Hidden gem
Honomu, HI 96728
+1 808 974 6200
Review © 2007, Wcities
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Hidden gem |
Highway 220 Honomu, HI 96728 +1 808 974 6200 |
On the far end of the Big Island's Windward side is this pretty little park noted for its magnificent waterfall. The hike to the waterfall overlook is short (less than a half-mile) and not too difficult. The path is even paved. The waterfall is impressive; it is a 440-foot cascade over a volcanic cliff. Lush greenery blankets the area. Visitors enjoy quite a few nice places for pictures or picnics on the 65-acre property. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: William Cooper  |
 Photo: Trever Miller |
 Photo: Peter Baer |
 Photo: SFAntti |
 Photo: Elke Sisco |
 Photo: The Newmarks |
 Photo: Stacie Haldeman |
 Photo: omatienzo13 |
 Photo: David Galvan |
 Photo: Jenny |
 Photo: Kari Selchow |
 Photo: Mary Wright |
 Photo: James W. Elliott |
 Photo: riddiculus |
 Photo: Curtis Bullock |
 Photo: Jill Colaprete |
 Photo: Andrew Crissman |
 Photo: Richard Greenblatt |
 Photo: J.D. Deutschendorf |
 Secluded expanse of white sand |
Highway 19, just north of Puako Banyan Drive Kamuela, HI 96743 +1 808 882 1900 |
This white sand beach is the stuff of movies, photo shoots and imagination. They stretch as far as the eye can see. The sand is sugar-fine, warm and clean. The waves are deep blue in the distance, foamy when they hit the shore. Among the Big Island's white sand spots, this one stands out and is regularly ranked among the top beaches in the world. The half-mile strip also has great facilities like a paved walkway leading from the parking lot, which is a rarity in Hawaii! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jeff Senterman |
 Photo: P^2 |
 Photo: Lene Madsen |
 Photo: acj |
Famous tropical wonderland |
27-717 Old Mamalahoa Highway (Omomea Bay) Papaikou, HI 96781 +1 808 964 5233 http://www.htbg.com htbg@ilhawaii.net |
Some visitors hail this as the most beautiful area in Hawaii. Visitors can expect to see rushing rivers and trickling streams, vivid orchids and delicate hanging ferns, birds and flowers in every color of the rainbow. Waterfalls, lily ponds and several miles of coastline add to the astonishing aesthetic beauty of the garden. A gift shop is onsite and umbrellas are loaned out free of charge when it rains, which adds even more to the tropical setting. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Larry Miller |
 Photo: Ken Brashier |
 Photo: Cybil Yip |
 Photo: J.M. Trout |
 Photo: Richard Loh |
 Photo: Tammy |
 Photo: Stephen Yamasaki |
 Photo: Valree Elarton |
 Photo: Vicki Devine |
 Photo: E.E.Richardson |
 Photo: Upsilon Andromedae |
 Photo: Joe Vanderwaart |
Lava show |
Highway 11 Volcano Hawaii, HI 96785 +1 808 985 6000 http://www.hawaii.volcanoes.na... HAVO_Interpretation@nps.gov |
More than two million people visit the active Kilauea Volcano each year, enthralled by the sight of the forbidding black mountain and the fiery streams of molten lava that flow from it. The other active volcano, Mauna Loa, is the largest one on earth; the summit towers at more than 13,000 feet above sea level. There are many hiking trails in the park, which spans 217,000 acres. The Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum offer the chance to learn more about the park's history and geology. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben Hulley |
 Photo: Greg Smith |
 Photo: Ben Hulley |
 Photo: April and Randy |
 Photo: Richie Yamashiroya |
 Photo: Robert Teytaud |
 Photo: Amanda M. Shaffer |
 Photo: Wolfgang Hürst |
 Photo: Jo Dombeck |
Tourist hot spot |
75-5660 Palani Road Downtown waterfront Kailua-Kona, HI 96740 +1 808 329 2911 |
The area surrounding this pier gets as close to the Lahaina or Waikiki feeling as visitors will find on the Big Island. Dozens of small shopping centers, restaurants and bars cluster around the pier. The King Kamehameha Hotel occupies the property fronting one side of the pier. From the other side, you can get a great view of its luau grounds and the adjacent Ahuena Heiau. More than a dozen catamarans and dive boats are moored at the end near the Heiau. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kim Hojnacki |
 Photo: nitafajita5 |
 Photo: Anton Schegg |
 Photo: Larry Rosa |
 Natural and cultural history museum |
276 Haili St Hilo, HI 96720 +1 808 935 5021 http://www.lymanmuseum.org info@LymanMuseum.org |
Located in Hilo, this museum is comprised of two separate galleries. The Island Heritage Gallery features a number of exhibits on Hawaii's history, heritage and culture. The Earth Heritage Gallery is devoted to the natural sciences. Additional permanent exhibits include the Interactive Astronomy Center and the Shipman Foundation Gallery of Chinese Art. Special exhibits are featured periodically. The structure is on the National Register of Historic Places. Built in the first half of the 19th century to house missionaries, it was converted to a museum in 1931. Admission: $10, Adult; $8 Seniors (60+), $3 Children. Family and AAA rates available. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
Hike to it |
Off Highway 19 (Hiking trail near Kona Coast State Park) Kona, HI 96740 |
En route to the Kohala Coast hotels is this pleasant, secluded beach. It is actually some ways off the main highway, 20 minutes' walking distance from the parking lot at the north end of Kona Coast State Park. Because of the abundance of easily accessible beaches in this area, few people find it worthwhile to trek out to this one. The people that do will have the gentle slope of white sand bordered by rolling dunes all to themselves. There are no facilities or lifeguard services. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Tegart |
 Photo: Corey Hallisey |
 Photo: Sawyer |
 Photo: Tracey Gilmore |
World's best stargazing |
Saddle Road, 35 mile marker (Mailing address: P. O. Box 936, 75 Aupuni Street, no. 204) Hilo, HI 96721 +1 808 974 6200 http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp... |
If you can get to Mauna Kea at night, you can enjoy some of the world's best stargazing. However, no one ever said it was easy to get there. The place is located 35 miles inland of Hilo inside the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Not only is it 6,500 feet above sea level, it is also only accessible by a winding, bumpy mountain road that is strictly off-limits for most rental cars. Spring for a 4x4 and a camping permit (get it ahead of time) and do it right. Alternatively, book a place on one of the many guided tours that head up the mountain. By day, you can hike and explore. At night, observe the glory of the night sky. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ragnar Schierholz |
Romantic garden |
421 Makalika Street Hilo, HI 96720 +1 808 959 3500 http://www.nanimau.com nanimau.gardens@verizon.net |
It is no wonder that this place is a favorite of couples looking to tie the knot. The 20-acre botanical garden full of colorful blooms, quiet lily-filled ponds and splashing waterfalls, provides hundreds of places to kiss, hold hands, or just relax and drink in all of the beauty. The gardens are split into several sections, including the formal European Garden, the vivid Orchid Garden and the serene Water Garden. A museum, gift shop and two restaurants are onsite. Admission for adults is USD7 and for children between 4-10 years of age USD5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: bandboostermusic |
 Photo: Jonnie Santos |
 Photo: bandboostermusic |
 Photo: Shifty Eyed Goat |
 Photo: Rich Waugh |
 Photo: Carl James |
 Secluded oasis |
One North Kaniku Drive Kohala Coast, HI 96743 +1 800 845 9905 http://www.orchid-maunalani.com/ |
Situated on a tropical oasis that's surrounded by lava rock and bordered by the ocean, this hotel offers the most secluded, private, elegant accommodations anyone could ask for. Rooms are sumptuously decorated and boast exquisite views. The list of amenities is extensive, a half-dozen dining options are on the hotel property. The Mauna Lani Resort also includes golf courses, tennis courts, beach parks and many water activities. USD12 per day "Thoughtful Extras" fee. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
VERY big waves profiled here |
130 Kamehameha Avenue Hilo, HI 96721 +1 808 935 0926 http://www.tsunami.org/ tsunami@tsunami.org |
Tsunamis are to Hawaii as earthquakes are to San Francisco. They are much-publicized and widely feared, but few people know facts about them. This museum aims to educate locals and tourists through a variety of exhibits and programs. Photos, transcribed oral histories, models and many other kinds of exhibits are onsite. Essay and poster contests, newsletters and tsunami anniversaries help to alert people to the museum's existence. This museum also serves as a memorial to the people killed in tsunamis of the past. Admission: USD7 adults, USD6 seniors, USD2 students under 17. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: gaileymcguire |
 Animal instincts |
800 Stainback Highway, off Volcano Hwy. 4 miles south of Hilo off Hwy. 11 (Volcano Hwy) Hilo, HI 96720 +1 808 959 7224 / +1 808 959 9233 (Gift Shop) http://www.hilozoo.com/ FOZ@hilozoo.com |
This is the only natural tropical rainforest zoo in the U.S. It is a home to more than 80 species of animals! All you animal lovers can come see animals like the endangered white Bengal Tiger and the Nene. You can shudder at the slithery reptiles or take a regal walk amidst peacocks in the zoo grounds. If you visit on a Saturday, definitely head to the Petting Zoo, where you can get up close and personal with different creatures. Let out your animal side at this wild wonderland - from lush and exotic plants to squawking birds and excitable primates, you'll find them all here. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Archer Kelly |
 Photo: Steve Okubo |
 Photo: joseph and Reiko Williams |
 Photo: Steve Okubo |
 Photo: Sean Moore |
Photo: |
Ancient place of refuge |
Highway 11 three miles past Junction 360 (Mailing: PO Box 129) Honaunau, HI 96726 +1 808 328 2326 http://www.nps.gov/puho/ |
It may be small (less than a tenth of a percent of the size of Volcanoes National Park), but this place is of immense historical significance. Once the site of an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge, law or code breakers flocked here to obtain mercy from the wrath of the gods (or the community). Other places of interest include royal grounds, reconstructed temples and ancient fishponds. A short walking trail winds through many of the interesting sites. Orientations are given several times daily. Artists and craftspeople often display their works onsite. Admission: USD5. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Siobhann Bellinger |
 Photo: Ragnar Schierholz |
 Photo: Georges Gendron |
 Photo: Trevor Allen |
 Photo: nathan9656 |
 Photo: Jan Yarnot |
 Photo: Gabby Covey |
 Photo: Steve Tannock |
 Photo: Bryan Correira |
 Photo: Erran |
 Photo: David Taus |
The island by sky |
P.O. Box 1941 Lihue, HI 96766 +1 808 246 0136 http://www.safarihelicopters.com |
It is nearly impossible to take in all that Hawaii has to offer, if you are traveling by car. Safari Helicopter Tours offers a comfortable way to view the volcano from above, see Parker Ranch, the Kona Coast and the waterfalls of Waipio Valley; all may be viewed within the space of a few hours. It is the best way to see the major sights in a relatively short period of time. The air-conditioned helicopters offer forward-facing seats and 180-degree views. A video and sound system narrates the tour as you go and is also available for purchase. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stefan Smolnik |
 Photo: Stefan Smolnik |
Small, quiet beach park |
Beach Access Road off Highway 19 (Two miles from Kawaihae) Kamuela, HI 96743 |
With its shade trees, picnic tables and gentle surf, this is a great place for family outings or afternoon naps. It is a quiet neighborhood beach just outside of Kawaihae. The same elements that draw swimmers and snorkelers tend to dissuade surfers, windsurfers and other thrill seekers. The shorebreak is gentle and usually small. Facilities include barbecue pits, showers and even tennis courts. The soft, golden sands are usually not very crowded. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Marc N. Haines |
 Photo: CramTeXeD |
Nature and science come together |
Mouna Kea Summit Hilo, HI 96720 +1 808 934 5056 / +1 888 801 6265 http://www.subarutelescope.org/ catherine.ishida@SubaruTelescope.org |
For an experience extraordinaire, arrange for a visit to the Subaru Telescope site atop Hawaii's dormant volcano. For as many as 15 days a month, 30-minute tours are organized for those interested in increasing their knowledge of the fiery bowels of the earth. Both Japanese and English guides will aid tourists, but children and those susceptible to illness are strictly barred. Reservations should be made a week in advance and participants are expected to be dressed for a rough walk. After intense preparations, one will be rewarded with awesome views of naturally sculpted landscapes and loads of information about volcanoes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ben Chun |
 Photo: chrislintott.net |
 Photo: Peter2222 |
 Photo: CanSpice |
 Photo: Rachel Johnson |
 Photo: Kirk Crawford |
 Photo: James Silvester |
 Photo: Amber N Black |
 Photo: Ginger Payne |
 Photo: John Scharmen |
 Photo: Nadine |
 An oasis between volcanoes |
68-1792 Melia Street Waikoloa, HI 96738 +1 808 883 9621 |
Situated on a plateau 1,000 feet above sea level, this course is yet another of the Kohala Coast gems. It was designed by the famous Robert Trent Jones, Jr. in 1972 and has been perfectly maintained ever since. The par-72 course is a favorite of locals and tourists in the know. It provides a challenging game and a superb aesthetic experience for comparatively low rates. Greens fees: $80 (including cart). Facilities include a pro shop, driving range and clubhouse restaurant. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ziggy Lightworker |
Lots to see and do |
Off Pauahi Street Hilo, HI 96720 +1 808 587 0400 http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp... |
A nicely maintained park in central Hilo, this place is great for family outings or group picnics. The park, which spans a little more than 130 acres, has a picnic area, a boat ramp, a visitor center and a war memorial. People can choose to boat down the river or to stroll through the park and take in the scenery. The Wailoa Center, located on the property, often features displays and exhibits by local artists, while the outdoor pavilions sometimes are the sites of special events. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ragnar Schierholz |
 Photo: Alan L |
 Photo: Christopher Priore |
See Rainbow Falls |
Off Waianuenue Avenue Hilo, HI 96720 +1 808 587 0400 http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp... |
The best-known sight at this 16-acre park is Rainbow Falls, so named because of the rainbows that form at the base when the sun hits the mist. Another sight to see is Boiling Pots. Several large pools bordered by lava-rock columns. The water that flows through the pools appears to be boiling, though it is actually just turmoil caused by the rush of water over rocks. There are numerous other photo opportunities and scenic spots within the park. Hiking trails and restrooms are in the facility. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ragnar Schierholz |
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