Fire goddess. That could be the reason why the Kilauea produces 650,000 cubic yards of lava every day. According to Hawaiian lore, Pele resides on the Halema’uma’u Crater, from where she unleashes fire, lava, and heat with her power.
Another creepy tale of the park is that you might be cursed if you take a rock from the palace. And the only way to break the hex is by returning it. Better keep those rocks out of your pocket!
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Quick Facts
- The park extends 333,308 acres from the sea to the summit of Maunaloa
- This park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987
- Close to 59 endangered species live in this park including the Hawaiian goose and the hoary Hawaiian bat
- There are more than 1000 plants species within the park’s borders
Hikaru Heiau
This ancient Hawaiian temple is located at Napo’opo’o Beach. Its name translates to “human sacrifice.” The Heiau is said to have been built by King Kalani’opu’u. Captain James Cook visited this site in 1778–1779. Upon seeing his vessel from a distance, the natives thought that he was the god of agriculture and prosperity returning to their land.
The Makahiki festivities were underway at that time, typical with games, feasting, and offerings. Did they offer sacrifices to Cook? No, but he was treated as a divine guest nonetheless. The captain later performed a Christian ceremony at this site, a funeral service for a crew member of his ship.