Big Island Wilderness Snorkeling Spots
Here is a great article that is part of a series on the Big Island done by Donald MacGowan and published at EzineArticles.com
Hawaii Snorkeling Tips Part VI - Big Island Wilderness Snorkeling Spots
By Donald MacGowan
Coming to my island for a vacation? There are three things I always recommend the first-time visitor do.
- First, go on an air tour.
- Secondly-go to a luau.
- Finally, I advise people of every age to get in the water and go snorkeling. The “one-one-one, experiencing the world through the fishes’ eyes” magic of swimming in those bath-warm lagoons surrounded by clouds of tropical fish is an amazing, restful and restorative pursuit-you will find your mind going back to that experience over and over through the years much more so than many of your other travel experiences.
Part I of this series discussed Snorkeling Gear; Part II of this series will discussed Snorkeling Technique and Part III covered Snorkeling Etiquette; Part IV of the series discussed Snorkel Safety and Part V covered Big Island Snorkel Spots.
Of all the Hawaiian Islands, because it is the youngest, the Big Island has the fewest and smallest beaches…this leads to crowding during the height of tourist season at some beaches. Because Hawaii is still rural, there are still some wilderness (hike-to-only) beaches; a few of them are among the best on the island.
Many wild beaches may be camped upon but you must apply for a permit from the appropriate agency. Overnight camping on Hawaii beaches is simplified because of the mild climate-usually I take a few quarts of water, a couple sandwiches, my camera, dry clothes for post-snorkeling comfort, a fleece blanket and rice mat to sleep on (a beach towel will suffice) and a small tarp on the off-chance it rains.
The key here is that if the weather turns truly ugly, you are rarely more than an hour from your car. You may wish to bring a few extra quarts of water to rinse the salt off after swimming-it’s difficult to sleep comfortably with salty skin.
Two things to bear in mind-although is sometimes doesn’t seem it, Hawaii DOES have tides…camp well back of the beach area. Secondly, beach fires are not only illegal, they are hugely dangerous on most beaches on the west side.
Ke-awa-iki Beach (park off Highway 19 just north of Mile 79; walk along gravel road towards the ocean to a fence and foot trail; about 15 minutes to beach): A little walking over a lava road and a’a rewards you with a beautiful beach many locals don’t know about.
This tiny black-sand beach has good snorkeling on the south side, where there is still a pocket of white sand. This unique black and white sand beach was created after the 1859 eruption of Mauna Kea, when lava reached the north end of the beach, where the black sand is today. Further south along the beach, the recent black sand has not had time to thoroughly mix with the pre-existing white sand.
If one continues south there are numerous tide pools to explore.
Hiking north, one comes to Pueo Bay, where freshwater springs make the snorkeling interesting but weird, with large temperature and salinity gradients. If one takes the trail heading inland towards a conspicuous growth of hala trees, one comes to a pair of lovely golden pools.
A golden algae gives these pools their distinctive color, but be sure not to damage the growth by walking on it. Finish the trek by hiking back across the a’a…approximately 4 miles, round trip.
Makalawena Beach (turn off Highway 19 south of Mile 90 at Kekahakai State Park; at the end of the road, take obvious trail north over lava field; the trail traverses rough lava and keawe breaks, so shoes are required): Makalawena is the finest swimming and snorkeling beach on the island and the most beautiful beach setting.
This beach sports a series of coves, refreshing shade, big sand dunes and a nice freshwater pond to rinse-off in. A great backpacking getaway, do not forget your camera; this hike will be a major highlight of your trip to the Big Island.
The land fronting the beach is owned by Bishop Estate and is slated to be turned into a development of condos and resorts; vigilance and protest on the part of locals and visitors is the only way we can keep this last, wild Kona beach wild.
Pawai Bay (in Kailua Kona, drive to the end of the Old Airport County Beach Park; hike along the ocean to the first, obvious, sandy bay): Spectacular, secluded, secret; Pawai Bay is perhaps the most interesting snorkeling spot on the island.
Walk along the sea cliffs and coves about 15-20 minutes north, to the Queen Lilioukalani Children’s Camp at Pawai Bay. Remember, non-Hawaiians are restricted to travel along the tidal zone and only the edge of the shoreline…to venture even a few feet inland is trespassing.
Pawai Bay hosts a choice sandy beach with a small channel leading to open ocean and exciting snorkeling. Many charter snorkel tours bring clients here, but you can visit free. Submerged caverns, arches and caves are filled with fish and coral and pristine water. From the shore, this is not a snorkel adventure for rank beginners.
Swim through the sandy bay to the channel and out to the cliffs. Be wary of surginess and don’t go in when the surf is big. Once in the larger bay, look back toward shore where numerous small channels lead shoreward but dead-end in cliffs; your passage back is the only channel through which you can see sand at the end.
The bay itself lies on Queen Lilioukalani Trust lands. Non-native Hawai’ians are not allowed on the land or to use the facilities. State beach access laws allow you to visit as long as you stay immediately along the shoreline; the beach is patrolled 24/7.
Captain Cook Monument (The trail leaves the Napo’opo’o Road right at telephone pole number 4, just 500 feet below where it drops off Highway 11; parking is tight, but safe): This hike is a fine walk through tall grass, open lava fields and dryland forest, opening onto one of the most pristine ocean beaches in the world. Hiking down to the Monument is great fun-the return is hot, thirsty and strenuous but rewards with panoramic views of the coast.
The 2.5-mile hike takes about an hour down, somewhat more to return. The trail runs straight down the left side of a rock wall toward the sea. As the pitch straightens out, keep to the left at the fork and proceed to the beach through the abandoned village. You strike shore several hundred feet northwest of the monument-remember to bear right at the trail junction when returning, or you face a long and unpleasant time wandering the a’a fields.
Snorkeling at the monument is wild and scenic, from shallow tidepools north of the wharf to the steep drop-off under the cliffs. There is a concrete marker in the tidal zone denoting the exact spot Cook fell somewhat north of the actual monument.
Honomalino Beach (turn off Highway 11 just south of mile marker 89, drive through Miloli’i; start hiking between the county park and a yellow church. Keep along the right at forks in the trail, in and out of the surf line, to avoid private property):
A true gem of West Hawai’i and rarely crowded, Honomalino Bay is reached by a 20 minute hike from the south end of Miloli’i Beach County Park. Snorkeling is very interesting on the north side in the rocks, when the surf is low. The water, though very clear, is sometimes quite cold due to spring discharge in the sand on the beach.
Mahana Green Sand Beach (Turn off Highway 11 to South Point, follow signs to Mahana Boat Launch. Park just above the boat ramp for the 2 1/4 mile hike to the Green Sand Beach): Absolutely unique to Hawai’i, beautiful and strange, are the green sand. The green sand beach at South Point is the best known, largest and most accessible of these. The sand grains here are olivine crystals, washed out of a cinder cone that has been partially breached by the sea.
When you reach the end of the trail, you are a hundred or so feet above the beach on the rim of the remnant of the crater. At the start, there is a tricky spot edging over a 3-foot ledge, but below this the trail is wide and clear One can also easily scramble down middle of the cone, but this can be slippery. Although tricky to spot on the way down, from the beach looking up the way back to the crater rim is easy to follow.
The beach lies in the interior of the cone, and the protected cove makes for a wonderful swimming/snorkeling spot but be wary of currents. Do not go out far, nor in at all in high surf or strong winds. The bizarre color of the water shrieks for color photographs, particularly underwater photographs taken while snorkeling.
For more information on traveling to Hawaii in general, and snorkeling and wilderness on the Big Island in particular, please visit http://tourguidehwaii.com and http://lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com.
Tags: Hawaii's Big Island, snorkelingThings To Do On The Big Island Of Hawaii
There are many things to do on the Big Island Of Hawaii.
Here is a very good article that talks about just that! 
So Much To See and Do On The Big Island Of Hawaii
by Alice Lane
Ecologically diverse and sparsely populated, the Big Island of Hawaii is larger than all the other Hawaiian islands combined. Hawaiian rentals allow visitors to discover wonders from snow-capped mountains to rainforests to deserts.
Best known for Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, home to the longest volcanic eruption in recorded history, the Big Island caters both to those who crave adventure and to those looking for luxury, with the flotilla of resorts dotted along Kohala Coast. The birthsite of King Kamehameha I and the Mookini Heiau (sacred sacrificial site) are located on the North Kohala peninsula.
Hawaiian heiau sites remain sacred today. Lapakahi State Historical Park is a partially restored Hawaiian coastal village which is the setting for daily activities, including storytelling and reenactments of early Hawaiian life. A 262-acre populated marine preserve is also nearby.
Rental property in Hawaii is available in the main towns of this volcanic paradise: Hilo (with the closest airport to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park), Kailua-Kona (a popular resort area on the dry leeward side) and Waimea (near rolling ranch land). Kona coffee, macadamia nuts (plain or chocolate covered), and orchids are among the Big Island’s famed exports.
Yet, not surprisingly, tourism reigns as the mainstay for what is one of the world’s most extreme natural playgrounds. During winter near Hilo, it is quite possible to bronze on the beach while gazing between palms at the snow-capped peak of Mauna Kea.
At Volcanoes National Park, the terrain is so moon-like that it served as an astronaut training ground. Whether seeking quiet relaxation, unbridled stimulation or something in between, the Big Island of Hawaii is truly a big provider. Many activities are situated on and around spectacular beaches.
Hawaii condos are an ideal launching point for adventure from ocean kayaking to surfing, from windsurfing to catamaran excursions, from fishing and sailing expeditions to underwater exploration, and for seasonal whale watching.
Away from the shoreline, adventure seekers can hit trails across a glittering black lava field on a mountain biking tour, trek into a mystical rain forest, leap off a precipice and hang-glide over vibrant fields of taro, ride horseback through eucalyptus forests, or strap in for helicopter trips against a backdrop for Jurassic Park. Traditional sports also await, from tennis, to ice-skating, bowling, roller-blading, archery, and clay pigeon shooting.
Hilo has a vast greenspace which offers opportunities for many family activities. Cleared by two devastating tsunamis (tidal waves) in 1946 and 1960, the waterfront space was never re-developed. The area is currently home to Wailoa State Park, with paths and foot bridges meandering around and over a large lagoon, and the Wailoa Center for Culture and the Arts (with rotating exhibits accompanying a permanent tsunami exhibit).
The Hilo Bay Recreational Area is the perfect place to take your keiki for rollerblading, skateboarding and bicycling. While on the Hilo side of the island, stop by the only natural rainforest zoo in the U.S., the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, which receives more than 125 inches of rain annually. It is home to a variety of rainforest animals and endangered Hawaiian animals, as well as animals from other habitats, and a botanical garden. There’s so much to see and do on the Big Island! See us for the best deals in Hawaii home rentals perfect for your individual needs.
If you are looking for Hawaiian rentals, check out HawaiianBeachRentals.com. With a large variety of Hawaii condos and Hawaii home rentals to choose from, they are the premier site for rental property in Hawaii.
This should give you some great ideas on things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii. Here is a good video on facts, pictures and things to do in Hilo.
—–
Tags: Hawaii, Hawaii's Big IslandHawaii’s Volcano National Park
Hawaii’s Volcano National Park is a true marvel that is a must see when traveling to the Big Island of Hawaii.
Located in the park is Ka Lae, which is the southernmost area of the United States. Anyone fascinated with volcanoes will definitely enjoy the impressive sites that this 377 square mile park has to offer.
Volcano House Hotel and Restaurant
Situated in the park, near the Kilauea Caldera and across from the Visitor Center is a well-known lodge that was established around 1846 called Volcano House. Encircled by tropical forest vegetation, it is the oldest hotel that has continuously operated in Hawaii.
It boasts a 125 year-old fireplace built from lava rock. Accommodations include guest rooms decorated with furniture made from scarce Koa wood. Or if you prefer, you can rent a camper cabin from the campground. While the rooms may be basic, it is the views that are worth the money.
Kilauea Visitor Center
It is a good idea to first stop in at the information desk in the Visitor Center for suggestions and information on what to see and do in the park. You can learn about guided-tour walks and hikes with the park rangers. During the day, the center regularly shows films regarding the park and its volcanoes.
Helicopter Tours
A breathtaking view of the volcanoes and the surrounding area can be seen by way of a helicopter tour over Hawaii Volcano National Park.
A helicopter tour can permit you to see areas that would otherwise be unobtainable by land. From the helicopter, you will see many different examples of volcanic history from older to recent formations.
Kilauea Caldera
The Kilauea Caldera is located at Kilauea Volcano’s summit measuring about two miles in width by three miles in length and 400 feet in depth. Inside the caldera is a pit crater named Halemaumau.
Built-up lava by the vent is called Spatter Ramparts and you will be able to see those that formed beside the crater. Kilauea is considered one of the world’s most active volcanoes. If you are lucky enough to visit the park when Kilauea is erupting, you may view rivers, spouts or magnificent fountain sprays of spewing molten lava.
Crater Rim Drive
There is an 11-mile road that you can drive around the Kilauea Caldera named Crater Rim Drive. You will steer through a variety of ecosystems from field, tropical rainforest to desert encountering craters and steam vents the whole time.
All along the road, there are many stops for taking in scenic viewpoints or short hikes. Visitors are permitted to get out and view certain steam vents at specially marked sites allowing them to experience a steam vent by getting up-close and personal with one.
Chain of Craters Road
Certainly one of the recommended sights to explore is the Chain of Craters Road, which is about 50 - 60 miles roundtrip.
It is a once in a lifetime experience and some of the best viewing occurs there. You can travel to see fantastic lava cliffs and where the road has been concealed by lava.
You are able to view red-hot lava flowing into the sea hissing as the molten rock meets the cooler water. Most injuries happen in this area when tourists ignore the warning signs posted there, so be sure to heed the warning instructions on them.
Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
This observatory was created in 1912. Due to the concentrated monitoring by the seismic recorders and the studying done here by the staff, Kilauea is considered one of the most understood volcanoes.
Volcano Art Center and Gallery
The Volcano Art Center occupies the building that was formerly the Volcano House constructed circa 1877. It displays many pieces of handiwork from local artists. Also hosting special events and demonstrations.
No matter whether you have a few hours or a few days to spend, a trip to Hawaii’s Volcano National Park is definitely worth the time. The whole family will surely be amazed at the impressive wonders and attractions the park provides.
There is something of interest for everyone who visits Hawaii’s Volcano National Park.
Tags: Chain of Craters Road, Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii, Hawaii's Volcano National Park, Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, helicopter tours, Kilauea Caldera, Kilauea Visitor Center, Volcano House Hotel and RestaurantFinding Things To Do In Hilo Hawaii
This is a short list on finding things to do in Hilo, Hawaii.
If you are planning on visiting Hilo, and wonder what you are going to do, you should be relieved because there are numerous things to do in Hilo, Hawaii.
There are many restaurants and shopping areas in downtown Hilo and you will be able to find something for everyone in your group to do.
If you are planning your trip before you get there you may want to look for things that you can do specifically in Hawaii to get the most out of your trip.
One of the great things to do in Hilo, Hawaii is to explore a volcano. This is very interesting and as long as everyone in your group can do this comfortably it will be fine.
You will want to check on the conditions of the volcano before you go. If the volcano poses any threat, tourists will not be allowed to view it.
Another one of the great things to do in Hilo, Hawaii is to check out the botanical garden. This is something that can take up to a day to view, so it should be planned accordingly. You will be amazed at the natural beauty of a botanical garden and you will want to make sure that you bring your camera.
When visiting Hilo, Hawaii make sure to wander of the beaten path and explore some of the landscape also. These are memories you will make that will last a lifetime.
It is important to know about all of the things to do in Hilo as they are numerous. When finding things to do in Hilo, Hawaii you may find something to do you would have never thought of.
No tags for this post.