Although the visitor station was closed, the Art center was open and had souvenirs and jewelry to…read morepurchase at the entry to the park.

A wide variety of selection from various artists at varying price ranges make this a good place for…read moreanyone to shop. The staff was extremely helpful and made sure our purchase was adequately packed for travel. Great to see so many artists featured in one gallery.

The Highway 19 bridge near Hakalau, also known as the Umauma Bridge, is a beautiful, old wooden…read morestructure that has recently received some much-needed TLC. The bridge was labeled structurally deficient in 2007 due to corrosion of the steel truss towers and the state of Hawaii went to work to strengthen the supports and retrofit the bridge against earthquakes. Lanes were also widened to accommodate vehicular traffic. The 278-foot span, near the 16-mile marker, was originally built in 1911 to support railroad tracks over the Umauma Stream. The underlying structure, unseen by the thousands of drivers who pass over it daily, is comprised of two rusting steel towers supporting six spans of riveted steel plate girders. A story in the Hawaii Tribune-Herald a few years ago noted that " -- if you look underneath, (the bridge) is in need of extensive repair. It's been a concern," said state Rep. Mark Nakashima, D-Hilo-Hamakua-Kohala. "Initially, because that bridge does not have any alternate route around it, they (the state) will repair the bridge in place." This made for some major traffic problems and delays in the area, according to the tour guide who drove our group through the area in March 2015. The bridge is "110 feet tall, 38 feet wide and is described as "historically significant, due to its association with the Hilo Railroad Co., which played a major role in the development of the Hamakua sugar plantations and as one of the few remaining steel girder and trestle bridges that represent the work of John Mason Young," said the Tribune-Herald. Umauma Bridge is a historically representative example of early 20th-century engineering technology, as well as a source for information about early 20th-century steel manufacture and construction. The work done will rehabilitate the old bridge while satisfying state historic preservation requirements and bring the bridge up to current federal highway safety standards. The area near Hilo where the Bridge is located is awash in tropical greenery and waterfalls. It receives plentiful rainfall and that must be hard on wooden bridges. Very happy that the work on the bridge is soon to be completed and Big Island residents can safely travel in this gorgeous area once again. .

This is a must! The sheer power of the ocean crashing into the rocks is not only mesmerizing but…read moremagical!!!! It should be on everyone list of must dos!

Beautiful views that are worth the trip down a long winding lane. Great place for relaxing and…read moretaking in the ocean views. It's too bad the lighthouse is no longer there

This park is beautiful and sacred. You can learn indigenous Hawaiian history & culture here and…read moreexperience serenity in this very special place. I especially enjoyed walking on the lava rocks to the protected areas where I saw fish everywhere! The water is clear and perfect. This park is large and I recommend that you have at least two hours here to soak it all in. There are hiking trails and picnic areas too. There are clean bathrooms, water fountain & a small gift shop as well. Note: For visitors concerned with accessibility, it may be a little tough to access the beach areas as the terrain is sandy, rocky & uneven. I did read that beach wheelchairs are available at the visitor center though. Mahalo.

This is the most sacred of the Hawaiian Parks, which was used as safe harbor during wars between…read moreislands. Many of the historical warrior chiefs were buried here and represented the proud heritage of healing those seeking refuge from the fighting. The rehabilitation first included healing wounds and feeding the starving warrior back to health. Next, the mental spirit was revived and trained how to live in peace.

Hikiau Heiau at Kealakekua Bay is a nice state park we went to for snorkeling. I saw a few big…read morecrabs but not a whole lot of other creatures. Once you get in the water at the rocks, the ground becomes a gray sand and it was relaxing swimming there. There are a few areas at Kealakekua Bay to snorkel around.

If you want to connect to the Hawaiian people, this is a great start. See real history and stand…read morewhere the ali'i did!! Amazing and free to boot! Well worth the drive and the small amount of walking involved. This is what you come to Hawai'i for!

As I age like fine wine I realize the value of learning about history. I may not be good on…read morejeopardy or remover the exact years but I find history especially in person exquisite. Wanting to fill our house with historic and local art we had to visit the statue and pay our respects. The first ruler of the kingdom of Hawaii uniting the island. Located downtown easily for all to see. A huge parking lot to drive up and park surrounded by a well manicured landscape. You can see how much he means as even today people continue to show respect by leaving plants and leis to decorate his statue. The bright and vibrant colors pop against the blue sky's and green surroundings. It was definitely worth the stop and a well kept area to wander around taking in Hilo slowing down and enjoying the scenery.

Beautiful statue of Kamehameha the Great cast in bronze. One of three statues in the state (Hilo,…read moreNorth Kohala, and Honolulu). This one is very easy to drive up to and maybe less crowded than going to see the one in Honolulu. I love how at this one there was hookupu in abundance.

I totally 100% agree with another fellow Yelper that I'd give this place 1M stars if I could!!!…read moreThis is such an amazing life experience and a MUST when you visit the island. Please go.... You will be in love with what you see. I am still in awe over the experience!! The sky was absolutely beautiful with all the stars and seeing the Milky Way. Just wow!! Helps to put into perspective just how amazing God is with his creation! My only regret is I wish I had a better camera to have taken better pictures to remember what we saw and share with others. Gets really cold so bring your jacket!!

A must-go when coming to the big island. However, to get to the summit you must have a 4x4. We had…read morea crappy Dodge van so we weren't going to even try to go up. They wont let you go unless you do have a 4x4. However, the visitor center is a good enough area to be able to see the sunset as well as the night sky. It was about an hour 20 minute drive from our hotel in Kona and about the same drive back. The road is paved all the way up to the visitor center, but once you start making your way to the summit after acclimating to the 9,000 ft. altitude, there is a stretch of dirt trail on the way up, which is why you'll need a 4WD or 4x4. Also, I had read online that the center is open certain days of the week: this is a lie, the center is open every day. The visitor center has awesome workers and a cool little gift shop. If you decide to make the trip definitely bring layers and even blankets as well. It gets cold up there. I would also recommend arriving there about an hour before sunset, otherwise it can be pretty packed.

"We all long for fairytales in a world full of nightmares... believe... & you're halfway there..."…read more Location: Hilo, Big Island, Hawai'i. Who doesn't enjoy an ancient story? Thor and the Throne of Asgard; Arthur and Excalibur; Tomoe Gozen and the Battle of Azawa in 1184. Not all stories are truth, but always remember there's a reason it was told. Today, many pass-by the Hilo Library, tourists and locals alike, and fail to notice the two heavy stones that rests in front. The larger one is called the Naha Stone. According to legend it had a duel purpose in ancient Hawai'i... First, the 7,000 lbs. Naha Stone, said to be brought over by canoe from the island of Kauai, had magical powers. Legend say whoever was able to move it would be the first King of the Hawaiian islands. At the age of 14, a young Kamehameha decided to try to move this large stone (risking death if he failed). He tried many times, finally moving it with his great strength. The prophecy was then fulfilled when he became King Kamehameha the Great and unified all the islands under his mighty rule. Second, In ancient Hawai'i, it was used to find out who belonged to the ruling Naha clan. After a baby was born, it was placed on top of this stone. If it remained calm, the baby was Naha. If it cried, it wasn't. I can only imagine the outcome of the later. In the end, it always starts from the beginning, and where we all came from. Maybe the Naha Stone is not for everyone, as the previous reviewer mentions, some might be bored (looking at large rocks lol). To me, it's all about respecting the past and understanding the great cultures of our world. And yes, I moved the Naha... slight exaggeration lol, but I did feel the Mana, I hope you do too... And so the ancient story goes...

As a you learn Hawaiian history as a kid in Hawaii you undoubtedly learn about Kamehameha the Great…read morelifting the Naha Stone and about what a feat of strength it was. I am sure every local kid has envisioned it in some capacity. The Naha Stone was very easy to find and sit fronting the Hilo Public Library which I think is absolutely fantastic. Of course we didn't really try to lift it and only posed for the photo.

Impressive historical site and good interpretive signed. The pathway is paved and some of it is…read moresuitable for wheelchairs.

This is a not to miss heritage of Hawaiian history with many items from the past. Although small,…read moreit is a clean and well cared for facilities.

I'm normally more wordy than this, but I have some catching up to do…read more.. This statue is right off the roadway with parking available across the street. While you are in Hawaii spend some time and learn the history and the true culture of the Hawaiian islands. As long as you are in the area make sure you check out the local shopping and restaurants!

Located in kohala district ! Supposed birth place of king kamehameha. The king that united the…read moreislands of Hawaii. Located in front of the old country courthouse in the town of Kapa'au. Made of cast brass and painted with lifelike colors, it depicts Kamehameha I, and represents an important cultural and spiritual object for the local community.