Hawaii

Set like a diamond in the middle of the Pacific, the Big Island of Hawaii. the youngest and most active of the Hawaiian islands chain, displays mountain top bogs and rain forests, deep canyons, lush valleys, coral/algal reefs, active flowing lava, and is ringed with many secluded sandy beaches. It is no wonder that this beautiful jewel is a perfect destination for all travelers. Surfers, snorkelers, kayakers, hikers, golfers, and lounge lizards alike enjoy the beauty and tranquility of this special island. Located over 2500 miles from the nearest continent, the Big Island is the rise of where East meets West, where we find both relaxation and adventure.

Favorite Big Island Points of Interest and Activities

Kayaking, Snorkeling, Swimming w/ Dolphins, Sailing, Boating, Fishing, Surfing, Whale Watching, Botanical Garden, Live Theatre, Volcano Tours, Green Sand Beach, Black Sand Beach, Horseback Riding, Scenic drives, City of Refuge historic park, Kona Farmers Market, live music.

Kealakekua Bay

Also known as the Hawaiian fertility god’s ( Lono’s) pathway to the sacred bay, Kealakekua Bay is rich in culture, history, and a Hawaiian heritage of grandeur.  It has been designated as a marine life conservation district by the state of Hawaii.  Known for its pristine crystal clear waters, turtles, and colorful fish, it is a premier destination for kayaking and snorkeling, and is home to local spinner dolphins year round as well as humpback whales in winter months.

If swimming with a pod of dolphins ranks high on an “amazing life experience” list for you, then Hale Maluhia at Kealakekua Bay is your home away from home! Enjoy a fresh morning cup of tea or Kona coffee on the lanai while watching dolphins play in the bay. And if you miss them in the morning, you can often find them in the bay for a sunset swim!

Swimming with Dolphins

This can often be done right down the hill from Hale Maluhia in Kealakekua Bay.  Pods of dolphins frequent the bay in the early morning and at sunset.  Bring a kick board or floatation device unless a strong swimmer. 

Into Spirit
Locally owned and operated. Wonderful dolphin trip.  Board a catamaran for a four hour trip to swim with the dolphins, see the coast and learn from the staff.  Great boat, knowledgeable staff and lots of fun.  Reservations greatly recommended.  Call Captain Veto at 808-936-1470.  Meet at Honokahau Harbor, just North of Kailua Kona.

Kayaking and Snorkeling

Kona Boys 808.328.1234
Kona's original, award winning kayak shop, serving the Big Island and specializing in Kealakekua Bay since 1995. We are a small, laid back, island style surf, kayak, and dive shop located on the big Island's Kona Coast above Kealakekua Bay. Helping locals and visitors alike enjoy Hawaii's waters. Great service, best prices, individualized orientation, tips for your enjoyment. Staff very knowledgeable and full of aloha. Our top recommendation for kayak rentals and snorkel gear!!

Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Park

Also known as the City of Refuge, this cultural site is a 10 minute drive south from Hale Maluhia, and is the most complete restoration of an ancient religious sanctuary in Hawaii. Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park preserves the site where, up until the early 19th century, Hawaiians who broke a kapu or one of the ancient laws against the gods could avoid an otherwise certain death by fleeing to this place of refuge or pu’uhonua. They could then be absolved by a priest and free to go. Defeated warriors and non-combatants could also find refuge here during times of battle. The grounds just outside the great wall that encloses the pu’uhonua was home to several generations of powerful chiefs.

Peace abounds on the palm fringed shore of this refuge, and its white coral sands contrasting black lava rock leaves an imprint of stark beauty beholden to the eyes. A wonderful place to reconnect Body*Mind*Spirit.

Sailing

Kamanu Sailing  www.kamanu.com, 808.329.2021,  Sail Kona www.sailkona.com, 808.896.HONU

Surfing

Surf instruction by Garrett, Kahaluu Surf Rental, across the street from Kahaluu beach in Kona.

Kona Hawaii Fishing

 Capt. Jeff Rogers – out of Honokahau Harbor, 808.895.1852. Kona’s #1 sport fish catching captain 9 years in a row.

Puu Mahana, Green Sand Beach

Puu Mahana, Green Sand Beach, is located in the Kau' district. It is primarily located on the slopes of Mauna Loa, the world's largest and most massive active volcano on the southwestern part of the island.

The sand really is green. The sand’s green hue is from crushed olivine, a semi-precious mineral found in volcanic rock. The ridged mound seen in the picture below is actually an olivine cinder cone that has eroded to make the beach. Please don't take any of the green sand it is precious and limited, and mahalo for picking up any trash you may see.

To get to this beach, which is not easily accessible, one must either use a four wheel drive or hike three miles from South Point, Ka Lae, the southern most tip of the United States.

This trek is NOT for the faint of heart. Have good shoes, plenty of water, sunscreen and a determined spirit. Excellent directions can be found at the http://www.andhawaii.com/big-island/green_sand_beach.html

Kahalu' u Beach Park

Fabulous snorkeling, food, phone, and showers. Lifeguard sometimes. Located next to Keauhou Beach Hotel on Ali' i Drive

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach

This is a gem of a find on the Big Island of Hawaii. Located half-way between Volcano and Na'alehu on the southern portion of the Big Island of Hawaii. Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is right next to the Sea Mountain Golf course, and the old now non-functional Sea Mountain Restaurant. Just one thing, PLEASE don't take any of the black sand and PLEASE don't distress or even touch our beloved turtles!... they are endangered species and the bacteria transferred to them via our human skin can kill them as they have no immune system for it..
Honu`ea is the Hawksbill turtle, whose nesting season is from May till the end of summer. The Honu`ea come out at night and nest at Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. Honu are the turtles you see during the day.

Both the Honu`ea and the Honu are dwindling in numbers, so please help to protect them. When you see any turtles come on the beach .... They are not sick.. and they do not need to be put back into the water... just let them enjoy themselves, keep your distance, and even better, discourage visitors that don't know any better from touching or surrounding the turtles.

  Volcanoes National Park

Because Hawaiian volcano eruptions are comparatively more gentle than those of most volcanoes elsewhere, edges of active vents often allow visitors access. To placate the wrath of Pele (goddess of fire), early Hawaiians made offerings. In 1823, missionaries William Ellis and Asa Thurston were the first westerners to visit Mt. Kilauea's boiling lake of lava. The fiery lake was described in magazines of the day, and adventurers came to ogle. Publisher Lorrin Thurston discovered a giant lava tube, formed when a river of hot lava cooled and crusted over, and the still-molten interior flowed on downhill. Eventually, the lava drained out, leaving a cave-like shell. The Thurston Lava Tube (Nahuku) is a major attraction on the Crater Rim Drive. In 1906, Thurston started campaigning to make this area a public park. On Aug 1, 1916, President Woodrow Wilson made official the nation’s 13th national park. Today, Volcanoes National Park protects 377 square miles of the island's volcanic wonders and is a refuge for surviving native plants and animals.

Aloha Theatre

79-7384 Mamalahoa Hwy, Kainaliu.  808.322.3122 

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