Big National Park:
For a bit of History local brothers Eric and Pete recommend going to Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historic Park. This place of refuge is 180 acre compound that offers authentic look at Native Hawaii temple ruins, royal grounds, fish ponds, sacred burial spots and petroglyphs from before western contact.
“We come here all the time... often it is just you and the ocean.” Pete added, “A lot of people don’t take the time to walk up the paths so you don’t find tourist groups here.” Eric spoke of the cliffs in the place of refuge, “They are nice to go to and meditate” as he laughs at his brother, “But we like to come and jump off them.”

Big Statue:
In the same region is Honaunau bay, where Captain Cooks Monument still stands. German writer, Thomas Young has lived in the area for the last six years and said, “This bay is glorious, we see dolphins in here all the time and it’s a nice place to take out a kayak and go to a little bit of Britain’s land.”
In reference to the land that surrounds Captains Cooks monument is also a popular area for snorkelling as the main access is by Kayak or boat. Young said his reason for moving to the Big Island is its spiritual connection. “I needed a place that was peaceful and serene... I came here on a holiday and after swimming in the bay with the dolphins I felt a connection with the place. An incredible sense of freedom and then I couldn’t stop writing.”
Six years later Young is still here, still swimming with the dolphins in Honaunau Bay and recommends Coffee Prefecture for a delicious home cooked treat. “People come all the way from Hilo for one of the delicious pastries.”