“Seven Perfect Days” in THE BIG ISLAND
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009Day 1
Volcano
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - With steaming volcanic craters, rainforest lava tubes, stunning views, and live lava flows creating new sections of the park every day, it is no wonder that Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is visited by over two million people every year. The park offers the opportunity to explore two active volcanoes, Kilauea Volcano and Mauna Loa. Kilauea’s dramatic black hulk almost feels alive due to the constant volcanic activity, while Mauna Loa, at 13,000 feet, is the largest volcano on the planet.
- Jaggar Museum - This highly informative museum in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park will help you understand the fascinating, sometimes bizarre geology that makes the park so unique. You can see the some of the many different forms of lava, from the fine, needle-like lava called “Pele’s Hair” to the massive orbs of lava known as “Volcanic Bombs.”
Day 2
Hilo
- Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive - Located 8 miles north of Hilo, the Pepe’ekeo Scenic Drive is 4 miles of gorgeous, unabated natural beauty. The lava pools, gurgling brooks, roaring waterfalls, and lush jungles evoke all that you dreamed about when you first got the idea to visit Hawaii. Make several stops for photos–although the road is narrow and windy, there are several turnouts for visitors to stop and smell the roses. Although this drive is just a short jaunt, it delivers the goods.
- Wailoa Center - One of Hilo’s premier centers for art and culture, the Wailoa Center is situated in the midst of vibrant Wailoa Park. A showplace for local artists as well as exhibitions of work from around the world, the center hosts the Spring Art Festival, one of the largest arts fairs in the state. A focal point of the local art scene, the center always has something interesting happening.
- Akaka Falls - The magnificent 442-foot drop of Akaka falls is at the same time Hawaii’s most dramatic waterfall and its most understated. The State Park is tucked into the extreme end of the island’s windward side, and seeing the falls involves an easy, paved half-mile walk from the parking area.
Day 3
Ka’u ‚Äì Pahala
- Punalu’u Beach Park* - The statue of a child swimming with turtles is at once elucidating and misleading. While this is an excellent place to spot turtles, swimming is not recommended. Nonetheless, this black sand beach houses a rare treat–turtles will bask in the sun and relax as you stroll by the ponds. This is a perfect place to simply chill out and feel at one with nature, as you soak in the experience. Don’t touch the turtles, as cute as they may be. It’s not because they bite, but the oil from our fingers can damage their shells.
Day 4
Kohala Coast
- Hapuna Beach Park - This beach has been voted the best beach in the United States on more than one occasion, and it is easy to see why. The beach is a half-mile strand of powder fine white sand that curves into the distance, fringed by palm trees on one side and perfect blue ocean waves on the other. This is a great beach for swimming, and a lifeguard is usually on duty. A reef at the south end of the beach offers excellent snorkeling.
- Parker Ranch Visitor Center & Museum - Founded in 1847 and with over 150,000 acres of land, Parker Ranch is one of the oldest and biggest ranches in the United States. The ranch lies at the heart of the Hawaiian paniolo, (Hawaiian cowboy) tradition. The ranch has been an integral part of the history and development of the Waimea area, and the visitor center and museum provides informative exhibits on the background of the ranch and the important affects it has had on the surrounding communities.
Day 5
Waikoloa
- Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve - These petroglyphs, or stone inscriptions, were etched into the face of the mountain centuries ago. Featuring thousands of facsimiles of turtles, canoes, and other mysterious carvings, the Waikoloa Petroglyph Preserve is one of the most fascinating ways to witness the unique culture of native Hawaii.
- ‘Anaeho’omalu Beach Park - Supported by a background of hundreds of graceful coconut palm trees, ‘Anaeho’omalu Beach is famous for its awe-inspiring sunsets. Tranquil waters allow for leisurely swimming and snorkeling, and there are quite a few small inlets along the shoreline, which are nearly always vacant. Upon close examination, you will frequently stumble on Hawaiian sea turtles swimming in the shallows, especially at the south end of the bay.
Day 6
Kona – Up Country
- Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden - A stunningly beautiful area on the verdant Hamakua Coast, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is the highlight of many people’s trip to the island. The extensive 40-acre garden is tucked into a sheltered valley, which enables even very delicate non-native tropical flowers to flourish alongside the many examples of Hawaiian flora.
- Donkey Mill Art Center - Coffee beans are not the only thing to sprout from the fertile soil in Holualoa; a lively art scene has also bloomed from the same grounds. Located in a lively art community, the Donkey Mill Art Center is the place to see local artists exhibit their wares. Visitors can also take art classes for a fee, as well as other classes such as ukulele and slack-key guitar. Visit the Donkey Mill Art Center to see the best-named location on the Big Island.
- Holualoa Kona Coffee Company - Located on the beautiful upland slopes, the Kona Lea Plantation of the Holualoa Kona Coffee Company has lovely views out over the Kona coast, and is an ideal spot to learn about one of the island’s most important exports. You can tour the plantation, which uses entirely organic farming techniques, and then check out the roasting facilities, where the aroma of fresh roasting coffee will have you salivating for a cup of joe. Luckily, a free cup awaits you at the end of the tour.
Day 7
Kona Airport – Kealakekua
- Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park - The ancient Hawaiians were governed by a strict set of rules, called kapus, which were rigidly enforced. Interestingly, the Hawaiians also valued the concept of refuges, or pu‚Äôuhonua, which were certain designated places where those who were pursued–either for breaking kapu or as defeated warriors–could go and be absolutely safe from harm. Later, the refuge seeker could ask a priest for absolution for their crime and return home. This 182-acre park built on the site of such a refuge, and there is indeed a sense of calm and protection that permeates the place. Even sea turtles and humpback whales seek out this beautiful spot. Besides the pu‚Äôuhonua complex, you can see temple platforms, ancient fishponds, and several ancient villages.
- Onizuka Space Center - Located in the airport, this small museum is dedicated to the memory of Ellison Onizuka, one of the astronauts killed in the Challenger explosion as well as the first Hawaiian in space. The museum packs in a lot of interesting items. The space fanatic in your family can see a real moon rock, a gravity well, and use a propulsion simulator to launch a miniature model of the space shuttle. Personal items of Ellison Onizuka are also on display.
________________________
Hawaiian Air is currently running a promotion with some fun ideas for traveling on the different islands. This sample itinerary was sourced directly from here.
“Seven Perfect Days” in KAUAI
Thursday, July 23rd, 2009Day 1
North
- Hanalei Valley - The best way to enjoy Hanalei Valley is from the Hanalei Valley Lookout on the edge of Highway 56. On the valley floor is a one-way truss bridge that was constructed in 1912, a quaint reminder of Hawaii’s past and laid-back present. Across from the manicured, man-made Princeville Resort, the natural beauty of the valley is something to marvel at. Here taro patches, green leaves, and shimmering waters mix to create a scenic masterpiece. This is simply one of the most beautiful places on the island, so be sure to take your camera.
- Tunnels Beach - Tunnels Beach is an excellent snorkeling spot, famous for its clear waters and friendly sea creatures. Spanning over two miles, the center of the beach is a crescent-shaped reef that protects the water from currents and makes it perfect for viewing eels, turtles, and other sea life.
Day 2
North
- Na Pali Coast* - The name Na Pali refers to the series of pali, or cliffs, along a 17-mile stretch of coastline separated by lush river valleys. The cliffs rise up to 4,000 feet straight out of the ocean and can be viewed by air or by boat. However you do it, the incredible cliffs are a Kauai must-see. This is without doubt one of the most beautiful and pristine stretches of coastline in the world.
Day 3
North
- Na’aina Kai Botanical Gardens - Na’aina Kai, meaning “Lands by the Sea” in Hawaiian, is a unique and dazzling collection of gardens spanning over 240 acres. An amalgam of 13 different collections, this is a virtual cornucopia for plant lovers. Formal gardens, wild gardens, desert gardens, children’s gardens, and sculpture gardens await you in this incredible feast for the eyes. Bring the family as well because your children are sure to enjoy the gardens custom-tailored just for them.
- Kilauea Lighthouse - This promontory is the northernmost point in the state. Walk out to the lighthouse, and beyond, to feel the power of the Pacific. Back in the little village of Kilauea, stop in at the old general store, visit one of the fruit smoothie stands alongside the main road, and pop into one of the few tiny (but worthy) shops.
Day 4
East
- Kamokila Village - Once the village where Kauai’s last king, Kaumualii, had his home, Kamokila Village allows you to experience life in an ancient Hawaiian settlement. Besides the carefully preserved remains of the village, a number of thatched huts have been carefully recreated to provide an accurate look at life in pre-contact Hawaii. Demonstrations of ancient Hawaiian arts, crafts, and games bring the past alive.
- Fern Grotto - Only accessible by trip up the the Wailua River, the Fern Grotto is a lava cave that is completely covered by natural ferns. A nearby waterfall creates cooling mists. The spot’s idyllic beauty will captivate you, just as it long captivated Hawaiian royalty, who were once the only people allowed to visit this sacred spot.
- Lydgate Park - The ideal beach park for families with children, Lydgate Park, on Kauai’s Coconut Coast, also boasts some of the best snorkeling on the island. The huge playground is any kid’s dream, and two pools created from lava rocks provide protected swimming and snorkeling for both children and adults. The lava rocks that form the pool create almost an artificial reef, and you can see an impressive variety of fish.
Day 5
East – West
- Kilohana Plantation - A historic sugar cane plantation house that has been restored to include shops and a restaurant, Kilohana also offers horse carriage tours of the beautiful grounds of the plantation. The plantation house, built for Plantation owner Gaylord Wilcox in 1935, was the first mansion on Kaua’i. Besides shopping and the well-regarded Gaylord’s restaurant, art galleries at the plantation showcase fine art by prominent artists.
- Salt Pond Beach Park - A safe, usually calm beach that is also home to one of the only remaining, actively used salt ponds in Hawaii. Native Hawaiians still collect salt here using the traditional methods used by their ancestors. The beach itself is protected by rock outcroppings at either end, making it ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and body surfing. Tide pools created by lava outcroppings and old salt pans are fascinating places to explore. Restrooms, showers, and well developed picnic facilities with tables and grills make this a great place to spend a day.
- Kauai Coffee Company - The largest coffee grower in the state of Hawaii is not on the famous Kona coast on the Big Island–in fact, the Kauai Coffee Company by itself produces more coffee than the entire Kona growing region. A visit to this 3,400 acre coffee plantation, once a part of the McBryde sugar plantation, will put you in touch with the rich land and heritage of Hawaii, as you learn about Kauai‚Äôs most famous and valuable export. Don’t worry, you get free coffee, too.
Day 6
West
- Waimea Brewing Company - Tucked away in a coconut grove on the western shore of Kaua’i, the Waimea Brewing Company offers eight different microbrews on tap and is known for its great seafood and excellent Hawaiian-style pupus. The brewery’s two mainstay beers are its flavorful Waimea Bay Pale Ale and the lighter Luau Lager, but its Wai’ale’ale Ale, named for the mountain in Kaua’i whose summit is said to be the wettest spot on earth, is also a favorite. Live music gently rocks this friendly, laid-back brewery several times a week.
- Waimea Canyon - The largest canyon in the Pacific, Waimea Canyon is certainly one of the most impressive natural features in the country. Often called the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” its awesome cliffs, dramatic waterfalls, and rich mix of lush green and deep purple hues certainly rival the splendor of Arizona’s Grand Canyon.
Day 7
South
- Koloa - Koloa is more than a collection of shops and eateries connected by an old wooden walkway. The wild west-like town is inextricably linked with sugar. After having lunch, check out the sugar history museum, the memorial to sugar plantation workers, the Jodo Mission (Japanese immigrants were integral to the industry), and the old sugar mill.
- Po’ipu Beach - Recently voted “America’s Best Beach,” Po’ipu Beach has something for everyone. Actually, Po’ipu is a collection of several beaches nestled together, forming an affluent beach community surrounded by excellent restaurants, shops, and other fun destinations. There is a myriad of activities available here, including horseback riding, snorkeling, windsurfing, and just about anything else that can be done on a beach. Make a visit to Po’ipu Beach–no Kauai vacation is complete without it!
________________________
Hawaiian Air is currently running a promotion with some fun ideas for traveling on the different islands. This sample itinerary was sourced directly from here.