Almost always under bright sunny skies the Golden Kohala Coast of the Big Island of Hawaii has for years been the tropical playground of not only ancient Hawaiian royalty but contemporary vacationers from around the world. The Kohala coast which hosts many important historical sights is also home to one of America’s most highly rated public beaches, Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area. Hapuna’s long white sand beach, rolling surf, clear skies, and accessibility make it a popular destination for many island guests. Among the ebony lava fields that comprise the Kohala Coast landscape are several world renown championship golf courses. From the air or from a distance the green fairways that blanket this rugged terrain soften its landscape. And, because of the Kohala coast’s perfect sunny weather the courses are rarely closed... maybe once every five years. Wild goat, donkeys and other four legged creatures roam the land freely and occasionally the Hawaiian short eared owl, the pueo, can be seen in flight. Connecting this forty or so mile coastline is the ancient King’s Trail which was travelled by the ruling ali`i as well as malo-clad runners who were responsible for transporting pond raised fish wrapped in ti leaves to the tables of Hawaiian royalty living down the coast in Kailua-Kona. The King's trail passes through not only the several resort properties but Pu'ukohola Heiau and scores of petroglyph fields. Pu'ukohola was the last Hawaiian temple built during King Kamehameha's reign of power. It was said that if Pu'ukohola was built to honor the war god Kuka`ilimoku, Kamehameha would be granted the power to conquer and unite the islands of Hawaii under one kingdom.

After the temple’s completion, Kamehameha did go on to unite the islands of Hawaii, but only after several bloody battles had been waged on outer islands. Today, the heiau which was the last human sacrificial site in Hawaii is preserved by the National Park service and is open daily to the public. The extensive petroglyph fields that are found all along the King’s trail hosts its most popular spot near the King’s Shops on Waikoloa Beach drive. Follow the signs along a short trail that direct you to the petroglyphs. Keep in mind that the preservation of these field depends on people staying on the trail while viewing these ancient rock carvings. And it should be added that this petroglyph field runs along side the golf course so keeping a third eye out for flying golf balls would not hurt. Enjoy it all while you wine, dine, and are treated like royalty on the Kohala coast. Well... that’s our Island. Perhaps the best part of this tour is that you most likely ended up where you began... which is the best place to start your tour again.