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Revision as of 19:37, 30 January 2016
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* [[East Hawaii (Big Island)|East Hawaii]] - Generally referred to as just Hilo, as that is the major city. This Windward side of the island, has so much more precipitation than the Kona side, that as you travel across the terrain goes from black with dry brown patches to open fields grazed by horses and donkeys to planted eucalyptus forest to lush tropical vegetation and rainforest. Here you can see many waterfalls, walk through rainforest and enjoy the land.
* [[East Hawaii (Big Island)|East Hawaii]] - Generally referred to as just Hilo, as that is the major city. This Windward side of the island, has so much more precipitation than the Kona side, that as you travel across the terrain goes from black with dry brown patches to open fields grazed by horses and donkeys to planted eucalyptus forest to lush tropical vegetation and rainforest. Here you can see many waterfalls, walk through rainforest and enjoy the land.
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* [[West Hawaii (Big Island)|West Hawaii]] - or (Kailua) Kona, Leeward side of the island, warm with much less precipitation, more ocean based attractions. However, you will not find large beaches on this island, or massive waves. Good for beginner surfing, snorkelling, paddling, ocean swimming, Hawai'ian outrigger canoe trips and scuba diving, as well as whale and dolphin watching!
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* [[West Hawaii (Big Island)|West Hawaii]] - or (Kailua) Kona, Leeward side of the island, warm with much less precipitation, more ocean based attractions. However, you will not find large beaches on this island, or massive waves. Good for beginner surfing, snorkelling, paddling, ocean swimming, Hawai'ian outrigger canoe trips and scuba diving, as well as whale and dolphin watching!
This region is also famed for its coffee farms in the highlands near Kona.
* [[Kohala]] - the Northwest Part of the Island, is partially a vast green area artificially landscaped and including gorgeous golf clubs and resorts that most of us only dream of as well as some of the dryest land on the Big Island, where not altered by humans. There are many options for hotels, resorts and rental properties here that are convenient to the attractions nearby in Kona and Kailua Kona. The contrast between the green, watered at night with sprinklers, and the black volcanic surface of this area is a sight to behold.
* [[Kohala]] - the Northwest Part of the Island, is partially a vast green area artificially landscaped and including gorgeous golf clubs and resorts that most of us only dream of as well as some of the dryest land on the Big Island, where not altered by humans. There are many options for hotels, resorts and rental properties here that are convenient to the attractions nearby in Kona and Kailua Kona. The contrast between the green, watered at night with sprinklers, and the black volcanic surface of this area is a sight to behold.
* [[Hamakua]] - East side of the island North of Hilo is covered with gently rolling hills, spotted with smooth-old volcano tops, and terminates rather majestically in gallant cliffs over which spill dozens of tall thin waterfalls. These are seen best from the water which is quite rough, so a helicopter ride is the best way to see this awe inspiring site. The Waipi'o Valley overlook and the valley itself are truly special. If you are able, a day hike into the valley on foot or on horseback to see the amazing black beach are highly recommended!
* [[Hamakua]] - East side of the island North of Hilo is covered with gently rolling hills, spotted with smooth-old volcano tops, and terminates rather majestically in gallant cliffs over which spill dozens of tall thin waterfalls. These are seen best from the water which is quite rough, so a helicopter ride is the best way to see this awe inspiring site. The Waipi'o Valley overlook and the valley itself are truly special. If you are able, a day hike into the valley on foot or on horseback to see the amazing black beach are highly recommended!
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== Other Destinations ==
== Other Destinations ==
* [[Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail]]
* [[Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail]]
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* [[Hawaii Volcanoes National Park]]
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[[Hawaii Volcanoes National Park]]
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Home to both the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa, and the world's most active, Kilauea, which has been continuously erupting since 1983. Scenic sights include the massive two mile diameter Kilauea crater and steam vents, a huge lava tube, and active lava flowing into the ocean.
* [[Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park]]
* [[Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park]]
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* [[Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park]]
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[[Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park]]
''' - A fascinating site for those interested in ancient Hawaiian history, this place served as a sanctuary for those broke taboos if they could make it here. Cultural demonstrations are regularly scheduled and sea turtles can frequently be seen offshore.
* Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
* Puukohola Heiau National Historic Site
==Get in==
==Get in==
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==See==
==See==
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* '''[[Hawaii Volcanoes National Park|Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park]]''' Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is home to both the world's largest volcano, Mauna Loa (13,677 feet / 4169 m tall), and the world's most active, Kilauea (continuously erupting since 1983). Drive around Crater Rim drive to see the massive two mile diameter Kilauea crater and steam vents, and down the Chain of Craters road to see the fresh lava flow covering the highway and the active lava flowing into the ocean. Also tour the Thurston lava tube. In the park, be careful not to hit any Nenes, the endangered Hawaiian goose that lives in and around the park.
* {{see
* {{see
| name=Mauna Kea | alt= | url=http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/maunakea.htm | email=
| name=Mauna Kea | alt= | url=http://www.ifa.hawaii.edu/mko/maunakea.htm | email=
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* '''Akaka Falls''' A waterfall eleven miles north of Hilo boasts a tremendous sight as the water tumbles 440 feet to its base. The trip from the parking lot around to see Akaka and the smaller Kahuna Falls is about 20 minutes and is suitable for children and anyone who can navigate steps. Akaka is the most spectacular of several waterfalls along the northeast coast of the island on the highway from Wiameia to Hilo.
* '''Akaka Falls''' A waterfall eleven miles north of Hilo boasts a tremendous sight as the water tumbles 440 feet to its base. The trip from the parking lot around to see Akaka and the smaller Kahuna Falls is about 20 minutes and is suitable for children and anyone who can navigate steps. Akaka is the most spectacular of several waterfalls along the northeast coast of the island on the highway from Wiameia to Hilo.
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* '''Coffee Farms''' In the highlands in and near Kona the coffee plants come right down to the road's edge. Greenwell Historical Farms is a good plantation to tour.
* '''Black sand beaches''' formed by volcanic sand. There are currently two well-known and many less known black sand beaches. The former are Kehena Beach in the Puna district, and Punalu`u Beach in Ka`u district. The Punalu'u beach is on the Hilo side and easily accessible with a 2WD. There is a lifeguard tower at the beach. Because the sand is black, it gets really hot where it's dry and beach sandals are recommended on sunny days.
* '''Black sand beaches''' formed by volcanic sand. There are currently two well-known and many less known black sand beaches. The former are Kehena Beach in the Puna district, and Punalu`u Beach in Ka`u district. The Punalu'u beach is on the Hilo side and easily accessible with a 2WD. There is a lifeguard tower at the beach. Because the sand is black, it gets really hot where it's dry and beach sandals are recommended on sunny days.
* '''Green sand beach''' at South Point, also named Papakolea. There is a parking lot and a shack which has been designated as a "visitor's center." If you park in this lot, there is a chance that someone will emerge with a clipboard and ask you to pay for parking. Several guide books make the point that this is public land and that you are allowed to park without paying any fee. While this may be true, some travelers have been harassed or even threatened for asserting their rights to park. A more promising alternative is to park at the boat launch, adding half a mile to your hike. To drive all the way to the beach definitely requires a 4WD vehicle. The sea seems to be about half a mile from the parking lot but the green sand beach itself is about 3 miles from the parking lot on a very bumpy road. There are a few local guys who will drive you out there for a donation. Keep in mind that with the drive from the highway and the one hour hike from the parking lot to the beach, it is a three-hour round trip minimum from the highway. Though the hike to Papakolea is relatively flat, it can be very hot and windy. The beach's sand is a precious gem called Olivine, produced by the surrounding cinder cone, Pu'u Mahana and is one of only two green sand beaches in the entire world. The other is located in the Galapagos Islands.
* '''Green sand beach''' at South Point, also named Papakolea. There is a parking lot and a shack which has been designated as a "visitor's center." If you park in this lot, there is a chance that someone will emerge with a clipboard and ask you to pay for parking. Several guide books make the point that this is public land and that you are allowed to park without paying any fee. While this may be true, some travelers have been harassed or even threatened for asserting their rights to park. A more promising alternative is to park at the boat launch, adding half a mile to your hike. To drive all the way to the beach definitely requires a 4WD vehicle. The sea seems to be about half a mile from the parking lot but the green sand beach itself is about 3 miles from the parking lot on a very bumpy road. There are a few local guys who will drive you out there for a donation. Keep in mind that with the drive from the highway and the one hour hike from the parking lot to the beach, it is a three-hour round trip minimum from the highway. Though the hike to Papakolea is relatively flat, it can be very hot and windy. The beach's sand is a precious gem called Olivine, produced by the surrounding cinder cone, Pu'u Mahana and is one of only two green sand beaches in the entire world. The other is located in the Galapagos Islands.
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* '''Kehaka Kai white sand beach [also called Kua Bay]''' is absolutely beautiful and a local secret until recently. Just north of Kona on Hwy 19. Coming from Kona, go past mile marker 89 and turn left towards the water at the sign for the Veteran's Cemetery. Theoretically, the beach is closed on Wednesdays but not in practice. The beach is mostly used for body boarding as it has a steep shorebreak and can be dangerous to inexperienced swimmers. Newly paved road (ok for 2WD) all the way to beach. Beach has bathrooms, fresh water fountains and showers.
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* '''Kehaka Kai white sand beach [also called Kua Bay]''' is absolutely beautiful and a local secret until recently. Just north of Kona on Hwy 19. Coming from Kona, go past mile marker 89 and turn left towards the water at the sign for the Veteran's Cemetery. Theoretically, the beach is closed on Wednesdays but not in practice. The beach is mostly used for body boarding as it has a steep shorebreak and can be dangerous to inexperienced swimmers. Newly paved road (ok for 2WD) all the way to beach. Beach has bathrooms, fresh water fountains and showers.
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* '''Dolphin and whale watching''' - seasonal.
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* {{see
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| name=Dolphin Quest Hawaii | alt= | url=http://www.hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/activities/dolphin-quest.asp | email=
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| address= | lat= | long= | directions=
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| phone= | tollfree= | fax=
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| hours= | price=
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| content=The Hilton Waikoloa Village offers the opportunity to swim with their group of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in their lagoon, with the dolphins dancing and jumping as the group communicates with them through hand signs. Visitors are not allowed to hold on to their fins while they swim, though. Be prepared to spend between $150 and $200 per adult for a memorable thirty minute experience.
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}}
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* '''[[Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park]]''' Pu'uhonua o Honaunau is a great place to visit if you're interested in learning about Hawaiian heritage. Breakers of kapu (taboos) who could make it to this place and performed a series of rituals were granted sanctuary. Tours, traditional craft demos, simulations of the Hukilau (fishing with ti leaf ropes) and other activities can be seen here (schedules vary). Honu (turtles) can frequently be observed swimming in the royal fishpond. May be crowded with other tourists. The 1871 Trail follows the old paths between fishing villages and offers great views of coves.
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* '''Waipi`o Valley''', a large, verdant valley on the Hamakua coast. This valley was inhabited for a millennium, until a tsunami washed away all dwellings, though there is still a living population of 50-100 people. Van and horseback trips are available from the scenic crest down to the gorgeous valley floor. The road descending into Waipi'o valley is 4WD only but can be hiked down or hitchhiked. The entire bay is made up of a black sand beach with a river cutting the valley down the middle. The valley is still an active location for Taro farming. On the opposite side of entry, you will find the trailhead for the Muliwai Trail, leading to Waimanu valley, though a permit is required for this trail. It's a strenuous 9 miles one-way starting when already in Waipi'o Valley. It's recommended for overnights only. Water is available from streams but as always be sure to treat with pills or a filter before consuming.
* '''Waipi`o Valley''', a large, verdant valley on the Hamakua coast. This valley was inhabited for a millennium, until a tsunami washed away all dwellings, though there is still a living population of 50-100 people. Van and horseback trips are available from the scenic crest down to the gorgeous valley floor. The road descending into Waipi'o valley is 4WD only but can be hiked down or hitchhiked. The entire bay is made up of a black sand beach with a river cutting the valley down the middle. The valley is still an active location for Taro farming. On the opposite side of entry, you will find the trailhead for the Muliwai Trail, leading to Waimanu valley, though a permit is required for this trail. It's a strenuous 9 miles one-way starting when already in Waipi'o Valley. It's recommended for overnights only. Water is available from streams but as always be sure to treat with pills or a filter before consuming.
* {{see
* {{see