On opposite sides of the Keauhou Beach Hotel Tennis Courts lie the homesite of the legendary Mo'o Twins and Punawai Spring. Legend tells us that the Mo'o Twins were prophetesses of the lizard goddess who, through time, became goddesses in their own right. The fertility pit at Punawai Spring is an example of the rare, freshwater springs in this area, which were the only source of drinking water and were the only reasons villages could survive in Kona. In modern times, the Hotel has promoted wedding ceremonies in the glade around Punawai springs, a Western reflection of the ancient practice of Hawai'ian girls bathing in them to insure fertile child-bearing years.
To reach Mo'o Twins Homesite and Punawai Spring, park either in the Kahalu'u Beach Park or at Keauhou Outrigger Beach Resort. From Kahalu'u, walk onto the Keauhou Outrigger Beach Resort property through the gateway in the fence between them and follow the asphalt path to the pool deck, through the lobby of the resort and join the paved path that runs along the end of the Resort driveway. From the Resort parking lot, walk up the drive to the paved path that runs along the end of the driveway. Following along this path, one comes first to the Punawai Spring. Where the path runs around the end of the tennis courts is a lovely little glade enclosed by a tidal pool...this is the homesite of the Legendary Mo'o Twins.
Paokamenehune
The breakwater predates the 15th century temple complexes in the area and is widely said to have been built by the menehune (sort of the Hawai'ian equivalent to leprechauns), but building was actually initiated to enclose the bay as a fishpond. Whether the work became beyond the powers of the Ali'i at the time to administrate or the surfing faction won-out in the battle over use of Kahalu'u Bay is not known, but the breakwater was already in disarray at the time of European contact in the 18th century.
To reach Paokamenehune Seawall, park either in the Kahalu'u Beach Park or at Keauhou Outrigger Beach Resort. From Kahalu'u, walk onto the Keauhou Outrigger Beach Resort property through the gateway in the fence between them and follow the asphalt path to the pool deck. From the Resort parking lot, walk up the drive and cross through the lobby to the pool deck. Walk across the tide flat to the water's edge and follow it out to the obvious line of large stones that comprise the seawall. Beware of the rock with is very, very slippery when wet and bear in mind that walking along the seawall is extremely dangerous.
Maka O Hule Point: Navigational Heiau at Mahukona Point
Near mile marker 15 on the Akoni Pule Highway is a unique navigational heiau of standing stones arranged to point to Tahiti and the other Polynesian islands.
Sometimes referred to as "the Stonehenge of Hawaii", this one of a kind temple is reached via a short, easy stroll long the dirt road leading north, away from Mahukona Beach Park on the Kohala Coastline. Lovely vistas along deep, cerulean and clear coves lead to a short scramble up an obvious dirt trail to the heiau.
Among the stones, one can sense the reverence and wonder of the Hawaiians as they initiated their novice navigators in this sacred spot of stones pointing along unbroken vistas to Tahiti, the Marquesas and the other Southern Islands. This is a spot for contemplation and awe. Wonderful and startling sunset photos with the stones in the foreground can be taken here, but be respectful and do not walk within the temple precincts.
This heiau is most easily accessed from Mahukona Beach Park, although one can also hike down from the makai, or ocean side of the Akoni Pule Highway near mile marker 15.
Punalu'u Beach is a truly remarkable place of great peace, beauty and spiritual healing, Punalu'u's black sand-lined coves and beaches are world-renowned. Dozens of endangered Hawai'ian Green Sea Turtles swim the waters of Kuhua Bay, Ninole Cove and Punalu'u Harbor and frequently bask on Kaimu Beach here. The wildness of the ocean and the serenity of the freshwater fishpond and coconut palm-shaded beaches make this an ideal place to spend some soul-recharge time. Snorkeling, picnicking and camping, or just relaxing on the beach, are major destination pass-times here.
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