Hawaii Island] Discovering a Shrine on the Big Island of Hawaii! What is Hilo Grand Shrine like?

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest of the Hawaiian Islands, covering more than 60% of the total land area of the archipelago.

Because of its size, it is also known by the nickname "Big Island.

In this issue, we will introduce an overview of the island of Hawaii, its attractions, and its shrines, so please be sure to read to the end!

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

Hawaii Island is the newest of the Hawaiian Islands.

It has an area about five times the size of Tokyo, and within it is a treasure trove of nature.

It is home to 80% of the world's climate zones and shows us many different faces.

Many Japanese-Americans live here, especially in Kona, and it is a magical place that evokes a sense of nostalgia.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two direct flights from Japan to the Big Island of Hawaii.

One is the Hawaiian Airlines flight from Haneda Airport to Kona Airport about three times a week.

And another is JAL's daily flight from Narita Airport to Kona Airport.

Other connections via Honolulu are available from Kansai, Chubu, Shin-Chitose, and Fukuoka in addition to Narita and Haneda.

The travel time from Honolulu to the Big Island of Hawaii will be about 45 minutes.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

In a word, Hawaii Island can be described as an island with a big natural scale.

The many beautiful landscapes that fascinate us are sure to impress us no matter how many times we visit.

Let's take a closer look at the attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The island of Hawaii is home to untouched nature.

The entire island is a natural park, and its beautiful nature has been preserved as it is, allowing visitors to enjoy it to the fullest.

 

A powerful volcano

In the southeastern part of the island is Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, which includes the world-famous Kilauea Volcano.

It is still erupting frequently and is a popular tourist attraction that is considered an active and safe volcano.

Other volcanoes on the Big Island of Hawaii include Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, which are very powerful.

 

Beautiful Beaches

When you hear the word "beach," you probably think of white sandy beaches.

However, the sand of Punaluu Beach on the Big Island of Hawaii is characterized by its blackness.

In contrast to the blackness of the sand, the ocean water is very clear and beautiful.

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The Queen's Market Place at the Waikoloa Beach Resort has many stores for shopping and dining.

You can find everything from daily necessities to souvenirs, and from high-end seafood restaurants to food courts, you can eat whatever you like depending on your mood of the day.

Other famous local foods include loco moco, a local food that originated on the Big Island of Hawaii, and Kona coffee.

Why not try it once there?

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

The Hawaiian Islands were originally uninhabited.

The first people landed on the island of Hawaii, in fact.

It was settled by Polynesians about 1,500 years ago, followed by Tahitians.

They created their own culture, and in 1795, the Kingdom of Hawaii was born.

It became the 50th state in the U.S. in 1959, a surprisingly recent development.

The music and dances are unique, so seeing and hearing them will also be enjoyable.

 

What kind of place is Hiro Daijingu?

Did you know that there are shrines and temples on the island of Hawaii?

The Hilo Grand Shrine in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii is a historic shrine.

Located near the University of Hawaii at Hilo.

It is an easy spot to visit as it is only a 5-minute drive from Hilo International Airport.

 

History of Hilo Grand Shrine

Hiro Daijingu is the oldest existing overseas shrine and was founded in 1898.

Formerly known as Yamato Shrine.

The deity is Amaterasu Omikami, the same as at Ise Jingu, and Pele, the volcano goddess as in Hawaii, is also enshrined.

It was swept away by the tsunami caused by the 1960 Chilean earthquake, but local shrine parishioners rebuilt it halfway up the mountain side.

There used to be several shrines on the island of Hawaii, but only the Hilo Grand Shrine remains today.

 

Hilo Grand Shrine Highlights

Once inside the shrine, you will be surprised to see many benches lined up like a church in an atmosphere that is a fusion of Japanese and Hawaiian culture.

It is worth seeing because it is not seen in Japanese shrines!

In addition, the temple priest will give you information on everything from the history of Hawaiian Island immigrants to gourmet information.

You will learn many things about the Big Island of Hawaii by visiting Hilo Grand Shrine.

 

Feel the Power!

The Hilo Grand Shrine enshrines not only Amaterasu, but also Pele, the local Hawaiian goddess.

Please purify yourself and feel the power of this sacred place where Japan and Hawaii merge!

 

Get a red seal!

The red seal, which is now a popular item, can be obtained at Hiro Daijingu Shrine, so be sure to get one!

You can choose a stamp to be stamped on the lower right corner from volcano, hibiscus, hula, King Kamehameha the Great, etc. It is hard to decide which one to choose.

Hiro Daijingu also sells original red seal books.

The unique Hawaiian marker will be a keepsake of your trip.

 

Check out the amulets and goods.

The amulets (two types: red and yellow) with Ohi'a Lehua flowers are unusual and Hawaiian in design.

This amulet is for the fulfillment of wishes and for physical health.

Numerous other talismans are available, as is the shrine, and there are also talismans for pets.

Other fashionable sticker-type talismans are available, and can be placed on car bumpers or suitcases.

 

How to visit the shrine

Hiro Daijingu Shrine can be visited daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and there is no admission fee.

After passing through a large torii gate, visitors purify themselves at a chozuya (water purification room), as they do in Japan.

Don't worry, there is a signboard with instructions on how to do the hand-watering in both Japanese and English.

Afterwards, they will explain in simple terms how to visit the temple.

 

Points to keep in mind when making a visit to the shrine

The center is said to be the path God takes.

Therefore, when visiting a shrine, it is best to avoid walking down the center of the approach, as in Japan.

 

Access and Parking

It takes 5 minutes by car from Hilo International Airport and a little over 2.5 hours by car from Kona International Airport.

Located at the corner of the three-way intersection of West Puaynaco Street and Anella Street.

Parking is free and spacious.

 

Many power spots exist on the Big Island of Hawaii.

The unspoiled nature of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Volcanoes, where you can feel the power of the earth, are also powerful power spots.

The Big Island of Hawaii is also an island formed by volcanic activity, so of course there are numerous power spots.

Here are some of them.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano, a world-famous mountain, is an active volcano that continues to erupt from time to time.

It is located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

 

Recommendations

Halemaumau Crater, which boasts an impressive size, is said to be home to Pele, the volcano goddess who is also enshrined at Hilo Grand Shrine, and is still a place of worship.

The Chain of Craters Road, a black lava plateau that extends about 30 kilometers to the sea, is also ideal for driving.

Rangers are available at the Kilauea Visitor Center and information can be obtained in English.

There is also a store where visitors can buy souvenirs, which is very convenient.

 

Access

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is usually reached by car.

From Kailua-Kona, it takes about 2 hours via Route 11 (Mamalahoa Highway).

From Hilo, it takes about one hour via Route 11 as well.

 

Waipio Valley

Also known as the "Valley of the Kings," this is where King Kamehameha the Great spent his childhood.

Not only is it a historically important site, but the scenery is breathtaking, and the cliffs surrounding it make it a mysterious spot.

It is considered the most sacred place in Hawaii and a special place for residents.

 

Recommendations

Enjoy the spectacular view from the Waipio Valley Lookout along the ocean.

Morning is recommended because it is cooler and easier to sightsee.

A steep slope called Waipio Valley Road leads from the observatory parking lot.

Rental cars are not allowed, and only 4WD vehicles are allowed, but the scenery changes little by little and is very beautiful.

Why not take a short walk down?

However, please note that the slope is very steep, so if you are so enchanted by the view that you go all the way down, you will have to climb a steep slope on your way back up.

 

Access

If you are coming from Kailua-Kona, take State Route 190 to Waimea.

Merge onto #19 and continue toward Hilo, then turn onto #240 at Honokaa and continue on to reach the lookout.

The tour takes about 2 hours.

 

Rainbow Falls

This waterfall spans the middle reaches of the Wailuku River, which flows through Hilo City, and although there is not much difference in height, the sheer volume of water is impressive.

You will be impressed by the very beautiful, photo-worthy scenery with rainbows.

 

Recommendations

The volume of water in this waterfall is so great that it is overwhelming in itself.

In addition to this, the relationship between the wind and the reflection of sunlight makes a rainbow appear, as the name suggests, if you are lucky, and this is a place you want to visit at least once.

Rainbows are more likely to be seen in the morning.

The cave behind the waterfall is believed to be inhabited by Hina, the goddess of the moon.

The highlight is not only the waterfall, but also the surrounding forests and banyan trees (banyan), which emit an aura of their own and seem to harbor power as well.

 

Access

From Waianue Avenue, turn right on Rainbow Drive to reach the parking lot.

Travel time is 15 minutes from Hilo International Airport.

 

Recommended tours to power spots

Sightseeing on the island of Hawaii is difficult without a car.

Renting a car can be tiring in unfamiliar territory, and drivers cannot enjoy the view from the car window.

Since travel days are limited, it is more convenient to join a tour that allows you to visit various tourist spots efficiently.

Therefore, we would like to introduce you to a tour that will take you to the power spots mentioned above.

Please join us when you visit the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Hawaii Island Spiritual Tours

This is a tour to/from Kona, where an experienced Japanese-speaking guide will take you to some of the best power spots on the Big Island of Hawaii and help you meditate and search for auras.

This is not a typical sightseeing tour, but a rare tour where you can hear spiritual stories.

If you are interested in energy and spirits, this is the perfect tour for you.

 

Mauna Kea
Tours with certified Kilauea National Park guides

This tour allows you to enjoy the spectacular nature at Kilauea Volcano and Mauna Kea.

This too is guided in Japanese, so even if your English is not good enough, you don't have to worry.

Spectacular views of the volcano by day and the beautiful starry sky of Mauna Kea by night.

We also visit other tourist attractions and go to the famous "Big Island Candies" for souvenirs.

You can also download photos taken during the tour, which will be a good souvenir.

 

Waipio Valley Horseback Riding Tour

This tour is a rare opportunity to tour the Waipio Valley on horseback!

Even if you have never ridden a horse before, you can rest assured that you will be well supported by a Japanese-speaking guide.

Children as young as 8 years old can participate in this event, which will surely create good memories with your family as you enjoy the magnificent nature together with horses.

 

summary

In this article, we summarize the spiritual places on the Big Island of Hawaii and the Hilo Grand Shrine.

Since the only means of transportation is by car, we recommend that you sign up for a tour to save time and to hear valuable stories and experiences.

Why not visit the Big Island of Hawaii, a place overflowing with the power of nature, and create memories that will last a lifetime?

Thank you for taking the time to read this to the end.