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| Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site |
The Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA), the state’s tourism agency, recognized the National Park Service (NPS) at its 2014 Tourism Legacy Awards Luncheon during the recent 2014 Hawaii Tourism Conference at the Hawaii Convention Center.
“The National Park Service overseas eight parks and sites throughout the Hawaiian Islands, which welcomed nearly five million visitors and generated $312 million in economic benefits to the state last year,” said Mike McCartney, president and CEO of the HTA, in a written statement. “They not only help to preserve the natural beauty of the destination, but help to perpetuate and promote the people, place and culture that make Hawaii a unique and special place to live and visit. Congratulations and mahalo to this year’s award recipients.”
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The HTA’s 2014 Tourism Legacy Awards honorees are:
Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site (Hawaii Island)
Located north of the Kohala Coast, this majestic stone temple is one of the largest restored heiau (sacred temple) in the state. The heiau dedicated to the war god Kukailimoku, was constructed between 1790 and 1791 under the leadership of Kamehameha the Great to help in his efforts to unite the Hawaiian Islands.
Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (Hawaii Island)
Located in Honaunau Bay in southern Kona, this 180-acre historic site was once home of royal grounds and a place of refuge for those who violated the kapu system. The sacred site’s spirit of peace and forgiveness still resonates today and offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in Hawaiian culture.
Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park (Hawaii Island)
This coastal park offers visitors an opportunity to discover how early Hawaiians survived the rugged and arid Kona landscape. Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park encompasses ahupua‘a (traditional sea to mountain divisions), heiau and kii pohaku (petroglyphs). It also showcases the ingenuity of ancient Hawaiian fishpond architecture.
Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail (Hawaii Island)
Established in 2000 for the preservation, protection and interpretation of traditional native Hawaiian culture and natural resources, Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail is a 175-mile network of culturally and historically significant trails.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (Hawaii Island)
Home to two of the world’s most active volcanoes, Kilauea and Maunaloa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is well-known for its biologic landscapes. The NPS helps to protect and restore the park’s wide diversity of ecosystems and serves as a refuge for many native Hawaiian species.
Haleakala National Park (Maui)
From rain forests to volcanic landscape, Haleakala National Park offers a rare and sacred scenery that vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture, preserving the bond between the land and its people. It is home to various endangered species, many of which are found nowhere else.
Kalaupapa National Historic Park (Molokai)
Located on the north shore of Molokai, the Kalaupapa peninsula was once the home of those with Hansen’s disease, who were forced to live in isolation. Today, Kalaupapa National Historic Park now serves as a place for education and contemplation, rich in history, archaeological resources and impressive landscape.
World War II Valor in the Pacific National Monument (Oahu)
Pearl Harbor is the only naval base in the United States designated as a National Historic Landmark, which preserves and interprets the stories of historical events from the Pacific War. It includes four museums and monuments including the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, the Battleship Missouri Memorial, the U.S.S. Bowfin Submarine Museum and the Pacific Aviation Museum.