Fun Hawaii Travel

Cherry Blossom Festival on Hawaii Island

2015-01-28T13:13:00.000-08:00

Old Church Park in Waimea

One of the surprising events on Hawaii Island is the annual Cherry Blossom Heritage Festival held in the town of Waimea.

Waimea sits at an altitude of 2677 feet above sea level in the interior of the island. Instead of palm trees, Waimea residents planted cherry trees that bloom in the town’s cool winters. The town has a Cherry Blossom Festival to celebrate the Japanese tradition of viewing cherry blossoms - hanami.

The 2015 festival is being held on Saturday, February 7 from 9 AM to 3 PM. The festival activities are held throughout Waimea; pink banners identify the locations from the Parker Ranch Historic Homes on Mamalahoa Highway 190 to the Hawaiian Homestead Farmer’s Market on Highway 19.

The festival will have Japanese and multi-cultural performing arts including demonstrations of Japanese cooking, a Bonsai exhibit, Origami demonstrations, Taiko Drums, a Bon Dance, a traditional tea ceremony, and mochi pounding. The festival also includes a Quilt show, Farmer’s Market, Cherry Blossom Art show, entertainment, and a History of Cherry Trees Exhibit. Free shuttle transportation will be provided between most venues.

If you are on Hawaii Island in early February, you may want to consider this unusual festival held in the interior of the island.

When did Christmas start in Hawaii?

2014-12-19T11:32:00.001-08:00

The Christmas season is the start of “high season” in Hawaii, a 90 day period from December 15^th though March 15^thwith the most visitors on the islands. It is celebrated with colorful decorations in the stores and hotel lobbies. Hawaii Island communities celebrate with parades, holiday lights, hula presentations, and festivals during this season and the fantastic weather makes it easy to have fun and get into the spirit.

Christmas was first celebrated in Hawaii after the missionaries arrived in the 1820. However, the Hawaiians already celebrated the season with a festival called Makahiki. The Makahiki festival started when the cluster of stars known as the Pleiades appear in the night sky and lasted about four months. The festival was held in honor of Lono, the god of fertility and cultivated food plants. The festival was celebrated with hula, bonfires, feasts, and sports competitions. During Makahiki warfare was forbidden; it was a time of peace and celebration.

In 1856, King Kamehameha IV declared Christmas to be a national day of Thanksgiving in Hawaii. In 1862, Christmas was made a national holiday in Hawaii by authority of the King and there were huge celebrations on the islands.

"Mele Kalikimaka", the Hawaiian pronunciation for "Merry Christmas", became widely known in a song written by Robert Anderson in 1949 and made famous by Bing Crosby in 1950.

Mele Kalikimaka to everyone!

Trolley Tour in Kailua Kona

2014-11-20T11:12:00.001-08:00

If you find yourself in Kailua-Kona on the Big Island of Hawaii without a car, the Keauhou Trolley is a great way to tour the town and see the views along the coast. For $2 you can ride between the Sheraton Kona Resort in Keauhou along Ali’i Drive to the Kailua Pier. The Trolley is a way to get to beaches, vacation rentals, hotels, restaurants, and businesses in Kona without a rental car or having to deal with the shortage of parking spaces.

Kailua Pier

The Trolley starts at the Sheraton Kona Resort in Keauhou at 9 AM and drives the route until 9:15 PM where it ends at the Sheraton. The route from the Sheraton to Kailua Pier takes approximately 40 minutes with stops at the Kona Country Club, Keauhou Shopping Center (at Longs), Kahalu’u Beach (Bus Kiosk at the crosswalk), Magic Sands Beach, Kona Bali Kai, Aston Kona By The Sea, Royal Sea Cliff, Royal Kona Resort (across the street), Coconut Grove Marketplace, St. Michael’s Church (Water Front Row), and Kona Market Place.

Kona Coast Views

From there, the Trolley drives another route to shopping centers and businesses in Kailua including Hilo Hatties, Walmart, Macy’s, Kona Commons Shopping Center, Kona International Marketplace, Kona Brewing Company, and Kona Coast Shopping Center which takes it approximately 40 minutes before returning to Kailua pier. The Trolley then returns the Sheraton in Keauhou, again stopping all along Ali’i Drive.

Alii Drive across from Coconut Grove Marketplace

The Trolley is a great way to see the coastline and historic sites along Ali’i Drive.

Kahalu'u beach on Alii Drive

At the Keauhou Shopping Center there is an interesting museum with displays about Keauhou's history, a KTA grocery store, our favorite Kona Stories bookstore, and panoramic views from Sam Choy’s Kai Lanai restaurant.

View from Sam Choy's Kai Lanai

The Sheraton is near the Keauhou Shopping Center above Keauhou Bay. You can enjoy the fantastic views from the hotel or walk down to the bay and watch all the tour boats and paddlers enjoying themselves.

A day off from driving on the Keauhou Trolley can be quite a treat!

100 Free Places to Visit on Hawaii Island

2014-10-21T17:13:00.000-07:00

We made a list of 100 free places that are beautiful, fun, historic, or delicious on Hawaii Island. You don’t need a big budget to have an awesome vacation on Hawaii Island.

When we started on our Hawaii Island guide we thought we had seen everything on the island since we had been living here for so long. But as we looked deeper, we became fascinated with the history of the island and discovered lots of places we had not visited or seen in other travel books. It took us 18 months to research and visit over 200 amazing coastlines, beaches, forests, mountains, parks, and other places included in the island guide. You can find detailed directions, maps and historic background in Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation. If you are already on the Big Island, the guide is available at Kona Stories (book store in the Keauhou Shopping Center.

(Some places have limited public parking and a few charge parking for non-residents.)

Liliuokalani Gardens Walk through the gorgeous Japanese garden on Hilo Bay.
Big Island Candies Watch candies being made and try delicious samples in Hilo.
Wawaloli Beach Park Play in sand filled tide pools next to Kona’s Energy laboratory.
Kailua Bay Swim the Ironman route marked with buoys (1.25 miles round trip to the Queens Buoy).
Mokuaikaua Church Admire the beautiful woodwork in Hawaii’s first church in Kona with a replica of the ship Thaddeus in the back.
Kipuka Bird park Hike through an old growth forest with colorful birds in Volcano.
Lava Tree Molds Walk through a collection unusual lava molds from a Mauna Loa lava flow in Volcano.
Ahalanui Park Soak in volcanic warmed water with fantastic ocean views in Puna.
Akatsuka Orchid Garden See 100’s of varieties of orchids on display in Volcano.
Sheraton Resort history tour Take a guided tour of historic Keauhou Bay.
Lava Tree State Monument Walk through a collection of lava trees from a lava flow in a Puna forest.
Keauhou Heritage Center View historic displays of Hawaii Island in the Keauhou Shopping Center.
MacKenzie State Recreation Area Enjoy amazing ocean views from Puna cliffs covered with ironwood trees.
Lekeleke Burial Site Walk the trail to ocean cliffs along an ancient Hawaiian battle ground in Keauhou.
Kahuku Ranch Hike in the new addition to Volcanoes National Park in Ka’u.
South Point Enjoy spectacular views from a tall cliff above the crashing ocean at the southernmost point in the US.
Laupahoehoe Point Drive down to a park and landing with crashing surf below the Hamakua coast.
Rainbow Falls Visit the picturesque waterfall on the Wailuku River above Hilo.
Wailuku River State Park Watch the Boiling Pots, created from connected lava tubes in the river, from an overlook.
Kaumana Cave See a lava tube cave created by the most recent Mauna Loa flow to Hilo.
Star gazing Look at the heavens through telescopes during the Mauna Kea Visitors Center evening program.
Waipio Look Out Marvel at the panoramic view of Waipio Valley from above.
Caravan to Mauna Kea summit Join a group of 4-wheel drive vehicles to the summit of Mauna Kea every weekend from the Visitors Center.
Mauna Loa Mac nut farm Watch candies being made in the factory near Hilo and try samples.
Subaru telescope tour Sign up for a 40 minute guided tour of the Subaru telescope on Mauna Kea.
Hamakua Mac nut factory Watch candies being made in a factory near Kawaihae and try samples.
Parker Ranch Historic Homes Visit the homes of Parker Ranch owners in Waimea.
Sadie Seymour Botanical Garden Stroll through a beautiful garden at Kona Outdoor Circle.
Kahalu’u Beach Snorkel within a protected wall and see the turtles.
Kona Honokohau Boat Harbor Watch the boat traffic and fishermen weighing their fish.
Kaloko fish pond Drive to the massive dry-stack stone wall at the ancient fish pond.
Puako trail to petroglyphs Hike through a mesquite forest to ancient lava carvings.
Honokohau Beach Relax on a beautiful white sand beach in North Kona next to an ancient stone fish trap.
Anaehoomalu Bay fish ponds Walk the trail around the fish ponds in front of the Marriott Hotel with a recreated Hawaiian village.
Kalahuipua’a Trail Walk the trail to ancient fish ponds and gorgeous beaches in Mauna Lani resort.
Puako Beach 69 (Waialea Beach) Drive to a hidden bay with sand and shade.
Mauna Kea beach (Kauna’oa Beach) Swim at a picture perfect white sand beach (limited public parking).
Waikoloa Beach Kings trail Walk to ancient lava carvings and stone wind breakers on the King’s trail.
Lapakahi State Historical Site Take a self-guided tour on a rocky trail through a reenactment of an ancient Hawaiian village.
Ka’upulehu Beach Share the paved path along the long white sand beach with movie stars (limited public parking).
Kikaua Point Swim at a private man-made beach in Kukio (limited public parking).
Kua Bay Enjoy a turquoise bay and white sand beach
Pololu Valley Overlook See the fantastic view of Pololu Valley from above.
Old Kona Airport beach Hike the coastal trail north of the runway or lie on the white sand beach.
Kawamoto Swim Stadium Swim laps in Hilo’s olympic size indoor pool.
Makao Trail Walk the path through volunteer tended gardens next to the old Kona airport.
Hilo Zoo Walk the paths through tropical foliage and see the animals and birds.
Rakuen garden Take in the view at the Happiness garden on Hilo Bay.
Hilo Bayfront beach Take a stroll along the black sand beach in front of Hilo.
Waimea Nature Park Enjoy a picnic or hike at the Waimea Outdoor Circle garden with free wi-fi.
Coconut island Have a picnic, swim in a cove, or jump from the WWII tower into Hilo Bay.
New Kaimu Beach Walk over the 1990 lava field to a new beach on a trail from old Kalapana.
St Benedict’s Painted church See the colorful paintings in a Catholic Church with great views of Honaunau Bay.
Mauka Meadows Gardens Walk through a botanical garden and coffee farm with great views of Kailua Bay.
Star of the Sea Painted church See the paintings of St. Damien in a Puna church saved from a lava flow.
Greenwells Farm Tour a coffee plantation and taste the famous Greenwell Kona coffee.
Kamakahonu Cove Swim or snorkel in the protected bay in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel.
Hulihee Palace garden Take in the great views of Kailua Bay from the sea wall and find mementos hidden in the garden.
Magic Sands Beach (La’aloa Beach) Enjoy the sand and surf at the best surfing beach in Kona.
Manuka State Wayside Stop for a rest and hike on the trail up Mauna Loa to old ruins.
Akaka Falls State Park See the dramatic Akaka Falls and walk the trail through a rain forest (parking fee).
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area Enjoy one of the most pristine white sand beaches on the island (parking fee).
Spencer’s Beach Have a picnic in the shade at the white sand beach next to Kawaihae harbor.
Kona Brewing tour Watch beer being made at a Kona brewery.
Dolphins at Hilton See the dolphins in their tanks at Dolphin Encounters (parking fee).
Kona Village walk Walk from Kailua pier along the sea wall for great views of the bay.
‘Imiloa Astronomy Center Garden Walk around a canoe plant garden outside the center (sometimes free displays are inside).
Road to Mauna Loa Observatory Drive past Pu’u Huluhulu through a lava field with Ohelo berrie bushes on the road to the MLO, opposite of the Mauna Kea Access road.
Buddhist temple Visit a Tibetan temple hidden in Wood Valley.
Whittington Beach Park See the remains of a sugar plantation wharf in the surf.
Green Sand Beach (Papakolea Beach) Hike to a crater with green sand.
Ka’u Coffee Mill View coffee processing equipment and sample Ka’u coffee.
Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park Enjoy the view of Kealakekua Bay, the Captain Cook monument, and Hikiau Heiau.
Punalu’u Black sand beach Visit the Honu turtles on the black sand in a beautiful bay.
Hokuloa Church Climb above Punalu’u beach to a historic old church with a panoramic view of the bay.
Footprint Trail Hike across the Ka’u desert to footprints fossilized in the ash (trailhead on the south side of Highway 11 between mile markers 38 and 39).
Wailoa River State Recreation Area Walk in the grassy expanse within Hilo town and across the Wailoa River on hump bridges.
University of Hawii Hilo Tour the pretty UH campus and the visit the University’s library.
Issac Hale Beach Watch the surfers at Puna’s favorite surf spot and boat launch
East Hawaii Cultural Center Drop into the old Hilo Police station for an art exhibit.
Kona Blue Sky coffee plantation Take a tour and taste the coffee.
Kalakaua Park and War Memorial Visit Hilo’s town center park with the King’s statue, a time capsule, war memorial, Koi pond, and sun dial.
Kona Library Stay cool in Kona’s library and join the monthly book club meeting.
Mountain Thunder coffee plantation Take a tour and taste the coffee.
Puukohala Heiau Walk through the last major temple built in Hawaii and walk to the shark cove.
Hilo Library Enjoy the quiet public library and check out the famous stones in front.
Mookini Heiau Hike on a deserted dirt road to the oldest temple in Hawaii in Kohala Historical Sites State Monument.
Kona Lea Plantation Take a tour and taste the coffee.
Banyan tree walk Look for the signs of famous people under each tree along the Banyan Drive next to Hilo Bay.
Kona Joe Coffee Take a tour and taste the coffee.
Reeds Bay and ice pond Enjoy the view of ships docked at Hilo harbor and jump in for a cool swim.
Kalanianaole Ave and Richardson Ocean Park Drive along Hilo’s black lava beaches to Leleiwi Park at the end of the road.
KoleKole Beach Park Relax in a park under a span bridge with a stream under Akaka Falls.
University of the Nations Take a guided tour of the Kona campus and see the Plaza of the Nations Fountain
NOAA’s Mokupapapa Discovery Center Enjoy the displays and aquariums in downtown Hilo that describe the Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument.
Kalopa State Recreation Area Hike on a nature trail in a Hamakua nature reserve.
Anna Ranch Walk the Discovery Trail around the Waimea Ranch of a famous Pau rider.
Mauna Kea State Recreation Area See the views and enjoy a picnic at an elevation of 6500 feet on Saddle road.
Beach 49 (Honokaope Bay) Enjoy a secluded black sand beach in Kohala
Lava tube in North Kona Peer into a huge cave on Highway 19 made from a collapsed lava tube.

Ancient Hawaiian “Kings Trail” in Waikoloa Beach Resort

2014-09-19T15:58:00.000-07:00

Hidden behind the Kings Shops in Waikoloa Beach Resort is an ancient Hawaiian trail with carved pictures and stone wind-breaks. Behind the shops is a path along King’s Lake. From the Kings Shops, in the parking lot next to the gas station, the path can be taken to Pohakulana Place, across from the Waikoloa Fairway Villa condos, where a sign points the way to the King’s Trail.

The Kings Trail was built over older foot trails in the 1870’s during King Kalakaua’s reign. It was used to drive cattle through the rough lava fields from the ranches to the shore to be loaded onto ships. It was built to be relatively straight and level with stone curbs on the edges to keep the cattle in. The King used prisoners and people unable to pay their taxes to build the road. A portion of the King’s Trail in Waikoloa Beach cuts across a lava field covered with carvings and lava caves.

The Kings Trail is surrounded by the Kings Course of the Waikoloa Beach golf club. A short section of the trail intersects with the golf cart road. There are no carvings on that section and it is easier to just walk next to it on Pohakulana Place (which becomes a golf cart road) to the next entrance.

A sign at the next entrance to the Kings trail shows where the carvings and wind breaks are located, which is quite a distance down the rough path.

A little way down the trail, the path is so rugged and steep it is difficult to walk on. It is hard to imagine cattle and horses traveling on the trail as is today.

During our trek the rocky trail was difficult to walk on, the sun was extremely hot on the surrounding lava field, and the wind whipping around us. Even with good shoes and being in decent shape, it was a challenge to get to the point on the trail where the best carvings were located.

Within a thousand feet we had to start crawling on all fours to get down some extremely steep and jagged drops in the “trail”.

We noticed others behind us turn back after giving up on the worst hazard of the trail and we were beginning to dread our walk back.

Finally we were rewarded when the petroglyphs, circles, dots, and surprisingly letters, came into view.

The carvings in the pahoehoe lava become more frequent the further down the trail.

The most common ancient carvings are dots, holes, and circles. These markings have various interpretations including representations for journeys and indications of children born. The age of the earliest of the carvings is estimated to be 800 AD when the Waikoloa area was first settled.

More recently some names have been carved into the stone between circles and other designs.

Lava caves and stone wind breaks are located along the side of the trail.

The path veers to the right at a “Kapu” sign on the King’s Trail.

Turning towards the right, the path was well flat and maintained. It exited on to the golf cart road.

Had we known that there was a second entrance to the King’s Trail from the golf cart road close to the petroglyphs, we would have taken that route and avoided the troublesome portion of the trail.

It is an easy walk back to the Kings Shops on the golf cart road. The only hazard was dodging speeding golf carts.

If you are interested in the easy walk to the field of ancient Hawaiian petroglpyhs, take Pohakulana Place (off Waikoloa Beach Road) until it becomes a golf cart road. When the golf cart road crosses the King’s Trail stay on it, go past the bathrooms, and turn left. The lake should be on your right. Before reaching the maintenance building, you will see an entrance to the petroglyph reserve on the left with a sign. The short path from the golf cart road to the King’s Trail is well marked with great views of the wind breaks, lava caves, and petroglyphs. Watch out for golf carts and golf balls.

Awesome Resorts on Hawaii Island

2014-09-10T15:48:00.000-07:00

Mauna Kea Beach Resort

Hawaii Island has four amazing resort areas clustered in North Kona and South Kohala on the sunny, west side of the island. The coastal resorts are large self-contained properties with luxury hotels, white sand beaches, restaurants, shops, golf courses, and ancient Hawaiian sites. All four resorts, Mauna Kea, Mauna Lani, Waikoloa Beach, and Hualalai, are located north of Kona airport. In addition to luxury hotels, the resorts have vacation rentals in condominiums and individual homes that share the hotels’ amenities on the resort property.

One of the special things about Hawaii Island’s resorts are the pristine white sand beaches with no crowds. To watch the sunset or sunbathe on Waikiki, you have to squeeze into a spot among the throngs of noisy people. By the time you have had breakfast on Maui, all the lounge chairs around the pool are taken. But on Hawaii Island, the world feels a million miles away on the quiet, soft sandy beaches of the Kohala Coast.

Mauna Kea Resort

Mauna Kea Resort was developed in the 1960’s by Lawrence Rockefeller. The resort has two hotels, golf courses, restaurants, and two incredible beaches: Mauna Kea beach and Hapuna beach.

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel has 1600 pieces of Asian and Polynesian art on display and sits in front of one of the most perfect beaches in the world, Mauna Kea Beach (Kauna’oa Bay).

Hapuna Beach and Hapuna Prince Hotel

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, also within the Mauna Kea Resort, was built in the 1990’s in front of the pristine, white sand Hapuna Beach.

Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel

Mauna Kea Resort was purchased in 1989 by Yoshiaki Tsutsumi of Seibu Railway and is managed by the Prince Hotels.

Mauna Lani Resort

The 3200 acre Mauna Lani Resort was developed by Francis Hyde Ii Brown, a state senator in Hawaii, and Noboru Gotoh, chairman of the Tokyu Corporation in the 1970s.

Mauna Lani Resort golf tee

The resort has two hotels, golf courses, and a small shopping center with stores, restaurants, and a grocery store. Within the resort are the ancient Kalahuipua’a fish ponds and trails along gorgeous coastline.

Bridge over fishponds to Mauna Lani Bay Hotel

Mauna Lani Bay Hotel opened in 1983 in front of a protected reef next to ancient Hawaiian fish ponds.

Turtle sunning along the Mauna Lani coastline

The hotel raises turtles in their lobby and releases the “Honu” every July.

White sand beaches in Mauna Lani Resort

Nearby are spectacular beaches to swim and snorkel. There are trails circling the fishponds perfect for walking or biking.

Petroglyph Preserve next to Fairmont Orchid Hotel

The Fairmont Orchid opened in Mauna Lani Resort in December 1990 as a Ritz Carlton and has been managed by Fairmont Hotel since December 2003. The hotel has a rugged coastline with several protected coves for swimming. The upscale hotel has pools, hot tubs, spa, luau, and restaurants. Next to the Fairmont is a trail to the Puako Petroglyph Reserve.

Waikoloa Beach Resort

The 1350 acre Waikoloa Beach Resort has two hotels and golf courses. The resort’s two shopping centers have restaurants, fast food, and stores.

Ancient Hawaiian Fish Ponds in Waikoloa Resort

The Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort, originally the Royal Waikoloan, faces the white sand beach of Anaehoomalu Bay behind two ancient Hawaiian fishponds.

Anaehoomalu Bay

Pool at the Marriott Hotel in Waikoloa Resort

Across the road from the Marriott is the ancient Kings Trail and a petroglyph preserve.

Ancient Hawaiian Trail in Waikoloa Resort

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is a resort within a resort with a train and canal boat through the large property.

Ocean View from Hilton Waikoloa lobby

The Hilton has a protected lagoon with a sandy beach, covered walking paths, exotic birds, and huge swimming pools. The hallways have a large art collection. Dolphin Quest is on the property.

Canal boat ride within Hilton Waikoloa

Hualalai Resort

Hualalai Resort has the upscale Four Seasons Hotel with a spa, restaurants, golf courses, and gorgeous coastline.

Four Seasons Ka‘upulehu Beach

The hotel is in front of Ka‘upulehu white sand beach with great walking paths.

Kikaua Point Park at Kuhio

South of Hualalai Resort is Kuhio, an exclusive residential area for billionaires with a beautiful man-made beach in front.

Check out Your IdealHawaii Island Vacation: A Guide for Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii for more information about all the incredible sites on the Kohala Coast of Hawaii Island.

A day at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

2014-08-24T14:17:00.000-07:00

Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park is a 1160 acre park in North Kona with an ancient Hawaiian fishpond and unique stone fish trap. The park has three entrances: the north entrance road to Kaloko fishpond, the center entrance to the Visitor’s center, and the south entrance, within Kona’s Honokohau Small Boat Harbor, to the ‘Ai’opio fish trap.

Kaloko fishpond

Kaloko fishpond, the widest and largest fishpond in the state of Hawaii, is on the northern end of the park.

The fishpond is accessible by a rough, dirt road behind a gate just north of the Visitor’s Center gate on Highway 19.

Dirt road to Kaloko fish pond from Highway 19

The road is deeply rutted which makes for a bumpy ride, but is passable with a regular car

Rutted dirt road to Kaloko fishpond

From the road, you can see the old “King’s Trail” that runs along the coast. The road also passes by ancient rock walls and foundations.

Kings Trail

At the end of the road is a parking lot just a few steps away from the fishpond and a small white sand beach.

Kaloko fishpond parking lot

Kaloko fish pond is very large with a massive rock wall that encloses the fishpond.

Kaloko fishpond rock wall

The wall was restored after 13 years of effort using ancient Hawaiian building techniques.

Local Hawaiians with the knowledge of how to create kuapa walls by setting interlocking stones, without shaping or using cement, rebuilt the impressive wall. You can walk on top of the solid and stable structure and look down at the pounding surf. Each stone has been perfectly placed and sits neatly and securely within all the other stones.

Ancient Hawaii stone building

The mason workers say that they “listen” to where the stone wants to be placed. The recreation of a stone wall of this scale and complexity will hopefully retain the knowledge of Uhau Humu Pohaku (Hawaiian Dry Stack Masonry) on Hawaii Island.

Honokohau Beach

The ‘Ai’opio fishtrap and Honokohau white sand beach are located at the southern end of the park. There is a trail to it from the Visitor’s center or easier access from a south park entrance within Kona’s Honokohau Boat Harbor. The harbor entrance is at Kealakehe Parkway off Highway 19. The palm tree lined Kealakehe Parkway has a plaque on the side of the road installed in 1964 recognizing the Hawaiian Honokohau Settlement as a National Historic Landmark.

Plaque in Honokohau Harbor

The park entrance is located near Kona Sailing Club which can be reached by taking a right turn at the first intersection on Kealakehe Parkway road in the harbor.

South gate to the National Park in the Harbor

A large parking lot is located on the left and the park gate is located on the right.

Path to fishpond

Pedestrian and animals on a leash can pass through the gate to an unpaved park trail that leads to the coastline. The trail is rocky from the gate to the beach, not wheelchair accessible, but only about a half mile to the beach.

White sand beach and canoe house

The beach in front of the fish trap has a restored canoe house and shade for a picnic or enjoying the view. Some people bring chairs and spend the day snorkeling or fishing.

'Ai'opio stone fishtrap

The ‘Ai’opio fishtrap is an usual stone structure in a 1.7 acre pond. The stone walls surrounding the pond were low enough to allow fish in during high tide but high enough to trap the fish at low tide. The fish trap captured and stored fish as opposed to the fish ponds where fish were raised.

Maliu Point

At the south end of the beach is Maliu Point Resource Area, a protected historical area with stone walls and remains of a temple. From the point, there is a great view of the open ocean.

Channel in Kona Honokohau Harbor

An alternate walk from the park back to the parking lot is near Mailu Point, where a gate leads to the side of Kona’s Honokohau Small Boat Harbor channel. You can walk along the channel where the boats enter and leave the harbor.

Visitors Center in Kaloko Honokohau National Park

The Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park Visitor’s Center is located 4.2 miles south of Kona International airport on Queen Ka’ahumanu Highway (Highway 19) and a half a mile north of the entrance to Kona's Honokohau Harbor. The center has a large parking area, bathrooms, and a small store. Park information and maps are available and a park ranger is on site to talk story. Entrance is free. The gate is open 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (park website: nps.gov/kaho)

For descriptions and directions to hundreds of other interesting places to visit on Hawaii Island, check out Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation guide in black and white or color versions.

When to Visit Hawaii Island

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The best time to visit Hawaii Island is during off-season. Most people come between January and March to escape the cold weather on the mainland. They come to soak up some sun and thaw out and end up frustrated with the high prices, slow service, crowds, and choppy ocean.

High Season in Hawaii is December 15^th to April 15^th when it is the most crowded and the most expensive. Airline ticket prices can be double or triple off season as can hotel rooms and rental cars. It is not usual to not be able to find a rental car or hotel room at this time. There is a second mini-high season during the summer, from June 15^th to August 30^th, when families visit with their children during summer break. It is usually a little cheaper than high season with more hotel rooms available.

There are two off-season periods on Hawaii Island. The first is from April 15^th to June 15^thand the second is September 1^st to December 15^th.

Empty beach on Hawaii Island

During these times, the beaches are empty and the weather is fantastic. If you take the time to hunt down good deal they can be great bargains for hotels and activities.

During the off season times the ocean is usually warmer, calmer, and better for snorkeling. It is less rainy on most parts of the island and the temperature on average is a comfortable 85 degrees. There are more hours of sunlight in the summer for sightseeing, swimming, and lying on the beach. The roads have less traffic, the prices are lower, and there are more places to stay.

Summer is a great time of year in Hawaii. The sun is up longer so there is plenty of time for long walks in the evening and warm ocean swims to cool off. There are empty tables at the restaurants, empty hotel pools, and the beaches are deserted for morning walks.

Read about the amazing things to see and do on vacation in: Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation: A Guide for Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii

Best Places for young kids to play on Hawaii Island

2014-07-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

The Big Island of Hawaii has some wonderful places for toddlers and young children to play and have fun. The places listed are accessible by stroller with nearby parking and restrooms.

Best Kid-friendly Beaches:

Kamakahonu Beach is in front of the King Kamehameha Hotel in Kailua-Kona. It is a white sand beach within a protected bay.

Kamakahonu Beach in Kailua-Kona

Young children can play in the soft white sand without nearby crashing waves. Parking is behind the hotel and strollers can be used to transport beach stuff to the sand. There is no shade, so an umbrella is a good idea. Restrooms and showers are on the pier next to the beach. The hotel charges for parking.

Kikaua Point at Kukio, south of the Four Seasons Hotel, is a man-made beach with white sand and shaded, grassy areas.

Protected cove at Kikaua Point

A small cove surrounded by lava rock provides a protected swimming area for young children. There are no lifeguards and currents are dangerous beyond the protected cove. A paved path, perfect for a stroller, leads from the parking lot to the beach. The beach has restrooms and showers. Parking is free, but limited and requires a pass from the Kukio gate.

Best Parks

Liliuokalani Gardens is next to Hilo Bay with some large grassy areas next to huge banyan trees for children to roam and run.

Grass and trees in Liliuokalani Garden in Hilo

Paved paths through flowers and statues are stroller-friendly.

Banyan Trees at Liliuokalani Garden in Hilo

Nearby is the bridge to Coconut Island. Banyan Drive has a great sidewalk for strollers. Hotels are located along Banyan Drive with cafes and restaurants overlooking Hilo Bay. At the end of the road is Reed’s Bay which has recently been upgraded with new restrooms. Reeds Bay is a beach in a protected cove and no waves. There are parking lots at Liliuokalani Garden and Reed’s Bay.

Harold H Higashihara Park is located on Highway 11 south of Kailua-Kona. The Kamakana playground within the park has a multi-story wooden castle, large playground, and fenced area. Children can explore, climb, swing, and run. The public park has lots of shade, nearby parking, and restrooms.

Best Museum

The Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center is a small museum located at Kona’s airport. The museum is dedicated to an astronaut from Kona who died in the 1986 Challenger space shuttle explosion. The displays and videos are aimed at young children with exhibits about space flight and life in space. Activity tables are set up where children can sit down and become absorbed with the materials provided. It is a great place to spend a couple hours between activities or while waiting for a flight. There is a charge for the museum and for parking at the airport. (moonchasers.com/onizuka.html)

Best Zoos

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo in Hilo is the perfect place to take young children for a stroll or to let them explore.

Roaming peacocks at Hilo Zoo

The small zoo has paved paths that lead past animal cages in a tropical garden. The exhibits focus on animals, birds, reptiles and insects from the tropics. The animals are easy for children to see, there are plenty of places to sit, and there is an area with play equipment. A petting zoo is open on Saturday at 1:30-2:30PM. Parking and entrance are free. (hilozoo.com)

The Hilton Waikoloa Village is like a mini-amusement park with sidewalks and covered walkways through the 62 acre resort. You can stroll your children past waterfalls and cages of exotic wildlife including flamingos, cockatoos, swans, cranes, parrots, and Hawaiian nene. There is a viewing area of the dolphins next to Dolphin Quest and a white sand beach next to a protected lagoon filled with fish and green turtles. An air conditioned train runs across the property (free from 6AM to 12AM) and canal boats float through the resort’s waterways filled with tropical fish and a four-foot barracuda (free from 2PM to 10PM).

Canal Boat at Hilton Waikoloa

The Hilton hotel charges for parking.

(hiltonwaikoloavillage.com/resort-experiences)

Best Shopping Centers

Queen’s Marketplace at Waikoloa Beach Resort has a large koi pond, fountains, and ponds in a center courtyard area. There is a lot of sidewalk for strollers, shady areas, and a gazebo. Koi feeding is daily at 9:30AM and 3:30PM. Parking is free (queensmarketplace.net)

Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo is the island’s only indoor mall with wide corridors, stores, food court, restaurants (IHop and Zippy’s), and movie theater.

Hilo indoor mall

The mall has a Toy R Us Express and the older kids may like Game Stop and Tilt (video game parlor). There are often shows and activities at the center court. The mall is open daily at 10 a.m., though the restaurants open earlier for breakfast. (princekuhioplaza.com)

Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation

2014-07-09T13:00:00.001-07:00

Hapuna Beach in South Kohala on Hawaii Island

Seven years ago we came to Hawaii Island to take a year off. We had so much fun that year we never left. We became full time tourists and explored every part of the island. Since we live on the island, we are often asked for directions and advice on what to see, the best way to get to Volcanoes National Park, the best beaches, where to snorkel, what to see in Kona, and more. We end up drawing blurry maps on napkins and writing down directions to our favorite sites on the island.

We wrote Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation: A Guide for Visiting the Big Island of Hawaii to provide clear directions to all the fantastic sites around the island that are easily accessible by a regular car.

We started by drawing maps and taking photos of each place - 150 of them. We drove to the sites in a regular car to verify our maps and the directions. We redrew the maps many times so they made sense of what it felt like driving the road. We took photos to help identify the sites from the road, not to be artistic. The photos are in black and white to keep the price of the guide below $10. We leave photographing Hawaii’s brilliant colors and beauty to you.

The guide includes a great deal of information about areas barely covered in other guides like the incredible sites in the districts of Kau, Puna and Hilo.

For example, the guide tells you how to get to the actual South Point (the most southern point in the US), not the place tour buses and 99% of people visit thinking is South Point. The actual South point is a quarter mile walk from the parking area and an incredible sight to see.

Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation guide tells you how to get to Kahuku Ranch – a huge new addition to Volcanoes National Park with its own entrance in Kau. It is not open every day and the gate is hard to find. We show where it is and tell when it is open. Though remote, it is a fantastic place to visit.

The guide tells you about an amazing open air church above Punaluu Black Sand beach with a spectacular view of the beach and surrounding bay. Though Punaluu’s Black Sand beach is visited by tens of thousands of tourists every year, most do not even know about the little church and incredible views just a short walk from the beach parking lot. The church is dedicated to a young man who traveled to America in the 1800’s and became the first Hawaiian Christian. The book tells the incredible story of how this young man from Punaluu changed the course of history in Hawaii.

Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation guide covers sites along Puna’s coast like a lava heated hot springs and a haunted ocean park (it really gave us the creeps).

The guide includes all the places Hilo is known for but it also has:

the hidden Happiness Garden; the best fish market; the location of a banyan tree planted by Babe Ruth, and where to look into the Wailuku River to see the fabled rock formation called “Maui’s Canoe”.

Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation guide has the historical Hawaiian cowboy and ranch sites in Waimea, but it also has directions to a secret Military base where Marines trained during World War II.

Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation guide includes the location of the State of Hawaii’s only remaining Chinese Society Building in North Kohala where the secret white lotus society plotted the overthrow of the Chinese government.

When we toured Europe, we loved the guides that described the historical events that took place at the sites we visited. We remember a bus tour to a remote grassy field outside of Rome. It was a boring view of grass and stones until we read about the Appian Way and how it changed the course of history for the Roman Empire. We wanted to create a travel guide for Hawaii Island like those European travel books that told about the people, the history and events that made Hawaii the place it is today. We researched the island’s history from diaries of early travelers and missionaries. We read biographies and found old newspapers and books about the island. The guide has historical information in bold lettering interleaved with photographs and site descriptions.

Including the historical stories and legends in the guide makes it an interesting read for visitors as well as armchair travelers. Researching and visiting the sites on the island gave us a deeper appreciation of the people and events that occurred on the island and makes it feel even bigger and more amazing than before.

If you have a Kindle, the guide book is available in two parts, Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation East Side covering Hilo, Puna, Volcanoes National Park, Kau, and the Hamakua Coast and Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation West Side covering North Kona, South Kona, South Kohala resort area, North Kohala, and Waimea. The Kindle versions have many more pictures than the paperback version and they are in color.

Our hope is that Your Ideal Hawaii Island Vacation guides provide you a deeper view and appreciation of Hawaii Island and a more fun Hawaii vacation.

Turtle Independence Day at Mauna Lani Resort

2014-06-29T17:17:00.000-07:00

Turtle Release Ceremony Crowd

If you are looking for fun at the beach on Independence Day this year, then you may want to celebrate part of the day at the Mauna Lani Resort on the Kohala Coast.

Hawaiian Honu (turtles) are raised and cared for in ponds at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel. Turtles are a common sight along the coast.

Turtles sunning in Mauna Lani Resort

Every year the hotel has a huge party to release the grown Honu to the ocean.

Turtle Release Ceremony Parade

Starting at 10:30 AM, the turtles will be gathered from the Honu Ponds and paraded to the beach front.

Turtles being transported to the beach

Educational displays will be set up on the beach and there will be live music and activities.

Entertainment for the kids

A July 4^th BBQ will be offered by the hotel.

Mauna Lani Hotel

Mauna Lani is a 3200 acre resort developed in the 1970’s by Francis Hyde Ii Brown (a state senator for 20 years and avid golfer) and Noboru Gotoh (chairman of Tokyu Corporation). The resort has two hotels, golf courses, and a shopping center. Mauna Lani Bay Hotel opened in 1983 in front of a protected reef. Nearby the hotel are ancient Hawaiian fish ponds.

Fish pond next to Mauna Lani Hotel

The Fairmont Orchid opened since December 1990, is also located within the Mauna Lani Resort.

Directions: Mauna Lani Resort is located 23 miles north of Kona Airport (approximately 30 minutes) and 7 miles south of the Kawaihae Road/Queen Kaahumanu junction.

Turn into the resort onto Mauna Lani Drive and proceed a mile to the round-about.

Enter the round about/traffic circle and take the 2nd right onto Mauna Lani Drive. The Shops at Mauna Lani will be on your right.

Stay on Mauna Lani Drive until you reach the main entrance to the hotel.

After enjoying the beach and BBQ at Mauna Lani, you can see the fireworks display at the nearby Waikoloa Beach Resort. Hilo and Kona are also having fireworks celebrations this year.

Hotel information about this year's event

Here is a listing of Independence Day events this Friday, July 4, 2014.

Merry Monarch Hula Festival in Hilo Hawaii

2011-04-04T15:41:00.000-07:00

The week of the Merrie Monarch Hula Festival starts on Easter day, April 24, in Hilo, Hawaii. From April 24 to 30, Hilo showcases Hula with daily events at the Hilo Hawaiian Hotel, Hawaii Naniloa Volcanoes Resort, and ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. Arts and crafts fairs show off Hawaiian art around the town.

The Music festival, Ho'olaulea, at the Civic Auditorium on Easter day is our favorite event. It showcases hula performed by dancers and musicians from the Big Island including popular and traditional hula songs. On Wednesday night is the free Hula exhibition, Ho’ike, showcasing hula and dance in the Edith Kanaka'ole Multipurpose Stadium. The event is worth the long wait in line to get a view of the pageantry and feel the excitement of the Merrie Monarch festival. The hula competitions are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, but if you don’t have a ticket you can watch the performances live on KITV or on the internet at KITV’s web site. Saturday is the colorful Merrie Monarch parade through downtown Hilo.

If you can make it to Hilo for even part of the week, you will not be disappointed and may be surprised at the depth and intensity of traditional Hawaiian Hula being preserved by the Merrie Monarch festival. Here is a calendar with all the Merrie Monarch events, which is being updated as new information becomes available.

Hilo Hawaii Tropical Rainforest Zoo

2011-03-16T23:34:00.000-07:00

If you get a chance to visit Hilo on the east side of the Big Island, then consider visiting the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens. The 12 acres of gardens are the only tropical rainforest zoo in the United States, located in a forested area which borders Hilo and the Puna districts.

Hilo’s zoo is the perfect place to spend a couple of hours strolling along the paths lined with flowers, palm trees, bamboo and tropical plants. Along the way there are cages of brightly covered birds, lilly ponds, peacocks strutting free. It is home to over 80 animal species including the Hawaiian State bird, Nene.

The most magnificent resident is Namaste – a white Bengal tiger from India. He lives in a huge enclosure and is usually napping near the fence line with one eye on his visitors. You can watch the tiger feeding every day at 3:30PM.

The zoo is a great place for kids to have fun. There are interesting displays like the huge butterfly cage that you can walk through. On Saturday’s from 1:30-2:30 a petting zoo is open for the children.

There are benches to rest, many in the shade, and picnic tables if you want to bring lunch or a snack. You can rent a stroller and there is a a gift shop at the front entrance.

The Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens is open 9am-4pm daily (except Christmas and New Year’s Day) and entrance and parking are free.

The Zoo is located on the outskirts of Hilo Town at 800 Stainback Highway. From Hilo, take Highway 11 (Hawaii Belt Road) South towards Volcano. About two and one half miles past Prince Kuhio Shopping Plaza look for the "ZOO" sign on a lava rock wall, just after "Kulani 19." Turn right on Mamaki.

Bring water and sunscreen and a camera.

Mark Twain in Waiohinu on the Big Island of Hawaii

2011-03-03T12:56:00.000-08:00

Mark Twain visited the island of Hawaii in 1866 after touring other Hawaiian islands known then as the “Sandwich Islands”.

Twain landed at the village of Waiohinu, just west of Na’alehu in the district of Kau as a part of his trek to the active Volcano on the Big Island. There are many stories about his visit as well as his own writings for the Sacramento Union newspaper about the islands.

Twain’s trip to Waiohinu has been memorialized in the South Point area in Mark Twain Street, Mark Twain Square, the residential area of Mark Twain Estates, and the historic Monkey Pod tree. The story goes that Twain spent the night in Waiohinu at the home of Captain Charles Spencer who later became Minister of the Interior under King Kalakaua. Twain is credited for planting a monkey pod tree on the property in June 1866, though no one seems to know why. The tree was destroyed by high winds in 1957, but was re-grown from a sprout of the original tree.

The property in Waiohinu, named Mark Twain Square, is owned privately but you can stop at the historic site marker to admire the tree and from his description easily imagine what the area was like when Twain arrived in 1866.

“We went ashore in the first boat and landed in the midst of a black, rough, lava solitude, and got horses and started to Waiohinu, six miles distant. The road was good, and our surroundings fast improved. We were soon among green groves and flowers and occasional plains of grass. There are a dozen houses at Waiohinu, and they have got sound roofs, which is well, because the place is tolerably high upon the mountain side and it rains there pretty much all the time during September. The name Waiohinu means "sparkling water," and refers to a beautiful mountain stream there.

A sugar plantation has been started at Waiohinu, and 150 acres planted, a year ago, but the altitude ranges from 1,800 to 2,500 feet above sea level, and it is thought it will take another year for the cane to mature.”

We had an abundance of mangoes, papaias and bananas here, but the pride of the islands, the most delicious fruit known to men, cherimoya, was not in season. It has a soft pulp, like a pawpaw, and is eaten with a spoon. The papaia looks like a small squash, and tastes like a pawpaw.

In this rainy spot trees and flowers flourish luxuriantly, and three of those trees - two mangoes and an orange - will live in my memory as the greenest, freshest and most beautiful I ever saw - and withal, the stateliest and most graceful. One of those mangoes stood in the middle of a large grassy yard, lord of the domain and incorruptible sentinel against the sunshine. When one passed within the compass of its broad arms and its impenetrable foliage he was safe from the pitiless glare of the sun - the protecting shade fell everywhere like a somber darkness.”

If you want to stay in the area longer, there are Bed and Breakfast's nearby like the 8 acre Macadamia Meadows Farm near Mark Twain Square and the Hobbit House.

Location: Mark Twain's Monkey Pod tree is located on Highway 11 between mile marker 65 and 66 next to Waiohinu Park.

Swimming the Kona Ironman Route

2011-02-26T11:34:00.000-08:00

One of our favorite places to swim in Kona Hawaii is off the Kona Kailua pier. The small beach on the south side of the pier is the starting place of the annual Kona World Ironman Championships. Because of the popularity of the Ironman race and the year-round athletes that train in the Kona area, the route is usually crowded with athletes doing their daily workouts from the beach to the buoys and back.

The route is marked with buoys along the way so you can follow them for a short or long distance swim. The buoys are known locally and named for their round trip distances, so the 1/4 mile buoy is really only 1/8th a mile from the beach. There is a string of small buoys close to shore attached by a rope line from the beach to the 1/4 mile buoy (located 1/8th of mile from the beach). It is best to stay on the shore side of the rope line to avoid the boats using the pier to load and unload passengers to the Kona submarine, para-sail, and cruise ships.

After the 1/4 mile buoy, there is a 1/2 mile buoy, which is in front of the Kona Inn restaurant.

Currently the 3/4 mile buoy is missing, so the next one is the 1.2 mile buoy which is located in front of the Kona Resort. The swim to this buoy and back to the beach is 1.2 miles. You can’t see the 1.2 mile buoy from the 1/4 mile buoy, so if you want to swim to it, head towards the Kona Resort, making sure not to get too close to lava shoreline. The 1.2 mile buoy is the half-way mark of the Iron man swim. Beyond the 1.2 mile buoy there is an unmarked white buoy at the 2.4 mile mark (the turn-around point for the Ironman's 2.4 mile swim portion of the race), but we have yet to swim out that far to confirm it.

Since we aren’t hard-core swimmers, we snorkel along the route to take in the colorful reef fish below the swimmers. There is a turtle that hangs out at the 1/4 mile buoy. If you are lucky you will run into a pod of dolphins playing with the swimmers or schools of colorful fish. Depending upon when you go, you may see water aerobic groups, scuba divers, standup paddlers, kayaks, and of course swimmers blasting past at Olympic speeds.

If the Ironman route seems daunting, you can snorkel on the other side of the Kailua pier, in front of the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. There is a larger beach and calm cove with great snorkeling at the mouth of the cove next to the Ahu’ena Heiau (temple) across from the pier. We prefer this area when we are with kids, non-swimmers, or if the surf is too rough for us to feel comfortable snorkeling the Ironman route.

There are no lifeguards at the beach, so look up frequently to make sure you aren’t getting to close to the shore or heading out to sea toward an oncoming boat, jetski, paddler, or fast moving swimmer. Getting too close to shore could result in crashing against treacherous black lava. If you aren’t up to the swim, you can still enjoy the scene from the Kailua Kona seawall above the beach.

Kailua Kona pier is located on Ali'i Drive in front of the King Kamehamameha Kona Beach Hotel. You can park for a fee at the hotel or behind Ali'i Drive at one of the public parking areas.

Kona COSTCO saves big money on a vacation to the Big Island

2011-02-18T14:25:00.000-08:00

A vacation to the remote island of Hawaii includes spending extra on food, drinks, and gasoline which all have to be flown in or shipped to the island.One way to save money is to buy your food, gas, and Hawaiian gifts from COSTCO. There is only one COSTCO on the Big Island and it is located between the Kona airport and Kailua-Kona town. The prices are cheaper than most of the stores and restaurants on the island and they carry a large selection of local products and gift items.

Depending on the season, you can find Hawaii grown pineapples, papayas, mushrooms, broccoli, lettuce, avocados, tomatoes, and ginger. So don’t miss the huge cold-room with fresh produce tucked away in the back of the store next to the bakery. Other local Hawaii foods are available in the deli and bakery like poi, lau lau, taro bread, POG, fresh poke, Volcano wine, and local brewed Kona beer. Depending on the luck of the local fishermen, you can find fresh caught ahi (tuna), mahi mahi, and ono as well as sashimi platters in the refrigerated counters.

Even if you are staying in a hotel without a kitchen, a trip to COSTCO will save you on snacks, drinks, water, and prepared meals. Their food court serves pizza, hotdogs, wraps, chicken and beef bakes, and ice cream drinks. On weekends, food demonstrators set up so many booths with food samples that locals call it a free buffet meal.

If you are looking for something to take to those not lucky enough to be with you in Hawaii, COSCO has a large selection of Hawaii themed gifts and souvenirs. At the front of the store they have a huge area dedicated to gift boxes of Hawaii chocolates, mac nuts, cookies, and snacks. In the coffee section, you can find Kona coffee and in the center area you can find Hawaiian kids books, Hawaii history books and novels, Hawaiian music and moviess, and Aloha shirts. If you don’t want to lug gifts back in your suitcase, you can fill Hawaii-labeled priority- mail flat rate boxes available from the Kona post office with goodies and send them back to the mainland.

COSCO's gas station has the cheapest gas on the island, so you can fill your rental car after driving around the island or before returning it to the airport, to save.

And if you need towels, beach chairs, bathing suits, camera supplies, memory sticks, batteries, camping equipment, surf or paddle boards, then COSCO is usually the cheapest place to find it. Wal-mart and Target are other stores on the island that have local items at reduced prices.

You have to be a member or join to shop at COSTCO. The store is tucked away above the Queen Kaahumanu Highway between the Kona airport and Kailua-Kona town. Turn on to Hina Lina Street and drive up to Maiau Street; turn right and follow the road until it veers to the right and you will see the large COSCO parking lot below on the left hand side.
The hours are Monday to Friday 10AM to 8:30PM (Business Member hours 10-11AM), Saturday 9:30AM to 6PM, and Sunday 10AM to 6PM. The gas station opens at 6AM daily.

Kona COSTCO has an ATM, 1 hour photo service, bakery, food court, deli, fresh meat and produce depts, hearing aid center, optometrist and optical department, pharmacy, inkjet cartridge refill, gas station, and tire service center.

Indian Food in Kona

2011-02-09T21:06:00.000-08:00

Indian food is uncommon in Hawaii, so the recently opened Shivalik Indian Cuisine in Kailua Kona Village stands out among the other Asian, Hawaiian, and American restaurants in the Kona area. But we were more enticed by the restaurant’s excellent location, upstairs with a commanding view of Kailua Bay, than its Indian food.

Shivalik has as an extensive menu of vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian foods including popular Indian favorites from the tandoor (clay oven cooked), paneer (Indian cheese), dal (lentils), breads, samosas, pakoras, curries, and specialty deserts ranging in price from $12.50 to $21.95. For those that are not into Indian food, the menu includes Asian and American selections.

Owners Naresh and Sunita Chand opened their first Shivalik restaurant on the island of Kauai in the Waipouli Town Center, before expanding to Kona on the Big Island. The Chands, originally from New Delhi, India, owned a restaurant in Michigan before they moved to Hawaii to start a chain of restaurants.

If you're in a hurry, you may want to go with the daily lunch buffet, available from 11AM to 3PM. We opted for the buffet so we could sample a variety of the dishes and to shorten the wait. The all-you-can-eat selection included vegetarian curries, chicken, rice, and breads. The food was great, but not as spicy as we are like. The $15.95 price tag is steep for lunch, but the view is really fantastic.

Shivalik Indian Cuisine is located above Whaler’s General Store in the Kona Square building on Ali’I Drive and open daily from 11AM to 3PM for lunch and from 5PM to 9:30PM for dinner. They don’t have a liquor license yet, but you can bring your own bottle for no fee. We parked across the street at the King Kamehameha Beach hotel and there is also parking at the Firestone center on Kuakini Hwy.

Volcano Winery on the Big Island

2011-02-03T15:47:00.000-08:00

If you like wine, you might be surprised to know that the Big Island has a winery located near Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The Volcano Winery has managed to grow grapes in harsh lava fields and produce wine in one of the most remote places on earth for over 20 years.

Volcano Winery was started in 1986 by retired Oahu veterinarian, Lynn “Doc” McKinney. He planted Symphony grape vines in the lava to take advantage of Volcano’s climate and high altitude (4000 ft) which has dry and cool weather similar to Napa Valley in California. The Symphony grape is a hybrid of the Muscat of Alexandria and Grenache gris grapes developed at UC Davis, California. Doc McKinney experimented with different Hawaiian fruit and grape blends and expanded the vineyard to 14 acres. In 1993, Volcano Winery was opened to the public with a selection of unique Hawaiian wines incorporating grapes and tropical fruits. McKinney and his wife were forced to sell the winery after he was in an accident, but he remains a consultant to the winery.

In 1999, Delwin Bothof, who runs a high-tech media company in Summit, N.J., purchased the winery. His son, Scott Bothof,learned about wine-making from Doc McKinney and is the now the winery’s General Manager. Scott has continued production of the winery’s unusual wines made of tropical fruits like their Guava Chablis and Volcano Blush (made of jaboticaba berries blended with grapes).They have created an after-dinner sweet Macadamia Nut Honey Wine made from the blossoms of the Macadamia Nut tree. And they produce traditional wines made with the white Symphony grapes.

Though the wine is made on the premise, there are no tours available. But a store on the property is open for free wine tasting every day from 10AM to 5:30PM and the staff is friendly and the view picturesque.

Volcano Winery is located 30 miles from Hilo in the town of Volcano.
From Highway 11, turn at the 30-mile marker onto Pii Mauna Drive.
The winery is located next to the Volcano golf course at the end of the road.

Hilo’s Big Island Candies Factory and Store

2011-01-27T21:48:00.000-08:00

Our favorite place to buy omiyage (housewarming, holiday, and thank you gifts) is at Big Island Candies in Hilo on the Big Island of Hawaii. When you enter the store, you are greeted with a smile and a sample of one of their shortbread chocolate-dipped cookies and nutty chocolates and offered Kona coffee. As we slowly savor the treats, we love to wander around the store and take in the brightly colored decorations.

The decorations reflect the season and are changed every few weeks to reflect the season and new holiday. Along one side of the store are huge windows where you can watch factory workers carefully dipping cookies into vats of chocolate.

One of the big attractions of Big Island Candies products is the box wrapping. They have created special gifts by using brightly colored wrapping paper, boxes and special containers. You can buy their products without the special wrapping, but if you want to offer a gift that really stands out, they have created the perfect combination of beauty on the outside and delicious on the inside.

Big Island Candies was founded in 1977 by Allan Ikaiwa to make cookies and candies from products grown on the Big Island, like macadamia nuts, coffee, and eggs. All the candies and cookies are made at the factory in Hilo and sold in the gift shop or online where they are shipped worldwide. They have come up with some great candies in addition to their famous chocolate dipped short bread like corn chips bars, chocolate covered ika (dried squid), red chili toffee, guava cookies, green tea shortbread, brownies, truffles, and more.

We became particularly fond of Big Island Candies when we were searching for something special to send our Japanese friends. Cookies from Big Island Candies are served as special treats on JAL and other Japanese airlines, so they have a high-end reputation in Japan. The presentation of a gift in Japan is very important and so Big Island Candies cookies combination of an exclusive reputation and fantastic wrapping allowed us to make a big impression on some people that we wanted to impress in Japan. Another unique distinction of their product is that each cookie and chocolate is individually wrapped which is a common practice for high-end cookies in Asia.

We admit, sometimes we just go to the Big Island Candies store (after a great lunch at our favorite Don’s Grill located at the other end of Hinano Street – across from the credit union), just to get a tasty treat and enjoy the upbeat displays. In addition to the free samples, window into the factory, decorations, and exquisitely packaged products, the store has a counter that serves homemade ice cream, shakes, smoothies, and other drinks.

Big Island Candies is located at 585 Hinano Street in Hilo. The gift shop is open 365 days a year from 8:30AM to 5:00PM. The factory operation is viewable from 8:30AM to 3:45PM

Hawaii's Akaka Falls State Park

2011-01-21T20:55:00.000-08:00

Akaka Falls is a great place to get a taste of the tropical side of the island of Hawaii. We consider it a must stop place when showing visitors the island. It is easy to get to, takes less than an hour to see, and gives people an experience of the tropical forests of the Hamakua coast as well as a memorable Hawaiian waterfall. In our experience, Akaka Falls has yet to disappoint any visitor and children find it particularly delightful.

The hike to the waterfall from the parking lot is less than a half mile through dense tropical vegetation to a grand viewing spot of Akaka Falls which drops 442 feet into a pool of water below. Though the path is not wheelchair accessible (it has stairs), it is a fairly easy course to walk for young and old.

The hike takes about 30 minutes and leads past huge bamboo plants, ferns, vines, flowers. and across bridges spanning miniature waterfalls. There are actually two waterfalls on the route, both with overlooks. The smaller waterfall is Kahuna Falls, which falls 100 feet. The Akaka Falls scenic overlook is above Kahuna Falls and has a better viewing area of the falls and the pond below.

Akaka Falls State Park is north of Hilo above the town of Honomu, an old sugar cane plantation town. The parking lot is paved and has bathrooms. The State recently instituted a charge for non-residents of $5 per car and $1 for people walking into the park. The trail head is located just off the parking lot. If you are short of time you can take the “Akaka Falls Only” path to the left (south) from the first junction on the path. This bypasses the hike through the rain forest and the water fall is just a short walk up the path

Bring umbrellas because a downpour can happen at any time, but it won’t spoil the beauty of the waterfalls.

If the hike makes you hungry, stop in Honomu on the way back to the highway. The tiny village has galleries, shops and restaurants. We stopped at the Woodshop Gallery & Café for lunch. Their fish was great and we loved the smoothies. The restaurant is vegetarian and vegan friendly.

Directions- Take Route 19 north out of Hilo and turn right on Route 220 (after the 13 mile marker) towards Honomu and drive through the town. Route 220 ends at the parking lot for Akaka Falls State Park.

If you are interested in a more in-depth tropical garden experience, consider visiting the nearby Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens off Route 19 toward Hilo just after mile marker 7.

Hawaii Island Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site

2011-01-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site is a little known National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is located between Kawaihae Harbor and Spencer County Beach on the Kohala coast.

The Pu’ukohola Heiau was constructed around 1790 and is one of the best preserved heiau’s (temples) in Hawaii. In addition to its historic significance, the park is located above the coast line with a wonderful path overlooking a small bay. The park’s walkway above the shore is part of the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail that runs along the western coast of Hawaii island next to the Kawaihae harbor.

The park has three ruins, the Pu’ukohala Heiau at the base of the "Hill of the Whale", the older Milekini Heiau which sits below, and offshore the Hale o Kapuni Heiau, dedicated to the shark gods, located in the water buried under sand and silt. Sharks are a frequent site from the lookout over the bay and during the winter season whales can be seen from the park’s lookout.

The Homestead of John Young, friend to King Kamehameha I, is also on the property. Young was a stranded British sailor who proved himself in battle and became an advisor to Kamehameha. He was given the heiau lands for his home as a reward for his service and he built a plaster covered stone house, the first western style house on the island of Hawaii. He married Hawaiian chiefess Namokuela of Oahu and later King Kamehameha’s niece, Princess Ka’oana’eha. His granddaughter was Queen Emma married to King Kamehameha IV. Young also became governor of the island. In 1972 the Queen Emma foundation donated the land and Congress designated the site as a national treasure to be protected and preserved as a National Park.

The park’s Visitors Center is open from 7:45AM to 4:55PM daily. It has a museum, displays, movies, book store, and very knowledgeable park staff. Cell phone tours are available and park staff give tours of the grounds. There are bathrooms and plenty of parking.

Directions: From Highway 19 turn north (toward the ocean) onto Highway 270 (Kawaihae Road) and go 1/2 mile to the Park entrance (on the left side of highway). Spencer County beach park is located further down Kawaihae road and is a perfect place for an ocean side picnic after a few hours enjoying the park.

High Surf in Kona Hawaii

2011-01-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

The west facing beaches on the Big Island of Hawaii in Kona and Kohala are under a National Weather high surf warning today. Surf heights are forecasted to build to heights of 8 to 12 feet.

We walked down to Honl's beach on Ali'i Drive in Kailua-Kona to catch the action. The waves were huge and the surfers were struggling to get under them. But they were rewarded with some great sets.

FANTASTIC WHITE SAND BEACHES ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAII

2009-08-15T19:38:00.000-07:00

Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach are gorgeous white sand beaches pounded by the crystal blue Pacific ocean on the island of Hawaii. Visiting them may redefine your view of the perfect tropical beach.

Both beaches are located on the Kohala coast, north of the Kona airport and Kohala resort area off Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway (Hwy 19).

Hapuna beach is located at the 69 mile marker, just south of Kawaihae harbor, 30 miles north of Kona. The beach is a half a mile long, with crystal clear water and fine white sand.

A path leads to the sand making access easy. Life guard stands watch over swimmers and post signs if there are dangerous currents or surf conditions. The surf can get violent since the beach is not protected by a break water.
On weekends and holidays Hapuna beach can be very crowded and parking can be a challenge.

The Hapuna Beach Prince hotel sits at the north end of the beach. The hotel has 350 rooms, 2 golf courses, a spa and pool, and health club.

Kauna'oa or Mauna Kea Beach beach is a mile away from Hapuna beach at the 68 mile marker. The sand beach is in the shape of a crescent and over 1/4 mile long. Snorkeling and boogie boarding are excellent and the sand is wonderful.

There is limited parking and the surf can be dangerous, like Hapuna beach. At night you can see a big light under the ocean which attracts plankton making it a popular destination for tour boats bringing snorkelers to see manta rays.

The Mauna Kea Beach hotel, which sits right on the beach, was built by a Rockerfeller in 1965. The hotel has 310 rooms, pool, health club, tennis courts, golf courses, restaurants, and on-site luau.

On weekends and holidays Hapuna Beach and Mauna Kea Beach can be very crowded due to their popularity with locals and visitors alike. Parking is limited, so get their early in the morning and stake out your perfect spot on the white sand.

An Onsen on the Big Island of Hawaii : Ahalanui Hot Springs

2009-07-20T19:37:00.000-07:00

Since the Big Island of Hawaii is an active volcano, we were surprised at the lack of natural hot springs, like the many popular onsens in Japan. Ahalanui Park, on the east side of the Big Island in Puna, is one exception. This Hawaii County park has a huge naturally heated pond within a manmade wall, refreshed with ocean water.

The water can get up to 90 degrees from the heat generated by the Volcano. Fresh ocean water helps keeps the water in the pond clean and the fish swimming underfoot makes it fun to snorkel. The bottom of the pond is sand and mud making the water often murky. The feeling of soaking in the warm water with the rush of the ocean nearby is wonderful and fun. All the visitors we have taken to the pond have enjoyed it immensely and were reluctant to leave.

The park is free, open daily from 7AM-7PM, and has ample parking. The protective wall and life guards help make the pond safe for children and non-swimmers. Don’t try swimming in the ocean on the other side of the wall though, it is ferocious.

Staircases help make the hot springs pond more accessible. A caution: the warm water can harbor bacteria, so don’t swim with open wounds or if your immunity is low.

The park has portable toilets, picnic tables, BBQ grills, and shaded areas to relax and enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean.

Ahalanui Park was opened by the County of Hawaii in 1993 and is visited by a mix of tourists and locals. The Puna district is the size of Oahu and still very remote. Many of the roads in Puna have been destroyed by lava flows, limiting access to much of the Puna area to only one two-lane road, Highway 130.

If you want to stay in the Puna district, search on-line for a B&B, Inn or vacation rental. The closest rentals near Ahalanui Park are in a residential area surrounding Kapoho Bay, about 2 miles down Hwy 137/Kapoho Kalapana Road. The nearest town is Pahoa, about 15 miles north from Ahalanui Park and about 20 miles south from Hilo Airport (ITO). Driving times are often extended by crowded and narrow roads. A drive from Pahoa to Ahalanui Park recently took us over 35 minutes.

Directions to Ahalanui Park:
On the Big Island of Hawaii: From Highway 11, take Highway 130 south through Pahoa. The road changes name to Hwy 132/Kapoho Road. When it dead ends at Highway 137, turn right on Kapoho Kalapana Road. The Park is located on the left, just past Mile Marker #10 where the road narrows. There are several other beaches along Hwy 137, but beware, the strong currents and huge waves have drowned many a strong swimmer and seasoned local. Ahalanui Park is one of the few places where you can admire the fury of the Pacific Ocean while being protected by a man-made rock wall.

Changes in the Erupting Hawaiian Volcano

2009-07-14T16:25:00.000-07:00

Kilauea Volcano on the Island of Hawaii has been extremely active since last year. On March 19, 2008, Halema'uma'u crater on Kilauea had an explosion that generated a magnitude 3.7 earthquake and scattered rocks over a 75-acre area. A week later, the white gas from the vent in the crater turned brown-gray and lava particles were emitted. Another vent 15 miles from the Kilauea caldera towards Hilo, Pu’u O’o vent, began spewing gasses in earnest adding yet more gas and Vog (volcanic fog) over the islands of Hawaii. The picture above was taken from Jaggar Museum in Volcanoes National Park on April 11, 2008. The vent was putting out a lot of gas, but was small in circumference.

Over the past year the Volcano has become increasingly active with lava flowing to the ocean, frequent earthquakes, and the Halema’uma’u vent glowing red from swirling lava coming closer to the surface. In August of last year we were able to see the Volcano’s gaseous plume all the way from Hilo.

We regularly drive up from Hilo to Volcanoes National Park to check out the Halema’uma’u vent and witness the powerful presence of the Volcano. We have been greatly impressed by the output of white and gray gasses and the continued growth of the circumference of the vent.

A picture of the crater taken from Jaggar Museum on June 27, 2009, shows the enlarged vent with heavy gaseous output. At that time, the vent glowed brightly at night.

The past couple of weeks the volcano surprised us with its decrease in output. Here are some pictures from July 6, 2009.
Starting July 4 the plume turned wispy and the sulfur dioxide emission rate was the lowest measured since the beginning of 2008 and comparable to the 2003-2007 average daily rates.

Perhaps, the overwhelming Vog that we have been experiencing on the west side of the Big Island and along the Hawaiian Island chain will subside and the blue skies over Kona will return.

Some useful Links:

Visiting Volcanoes National Park

Live CAM of Halema'uma'u crater on Kilauea

USGS Kilauea Eruption Status Reports

Volcanoes National Park air quality

Volcanoes National Park web site