Activities and Attractions
Waipio Overlook
Hamakua
The Hamakua Coast is a picturesque area of the Big Island on the slopes of Mauna Kea, a 13,792 foot tall extinct volcano. The highway traversing the Coast from Hilo to Honokaa features lush vegetation, many scenic viewpoints and renowned waterfalls. Akaka Falls is worth the short drive off the highway and the quarter mile walk along a well maintained trail. Papaaloa (pop.524) is located approximately midway along the Coast in an area that was formerly a large sugar plantation. Despite its small size, Papaaloa has public tennis courts, a swimming pool and library. The Papaaloa Country Store is located just off the ocean side of the highway. The store has a variety of items including groceries, sundries, liquor, clothing and even some hardware and sporting goods. Although their selection is limited, if they don’t have it, you don’t really need it. A few miles past Papaaloa is Laupahoehoe Point which features a scenic park on the rocky coast. When the waves are crashing, it is spectacular. Farther up the coast is the quaint town of Honokaa, with its artist’s galleries and shops. Several miles farther along the Coast the road ends at the overlook for majestic Waipio Valley. Horseback riding and van tours are available in the valley. The road descending to the valley floor is very steep and is rightfully restricted to 4wd vehicles only.
Volcanoes
National Park
Kilauea, the world’s most active volcano, is located about an hour and a half drive from Papaaloa. Volcanoes National Park features many excellent hiking and biking trails as well as scenic drives past recent lava flows and eruption sites. For information on current eruption activities visit the Park’s website at http//www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/lava.
Hilo
Hilo is the population and commercial center of the Big Island. It has an international airport with a few direct flights from the U.S. mainland. Shopping, car rentals and restaurants are readily available. The older part of town still retains its plantation charm. The Lyman House Museum affords a glimpse of Hilo’s pastoral origins. Rainbow Falls provides a reminder of the tremendous volume of rainfall shed from the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.
Kamuela
About 40 minutes up the road, past Honokaa is the ranching community of Waimea. Long known as the home of the largest privately owned cattle ranch in the U.S., Waimea has lately become a favorite residential, vacation and retirement community. At 4000 feet above sea level Waimea is known for its cool mist from passing clouds. Boasting several fine restaurants and shopping, Waimea is worth the drive. Continuing on the high road through ranch country will take you to Hawi, the birthplace of the great Hawaiian King Kamehameha. This former sugar town has recently been revitalized as somewhat of an artist’s colony with interesting galleries and shops.
Kona
Kona is the premiere resort area on the Big Island with a number of five star hotels, restaurants and white sandy beaches. About an hour and and twenty minute drive from Papaaloa, you will find some of the world’s most beautiful golf courses, cut from ancient lava flows and overlooking blue ocean waters.
Links
to Information Sites
The following are just some of the links to helpful sites with
information about Big Island Tourist activities:
http://www.bigislandworldweb.com
http://www.hawaii.com/visit/hawaii/activities
http://www.previewhawaii.com/bigislane-activities
http://www.alternative-hawaii.com