Driving a Hawaiʻi Scenic Byway – Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast

Not only is Historic Kailua Village (also called Kailua-Kona) a great destination for shopping, dining and entertainment, it’s also a place to see historically significant Hawaiian sites. Huliheʻe Palace was built in 1838 as a vacation home for Hawaiian royalty; today it’s a museum of Hawaiian artifacts. Across Aliʻi Road is the Mokuaikaua Church – the oldest Christian church in the islands, circa 1837. 

This restored 1855 church is significant for its coral lime and lava stone construction. Several interesting artifacts are found here, including an old canoe landing, an important gravesite and ancient papamū Kōnane boards – a type of Hawaiian board game.

Although there are no historic structures in Holualoa Bay, it is said that King Kamehameha I learned to surf in these waters. It’s still a great spot for beginning and experienced surfers.

This beach is known as Magic Sands or Disappearing Sands – during high surf, the white-sand shoreline washes away completely. As the surf subsides, ocean currents re-deposit the sand on the beach. At La’aloa Bay Beach Park, you’ll see the ruins of an ancient temple.

At Kuemanu Heiau temple, it’s believed people prayed for good surfing conditions. Nearby is the tiny St. Peter’s by the Sea Catholic Church, which was built in 1880 at Laaloa Beach, dismantled in 1912 and hand-carried by men and donkeys to its current location.

Known for its excellent snorkeling, the area of Kahaluu Bay Beach Park was used by several Hawaiian rulers. Visitors can still see major stone temples (heiau) here.

These heiau (stone temples) are a must-see. Carbon dating shows that Hapaialii was built between 1411 and 1465. Hawaiian oral tradition states that Lonoikamakahiki sacrificed Chief Kamalalawalu of Maui at the Keeku temple.

This stop offers outstanding views of the coastline along with a map explaining the historic importance of the area.

The Royal Holua Slide was an incredibly dangerous tobogganing course, originally 1,200 meters long, where royal athletes would lie on a sled the width of a ski and launch themselves downhill at speeds of up to 95 kmh!

More than 300 warriors who fought at the 1819 Battle of Kuamoo – a significant battle that began the eradication of Hawaii’s ancient religious Kapu system of gods, goddesses and temples – are buried here.

Honolulu International Airport (HNL) is the main gateway to Oahu and the rest of Hawaii, but airports on each island make it easy to explore the entire state. Fly into Hilo (ITO) or Kona (KOA) international airports on Hawaii Island, Kahului Airport (OGG) on Maui, Lanai Airport (LNY) on Lanai, Molokai Airport (MKK) on Molokai and Lihue Airport (LIH) on Kauai.