Uncovering the Hidden Marvels: A Guide to Great Adventures in Hawaii's Big Island
- Wanderlust Mike
- May 27, 2017
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 20
My husband's never been to the state of Hawaii, so I thought we'd enjoy an adventure there to explore and discover the Big Island together. Here's what you can enjoy!
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HILO
We started on the green, tropical Eastern side of Hilo. The jungle there was amazing! We visited Akaka Falls State Park and some local neighborhood waterfalls and beaches near our bed and breakfast at Orchid Tree as well. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens was like a scene out of the film Avatar with its unique, exotic tropical plants. Ziplining high over a 250 foot waterfall was absolutely breathtaking! And our volcanoes helicopter ride with Safari Helicopters is the only safe way to get up close and personal with flowing lava. The view from high above wasn't bad either.
On our way to the Western Kona side of the island we visited Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Nahuku lava tube was cool, and the surrounding forest was beautiful. We were also able to witness the sheer size of the lava caldera at Kilauea volcano! Amazing! We also stopped by Punalu'u black sand beach, where we saw a huge green sea turtle resting along the black pebbled shoreline.
KONA
One the Kona side of the island we stayed at the Aloha Guest House in Captain Cook. The Kona area is made for ocean activities! Our favorite coral reef snorkeling spots were Honaunau and Kealakekua bays, the latter requiring either a 4 mile hike or a boat ride to reach. The trailhead is the Kaawaloa/Captain Cook Monument Trail, and it's a steep 1,200 feet with some lava rock near the end. Bring good hiking shoes and lots and lots of water if you intend on hiking this trail.
Snorkeling tip: Swim parallel to, not directly at, the fish. This prevents them from thinking you're a predator and chasing them away. And just floating in place for a while allows you to observe them doing their natural daily activities.
Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is a good place to learn about some of the history of the native Polynesian people. It's adjacent to Honaunau Bay snorkeling spot mentioned above.
Kokua Kailua Village Stroll, which occurs one Sunday each month, was a great opportunity to shop for local foods and crafts. We also really enjoyed the performance at the Island Breeze Luau, with great hula and other Polynesian dances. It's somewhat touristy, but the performers really do a great job and get you in that Aloha spirit!
If you love chocolate, you should visit one of the only places in the United States that grows and produces it locally at the Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory. The tour is super informative, and the chocolate in their gift shop is, of course, absolutely delicious!
If you're up for it, you can learn how to surf near Kailua Bay from the land where surfing originated at Kona Mike's Surf Adventures!
An activity you absolutely must do is a snorkel at night with manta rays with Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures! It's an incredible experience to have giant manta rays brush up against you while they feed on plankton attracted by the lights. Their skin was surprisingly rough, like coarse sand paper. But don't reach out and touch them. Let them come to you (and they will).
Being the 50th state, Hawaii does not require a passport for U. S. citizens. But being there, if you flee the tourist crowds and areas, feels like a completely different country. We are so fortunate to have this most beautiful tropical archipelago in our country. Go enjoy it! And do all you can to respect and protect this majestic, peaceful Polynesian paradise.
HIKING TRAILS
Ka'Awaloa/Captain Cook Monument Trail
(4 miles, 1,256 elevation gain, out & back)
The trailhead is the Kaawaloa/Captain Cook Monument Trail, and it's a steep 1,200 feet with some lava rock near the end. Bring good hiking shoes and lots and lots of water if you intend on hiking this trail. At the bottom is the Captain Cook monument and some of the best reef snorkeling on the island!
Akaka Falls
(0.4 miles, 100 feet elevation loss using stairs)
Pass tropical vegetation to view Kahuna Falls and Akaka Falls, which falls 442 feet into a gorge.
Nahuku (Thurston Lava Tube)
(1.5 miles)
Walk through a lush tropical forest through the lava tube. Bring a flashlight.
Kupinai Pali (Waldron Ledge)
(1 mile, wheelchair accessible)
Scenic walk adjacent to the Kilauea Visitor Center. Panoramic views of Kaluapele (Kilauea Caldera) and Halemaumau crater.
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