Big Island Hawaii Holiday Budget Minders

Description:

On the far end of the Big Island's Windward side is this pretty little park noted for its magnificent waterfall. The hike to the waterfall overlook is short (less than a half-mile) and not too difficult. The path is even paved. The waterfall is impressive; it is a 440-foot cascade over a volcanic cliff. Lush greenery blankets the area. Visitors enjoy quite a few nice places for pictures or picnics on the 65-acre property. The trail leads through tropical rain forest, leading to viewpoints overlooking two beautiful waterfalls, cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling 'Akaka Falls which drops 442 feet into a steep gorge. Restroom facilities are located at the trailhead.

This park is rich in scenic beauty, that lends itself well to photography and opportunities for viewing tropical scenery. The lush terrain also provides excellent opportunities for plant identification. A paved walking path leads visitors to the waterfalls offering a short hike requiring some physical exertion.

This state park lies on the windward side of the Big Island north of Hilo. The site can be accessed from Akaka Falls Road via Hawaii Belt Road.

Description:

Korean barbecue is one of the joys of Hawai'i...but most visitors miss out on it the first few times. Don't make that mistake. The food is fantastic. If the names begin to fluster you, just get whatever kind of barbecued meat you fancy. Vegetarians will mainly have to stick with side dishes such as the Marinated Sweet Potatoes, Seaweed Salad or famous Kim-Chee. The service is quick and perfunctory. The atmosphere is low-key and down to earth, people are here to eat.

Description:

The area surrounding this pier gets as close to the Lahaina or Waikiki feeling as visitors will find on the Big Island. Dozens of small shopping centers, restaurants and bars cluster around the pier. The King Kamehameha Hotel occupies the property fronting one side of the pier. From the other side, you can get a great view of its luau grounds and the adjacent Ahuena Heiau. More than a dozen catamarans and dive boats are moored at the end near the Heiau.

Description:

Hapuna Beach is a landscaped beach park covering 62 acres. It is a favorite of locals and a beautiful stretch of beach.

This state recreation area provides excellent access to many water sports as well as access to the historic coastal trail, Ala Kahakai. The site offers picnicking facilities and a food concessionaire, but we recommend bringing your own hearty lunch as a day at Hapuna can last for hours.

The Ala Kahakai Trail follows the coastline over ancient fishermen`s trails and Hawaiian Kingdom roads that have been connected through generations of use to form a single continuous route.The trail also provides access to some of the most pristine shoreline remaining in Hawaii, as well as numerous anachialine ponds, which are unique ecosystems given highest protection.

This beach is popular for swimming, snorkeling and diving on calm summer days. The water is generally a couple of feet deep until it reaches the breaking waves, making for a nice place to swim with children- if you stay with them and the waves are small. Winter weather brings larger surf for body and board surfing, as well as strong rip currents to the area. These unpredictable currents have become deadly in several cases at Hapuna. The state advises that waves over three feet high be avoided by everyone but the experts.

Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area is located on the leeward coast of the Big Island, north of Kona. Access to the site can be gained from the Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway. Do not leave any valuables in your car here.

Description:

At this site on the Big Island, the Ruins of Pu'ukohola Heiau ('Temple on the Hill of the Whale') are preserved and protected. Facilities within the park include a visitor center with exhibits on the site's cultural and historical significance. The park also offers waysides along the interpretive trail.

The park lies on the northwestern shore of the island of Hawaii in the district of South Kohala. The access road to the visitor center is located on 62-3601 Kawaihae Road, off Route 270, .25 mile north of Highway 19 intersection.

Description:

Visitors to this national park can enjoy a diverse environment of volcanic mountains and craters, lava flows and rain forests. Over half of the park is designated wilderness and provides an unusual landscape for a variety of recreation opportunities.

Located just inside the park entrance, Kilauea Visitor Center offers visitor information and exhibits. Films and videos, highlighting the park's special features and current eruption, are shown in the auditorium. A schedule of Ranger-led walks/talks is posted on the Ranger Activities bulletin board in the visitor center at 9:00am each morning.

Located along Crater Rim Drive, three miles from the park entrance, the Thomas A. Jaggar Museum offers earth science displays and features murals depicting Hawaiian culture. An adjacent overlook offers a panoramic view of Kilauea Caldera and Mauna Loa.

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is located on the Island of Hawaii, 96 miles southeast of Kailua-Kona and 30 miles southwest of Hilo.