Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, Honaunau

Beautiful, well-run gem of the national park system. Love spending tax dollars to make magic like this possible. Thank you, Uncle Sam! I drove out (south) to picnic area, walked further south, set out my blanket and shade structure by the path, away from waves and hopefully out of line of sight for water watchers. Soon saw a whale blowing spray and went over near 4-5 others watching. She was so close! 50 yards??! The lava formations are gorgeous and the crashing Pacific is majestic. Awesome place to embrace your connection to nature and the earth. Let’s preserve it for our great grandchildren.

There's something sacred, mystical, serene and sublime about this place. Not only is the history beautifully preserved but the location is beautiful as well. As you walk the grounds you can imagine what life may have been like for the people who lived here. I love history, geology, anthropology and this place had it all. Low key one of my favorite spots on the big island.