Hawaii Island] What is Mauna Lani, one of the world's three most famous power spots? What to see and how to get there

Known as the Big Island.
Hawaii (island)

What do you imagine when you hear the word "Hawaii"? I would imagine resorts blessed with beautiful beaches and ocean, and tropical landscapes.

Then, what is your image of "Hawaii Island"?

The Big Island of Hawaii is not only famous as a resort destination, but also as the largest island in Hawaii, as well as being nicknamed "the Big Island," and is characterized by its natural scale that is exceptional among Hawaiian islands.

In addition to basic information, this section provides a summary of the many attractions that the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer.

 

What is the Big Island of Hawaii like?

The Big Island of Hawaii is the most southerly of the eight main islands that make up Hawaii and the largest in area in the entire United States.

Its size is about half the size of Shikoku in Japan. It is said that the island is still growing due to active volcanic activity.

With a population of about 150,000, there are few high-rise buildings or condominiums, so the island of Hawaii is less crowded and more relaxed.

There are two major cities on the Big Island of Hawaii: Hilo in the east and Kona in the west.

Even though it is a Big Island, the island of Hawaii can be circled in about an 8-hour drive, so it is attractive to use Hilo and Kona as a base from which to visit various spots on the island and enjoy sightseeing at ease.

 

How to get to Hawaii Island

There are two major airports on the Big Island of Hawaii: Hilo International Airport on the east and Kona International Airport on the west.

You can fly directly from Tokyo to Kona International Airport on the Big Island of Hawaii on a Japan Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines flight.

Direct flights take approximately 7 hours for the outbound and 10 hours for the inbound. It is a comfortable and convenient access from Japan.

If you are not taking a direct flight, the most common access is to make a connection at Honolulu Airport on the island of Oahu.

Flight time from Oahu to Hawaii Island is about 45 minutes. If you are going to visit Hawaii, you may as well enjoy both Oahu and Hawaii Island.

 

Attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii

The Big Island of Hawaii attracts people from all over the world. We will now introduce five such attractions of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Spectacular, untouched wilderness

The unspoiled wilderness of the Big Island of Hawaii, with its beautiful clean air and abundant flora and fauna, makes people feel rich and happy.

No matter where you visit on the Big Island, you will be captivated by the natural wonders of Hawaii, including the active volcano Mount Kilauea, the 4,000-meter-high Mauna Kea, one of the world's best star gazing spots, the historic Waipio Valley, Rainbow Falls with its rainbows, and large ranch lands.

Of course, as in the beach resort of Hawaii, the beautiful cobalt blue ocean and the various creatures that inhabit it, such as coral reefs, dolphins, and sea turtles, are also very attractive.

 

A powerful volcano

The Big Island of Hawaii consists of five major volcanoes.

The five volcanoes are Kilauea, Mauna Loa, Hualalai, Mauna Kea, and Kohala.

The most active new volcano is Mt. Kilauea, located in the southeastern part of the Big Island of Hawaii. The red-hot crater is a powerful sight, filled with the energy of the earth.

In addition, since volcanic activity has caused large amounts of lava to flow out, lava plateaus, lava tunnels, and black sand beaches can be found in various locations on the Big Island of Hawaii.

We invite you to observe this iconic natural product of the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Beautiful Beaches

Come relax and unwind on one of the many beautiful and unique beaches that the Big Island of Hawaii has to offer.

You can just relax and do nothing, enjoy marine activities such as snorkeling and be active, or enjoy a romantic sunset.

We encourage you to find your favorite beach that suits your individual way of spending time.

There are numerous beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii, including Kua Bay, a local hole-in-the-wall beach loved by locals, Kahaluu Beach, where you have a high chance of seeing sea turtles, and Hapuna Beach, the largest white sand beach on Hawaii Island.

Also not to be forgotten are the black sand beaches created by volcanic activity.

A typical beach is the Punaluu Black Sand Beach. At this beach, the blue ocean and black sand create a stunning contrast.

The black sand is said to have been created over a long period of time by lava that flowed into the sea as a result of volcanic eruptions.

Furthermore, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is also a habitat for sea turtles. If you have come all the way to the Big Island of Hawaii, why not visit the black sand beach at least once?

 

Shopping and dining are also recommended.

The Big Island of Hawaii also offers a wide variety of places to enjoy shopping and dining.

The "Waimea Town Market," a morning market that attracts many people, is a gathering place of various stores on the Big Island of Hawaii, offering fresh vegetables, fruits, sundries, and many other items.

In addition, there may be live performances of songs.

You can start your day at the Waimea Town Market and enjoy a local breakfast gourmet meal.

Incidentally, Hawaii is famous for acai balls, garlic shrimp, poke, steak, loco moco, hamburgers, and Kona coffee, and these foods are also well known in Japan.

"To Go" or so-called "take-out" culture is also thriving. It would be a great feeling to take out Hawaiian delicacies and enjoy them in the midst of nature!

The Big Island of Hawaii is also known as a shopping paradise, with several well-stocked large shopping malls.

Typical shopping malls are King's Shops and Queen's Marketplace.

The mall has a large number of stores ranging from brand-name stores to Hawaiian gift stores, fine restaurants, and food courts, so whether you visit alone or with friends and family, you will never get bored of the whole day's activities.

 

Let's learn about culture and history.

Hawaii was first unified as the "Kingdom of Hawaii" in 1810 after a period of conflict among and within the islands. King Kamehameha the Great, who served as the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, was born on the island of Hawaii.

Today, two statues of King Kamehameha the Great still exist on the Big Island of Hawaii, and the history of Hawaii remains throughout the islands.

Traditional Hawaiian music and dance have become an important part of Hawaiian culture and attract people from all over the world. Two well-known types of dance are hula dance and Tahitian dance.

Hula dance, with its relaxed movements, and Tahitian dance, with its passionate, quick body movements, both have their charms.

If you are visiting the Big Island of Hawaii, why not experience Hawaiian culture by watching a dance show?

 

What is Mauna Lani like?

Mauna Lani, which means "a hill within reach of heaven," is one of the three most famous power spots in the world.

Sacred, this Mauna Lani is filled with the power of stunning natural beauty and ancient Hawaiian royalty and natives who spent time here.

It is also the place on the Big Island of Hawaii where the "mana" energy, which we will discuss later, can be felt most strongly.

 

What is the power of mana?

Mana is a Hawaiian word meaning "supernatural power. It is sometimes interpreted as "the power that resides in life" or "spirit."

Since ancient times, Hawaiians have believed that mana resides in everything.

It can be said that respect for not only living creatures, but also for the belief that everything involved has life and is imbued with mana, has become the foundation of Hawaiian culture.

Even if they are formless and invisible, we can sense the power of various manas from the characteristics and appearance of people and objects.

 

History of Maunalani

Mauna Lani was once a retreat for Hawaiian royalty and was known as "kalahuipua'a." Therefore, Mauna Lani is a place where ancient Hawaiian history remains strong.

It can be said that this is a historic resort, as it has been used as a recreation area for royalty.

It is evident that the fresh air and stunning nature have been healing people's minds and bodies since ancient times.

 

Mauna Lani Highlights

Here are five highlights of Mauna Lani.

When you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, be sure to keep these points in mind and receive full power from the Mauna Lani.

 

One of the three major power spots in the world

Have you ever heard of the three major power spots in the world?

The first is "Sedona" in Arizona, USA, the second is "Lourdes Fountain" in France, and the third is "Mauna Lani" here on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Mauna Lani is an important place where the royalty of the ancient Hawaiian Kingdom had nurtured their life force, and when the resort was developed, sacred items such as the fish ponds, which will be introduced later, were firmly retained.

 

fishpond

The pond left over from the resort development is called Kalahuipuaa Fishpond.

Said to have the strongest mana of all the Mauna Lani, the fish in this fishpond were once farmed to serve royalty.

The Fishpond is located in Kalahuaipuaa Historic Park, and can be reached by hiking the Kalahuaipuaa Historic Trail.

 

Stones piled up next to Fishpond

The stones piled up next to the fish pond are altars with powerful mana powers and are places where people pray and offer flowers.

This stone altar is located right in the center of the five mountains of Hawaii - Kohala, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, and Hualalai and Haleakala on Maui - where the power of all the mountains converge.

It is said that if you close your eyes and feel the mountains from all directions, the power of the five mountains will be added. Please close your eyes and make a wish.

 

Aura Cave

Further hiking trails from Fishponds lead to a cave where the aura can be seen. It is said that Hawaiian natives once lived in these caves.

The Cave of Aura is a magical place where, just as you enter, there is a spot where a lot of light shines through a skylight, and if you take a picture under that light, you can see the aura of some people.

It is said that the color of aura varies from person to person. Please take a photo at this location and check your own aura.

The cool air inside the cave creates a spiritual atmosphere of a holy cave.

 

Popular as a resort area

Mauna Lani is located along the Kohala Coast on the Big Island of Hawaii and has become a major resort area through development.

The Mauna Lani Resort is dotted with golf courses, condominiums, and spas, in addition to the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel and Bungalows.

It is a recommended resort where you can relax to your heart's content while enjoying the view of the ocean and mountains.

 

Directions to Mauna Lani

Mauna Lani is located on the west side of the Big Island of Hawaii and is easily accessible via the Kona International Airport.

From Kona International Airport, drive north for approximately 25 minutes to reach the site.

 

The entire island of Hawaii is a power spot

The island of Hawaii has many "sacred places" that have been passed down from generation to generation, and the entire island is said to be a power spot.

The sacred and energetic Hawaiian Islands offer visitors a lot of power.

 

Recommended Power Spots on the Big Island of Hawaii

In addition to Mauna Lani, there are many other power spots on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Here are three recommended power spots on the Big Island of Hawaii after Mauna Lani. The atmosphere of the power spots varies greatly from place to place.

Please find your favorite and feel the energy to the fullest.

 

Kilauea Volcano

Kilauea Volcano is known as the most active volcano in the world. It is the only World Heritage Site in Hawaii.

From the Chain of Craters Road formed by lava flowing from the volcano to the creation of black sand beaches, Kilauea Volcano activity has had a unique impact on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Recommendations

The view of the crater, burning red at the center of Kilauea Volcano, is especially recommended.

The spot, called Halemaumau Crater, is powerful and full of the energy of the earth! It is truly a perfect power spot on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Access

To access Kilauea Volcano, visitors must enter Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is about a one-hour drive from the Hilo area and about two hours from the Kona area.
Since it is close to Hilo International Airport, it is best to rent a car at the airport and enjoy the drive to get there.

 

Mauna Kea

Hawaii's highest peak, Mauna Kea, is, by some estimates, the highest mountain in Japan, higher than Mt.

Furthermore, since the summit of Mauna Kea is one of the best places in the world for astronomical observations, observatories from around the world have been established there.

It is no wonder that people from all over the world visit Hawaii Island for the primary purpose of star gazing.

Mauna Kea offers such a beautiful and spectacular view of the starry sky and the Milky Way. Japan's Subaru Telescope is also located at the summit of Mauna Kea.

 

Recommendations

The change from a sky tinted red by the setting sun to a dark sky with no lights, and the many stars shining brightly in the sky, is breathtakingly beautiful and fantastic.

For those who find it difficult to access the summit due to their physical strength or time constraints, we recommend enjoying the sunset and starry sky at the foot of the mountain.

 

Access

Access to the summit is approximately 2.5 hours by car from the Hilo area and 4 hours from the Kona area.

It is possible to drive to the summit, but be aware that the number of vehicles allowed is limited and that the road conditions may have changed due to construction work.

There are many Mauna Kea tours with hotel pick-up and drop-off. We recommend taking a safe and comfortable tour to access Mauna Kea.

 

Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley is known as a power spot in the northern part of Hawaii Island.

It is also the place where the first king of the Kingdom of Hawaii, King Kamehameha the Great, spent his childhood, and is one of the most important places in the history of Hawaii.

In Waipio Valley, visitors can enjoy to their heart's content the mystical atmosphere of the cliffs and the spectacular natural scenery that can be seen from the observation deck.

 

Recommendations

Taking a horseback riding tour and exploring the valley floor of Waipio Valley is especially recommended.

The experience of horseback riding while feeling the fantastic valley air will be a wonderful memory that you will never forget.

The Waipio Valley in a nutshell has a fascinating variety of faces, depending on where you visit, whether it is a lookout point, a cliff, or the valley floor.

 

Access

It is about a 1.5 hour drive from the Hilo area and about 2 hours from the Kona area.
It takes only a few minutes to walk from the parking lot to the observation deck, so it is easily accessible.

 

Recommended tours to power spots

Why not take a tour and visit power spots on the Big Island of Hawaii in comfort?
Here are three tours we recommend.

 

Hawaii Island Spiritual Tours

This is a full-day tour that begins at South Point (Cape Kalakko), the southernmost point of the United States, and includes a half-day tour of power spots such as Black Sand Beach, Kilauea Volcano, Akaka Falls, and Waipio Canyon.

Depending on the weather conditions of the day and the tour participants, experienced guides will also offer advice on meditation.

In addition, the tour is guided in Japanese, which is a nice feature. This tour is perfect for those who want to have a comfortable spiritual experience on the Big Island of Hawaii.

 

Kilauea World Heritage Site with a certified Kilauea National Park guide & full day sightseeing in the island & star gazing on Mauna Kea

This tour starts at the base of Mauna Kea and visits major power spots on the Big Island of Hawaii, including Rainbow Falls and Kilauea Volcanoes National Park.

In addition, visitors to Kilauea Volcanoes National Park will visit Halemaumau Crater, the Lava Tunnel, Chain of Craters Road, and many more.

At the end of the tour, you will return to the base of Mauna Kea to enjoy the star-filled sky, which is different from the daytime sky.

This tour will not only fill your heart, but also your stomach, as you will be served mango ice cream at "Big Ain't Candies," a famous cookie souvenir store, and a special lunch box from "Cafe 100," the birthplace of loco moco for dinner. You can also enjoy a special lunch box from Cafe 100, the restaurant where loco moco originated, for dinner.

 

Waipio Valley Horseback Riding Tour

Why not take a horseback ride through the Waipio Valley, reminiscing about the royal families who once lived here? You will receive detailed guidance in Japanese, so even first-time horseback riders will feel at ease.

The mysterious scenery and nature of Waipio Valley and at the same time enjoy horseback riding is a rare experience that can only be found on the Big Island of Hawaii.

This tour is open to children as young as 8 years old and takes about half a day. It is highly recommended for families.

 

summary

We introduced Mauna Lani in Hawaii.

The Big Island of Hawaii is a place where you can experience sacred power and refresh your body and soul to the fullest. Once you visit the Big Island of Hawaii, it will be a place of unforgettable memories.

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