Top Things to do in Island of Hawaii
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Things to do in Island of Hawaii, Hawaii (HI): The Best History Museums
Life on the Big Island is a little bit slower… and locals like it that way. The natural beauty and ecological features of the island are a draw for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Test your chutzpah at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, or climb to the indescribably beautiful summit of Mauna Kea. At the end of the day, there’s nothing more refreshing than a quivering plate of fresh poke, followed by a fruity shave ice.
Restaurants in Island of Hawaii
1. Kona Coffee Living History Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 277 reviews
Kona Historical Society's Kona Coffee Living History Farm in Captain Cook is a "must see" Hawaii attraction and the only living history coffee farm in the nation. Stroll through this Smithsonian-affiliated, outdoor museum that tells the story of Kona's Japanese immigrants that became Kona's coffee pioneers during the early 20th century. A self-guided experience, you're free to walk among the coffee trees, meet a "Kona Nightingale", or watch how farmers used the kuriba and hoshidana to mill and dry their world-famous coffee. Visit the original 1920's farmhouse where you may find the homemaker starting the fire to cook rice or making musubi for the farmer's lunch. "Talk story" along the way with living history interpreters and discover the story behind Kona's gourmet crop.
Reviewed By X7222OQstephenr
Coming to the end of our vacation in Hawaii, we wanted to do something different than go to the beach again (don’t get me wrong, the beaches are awesome). I (Dad) had suggested going to a coffee farm, and with a bit of searching, came up with this place. So, we wandered down the road for a visit. It was fantastic. The docents (I’m not sure if that’s really the right word to use here) were so knowledgeable, and the stories they told were fantastic. We really hope someone records all those stories for the future! The farm itself was fantastic, and gave new insights into some of the history of Hawai’i and of the Japanese immigrants who lived and worked there. My spouse and I have both been to Hawai’i before, and have both done coffee farm tours elsewhere, but by and large they’ve been showing how modern coffee growing is done and are ready to just push you along to the gift shop where you can (of course) buy their coffee. But this place was completely different — interesting, educational, and fun. Loved it. And, importantly, my 8-year old loved it too! We spent about 2 hours there, and were all really happy that we did!
2. Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
The Heritage Center offers the following resources & services Archive and Resource Center for Hamakua and North Hawaiʻi History Permanent Exhibit Gallery Showcasing Area History Changing Exhibit Gallery on Area History Research Family Ancestry Volunteer Opportunities
Reviewed By R601VEnicoles
This is a great place to discover more about local history and heritage. Their exhibits are representative the diversity of local culture. There is also an exhibit devoted to Waipiʻo, definitely worth bringing the family to see. Keep an eye out for their events, particularly talk story with the paniolo. Halloween they had a haunted house where the kids got to trick or treat inside the museum!
3. Hulihe'e Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 761 reviews
Hulihe‘e Palace is located in historic Kailua-Kona, Hawai‘i, on Ali‘i Drive. Once a summer vacation home for Hawaiian royalty, today Hulihe‘e Palace is a museum showcasing Victorian artifacts from the era of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani.
Reviewed By warpedmama55 - Silverdale, United States
Hulihe'e Palace is a wonderful place to visit and learn about the history of the Hawaiian royalty's summer home. Unfortunately, we arrived late in the afternoon and didn't have enough time to leisurely spend viewing everything. The nominal entrance fee helps to keep the palace open. The docents were very knowledgeable and were willing to answer all our questions. It was amazing to view the historic Victorian items of King Kalākaua and Queen Kapi‘olani. I was mesmerized by the beautiful, hand carved koa wood furniture (absolutely breath-taking), portraits of the royals, kapa (a fabric made from local trees and shrubs), actual pieces of clothing worn by the royals,and handmade feather work. Take a break and sit outside under swaying palms on the lawn and watch the waves and boats in Kailua Bay. Most of all, do yourself a favor and allow adequate time for a guided tour and to peruse this lovely palace and grounds.
4. Parker Ranch
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
The Parker Ranch Family Estate (also known as the Historic Homes & Gardens) was home to the Parker family from 1879 to 1992. From these homes the Parker's ran a cattle empire that survives to this day and at its height spanned half of the Big Island. Open Monday through Friday, from 8:00am until 4:00pm for free self-guided tours which includes a 20 minute video on the history of the Ranch.
Reviewed By Takethesideroad - Eureka, United States
I come from a cattle ranch in Canada and was very impressed with the way the Parker Foundation has maintained a working ranch with historical significance and access for the public. As Contractors we were in awe of the Koa wood in the old ranch house and the architectural details in the "new" ranch house. The size and scope of this ranch were amazing.
5. H.N. Greenwell Store Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 90 reviews
Learn more about the deep roots of Hawaii's multi-ethnic culture through our current exhibit at the H.N. Greenwell Store Museum. On Thursdays, visitors and locals alike, line up to buy the sweet bread coming out of the Portuguese stone oven.Come join us! You won't leave this place without feeling you have experienced a rare glimpse into Hawaii's colorful past.
6. Paniolo Heritage Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
The Paniolo Heritage Center at Historic Pukalani Stables is the birthplace of the Hawaiian cowboy (the paniolo) on Parker Ranch, Big Island, Hawaii. Pukalani Stables is now home to Paniolo Preservation Society (PPS), which was formed in 1998 as a non-profit 501-c-3 to help preserve the cowboy heritage of Hawaii. In cooperation with Parker Ranch, PPS has restored the century-old Pukalani Stables as Waimea's first Paniolo Heritage Center, which includes a Paniolo Hall of Fame and a Hawaiian Saddle exhibit. Admission is free to the public, Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9:00am to 2:00pm. The Paniolo Heritage Center has two farmers markets each week featuring the best in local produce, craft vendors, meals and snacks, and live music too! The Paniolo Heritage Museum and Saddle Shop are open during market hours. Market time is a great time to visit the Paniolo Heritage Center at Pukalani Stables! The Waimea Midweek Farmers Market is every Wednesday from 9:00am to 3:00pm. The Kamuela Farmers Market is every Saturday from 7:00am to Noon. Established in 1998, Paniolo Preservation Society was founded in 1998 as a 501(c)3 to increase public awareness of the historical, present-day and future significance of Hawai'i's ranching industry with emphasis on the roles, traditions and contributions of the paniolo. PPS is dedicated to preserving the paniolo tradition as a profound part of the history of Hawai'i and the American West. PPS is committed to perpetuating Hawaiian ranching as a proud and living heritage and contributor to the economic and cultural vitality and diversity of Hawai'i. Organizational Goals: * Educate for increased public awareness of the significance of Hawai'i's ranching history and technological innovations. * Collect, preserve and interpret artifacts and documentation that represent paniolo heritage. Collect, preserve and interpret the living heritage of the paniolo. * Provide financial resources to achieve the mission and goals via membership and fundraising.
Reviewed By 99MD2015 - San Francisco, United States
Everything, including the surrounding is well maintained, with emphasis being on conservation. It has a small museum with interesting bios of erstwhile ranchers who were responsble in establishing it. The highlight is the bi-weekly farmers market, which is well attended.
