Holualoa Bay, Historic district in Kona District, US
Holualoa Bay is a historic district along the western coast of Hawaii's Big Island, featuring ancient temples and traditional building structures at the shoreline. The northern section contains a lava ridge forming the Banyans surf spot, while the southern area provides easier access.
In the 1600s Queen Keakealaniwahine established a large building complex at this bay, which included residential structures, temples, and burial grounds. This settlement demonstrates the area's importance as a center of power and daily life during that period.
Several heiau temples occupy this area, including Haleʻaʻama Heiau linked to surfing traditions and positioned beside a sports complex. These sacred sites show how central the bay was to community spiritual and daily life.
The northern section with its lava ridge suits experienced surfers only, while the southern area offers easier access and calmer conditions. Visitors should choose which side to explore based on their skill level and interests.
A long trail once stretched from the forested slopes of Hualālai to the bay, where wood was crafted into canoes. This woodworking activity took place in what is now the Sadie Seymour Botanical Gardens area.
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