Budget Outdoors in Hawaii

Description:

In 1988, friends of Tom and Brenda Carson came to visit from Alaska, so the Carsons renovated their 1925 tin-roofed cabin, under giant tree ferns in the rain forest, to accommodate them. That was the beginning of the Carson's B&B business, and today they're quite a success story. They have six units on their 1/2 acres in the rain forest: three guest rooms with private entrances and private baths, done in Oriental, 1940s, and 1950s Hawaiiana themes; and three cottages, each with its own decor (Asian, American, and a quaint Victorian English cottage), plus another three houses in the neighborhood. The property also has a hot tub tucked under the ferns for guests' use. Several of the "deluxe" cottages even have their own hot tubs and free-standing fireplaces. Tom and Brenda serve a hearty breakfast in the dining room.

Description:

Crater Rim Trail encircles Kilauea's summit Caldera closely following the path of Crater Rim Road. This is a challenging and long day hike, that passes through varied terrain, including a desert and rain forest. Views of Halemaumau and Keanakakoi Craters and Mauna Loa are excellent from this 11-mile path.

The trail begins at the Kilauea Visitor Center and leads along the northern crater rim. On the southern side of the crater the trail leads away from the rim, with the road between the trail and the crater. This obstructs hikers' views from The Jaggar Museum to the Thurston Lava Tube. A short spur trail leading north to the Halemaumau Overlook is accessible from Crater Rim Trail. Bring water and food and be prepared for hot and dry, and wet and windy weather. Expect sulfur fumes in the Halema'uma'u Crater and southwest rift zone area. To get there follow Crater Rim Road to the Kilauea visitor center. The trailhead begins from the visitor center parking area.

Description:

When a burger and a milkshake is preferable to fusion cuisine and cocktails, stop by this down-home deli. Billed as the place where the locals eat, it's a friendly, no-frills diner in Volcano Village. Menu items include stir-fries, burgers, sweet-bread french toast and super-gooey chocolate cake. The macadamia nut cookies are the toast of the town. This place offers live entertainment on weekend nights and Internet access all the time.

Description:

In 1988, friends of Tom and Brenda Carson came to visit from Alaska, so the Carsons renovated their 1925 tin-roofed cabin, under giant tree ferns in the rain forest, to accommodate them. That was the beginning of the Carson's B&B business, and today they're quite a success story. They have six units on their 1/2 acres in the rain forest: three guest rooms with private entrances and private baths, done in Oriental, 1940s, and 1950s Hawaiiana themes; and three cottages, each with its own decor (Asian, American, and a quaint Victorian English cottage), plus another three houses in the neighborhood. The property also has a hot tub tucked under the ferns for guests' use. Several of the "deluxe" cottages even have their own hot tubs and free-standing fireplaces. Tom and Brenda serve a hearty breakfast in the dining room.

Description:

This 7.4 mile, moderate difficulty trail heads south through pioneer ohia forest, brush and grassland in the direction of Volcano Village. It passes over the 1855 & 1881 lava flows and through several kipuka of mixed native species and older koa. Hikers may return by way of Powerline Road, a hunter access road which intersects the trail at the 3.7 mile point and rejoins Saddle Road about 0.5 mi. closer to Hilo. An interesting nature hike through a variety of mostly native vegetation, Pu`u O`o Trail offers birders the opportunity to see I`iwi, `Apapane, `Amakihi, Elapio, `O`mao, `Io, Akiapola`au and Nene. It was pioneered by early cattle ranchers to drive their stock to embarkation points on the coast. Rain, fog and cool temperatures are common. Seasonal bird hunting is allowed, so wear brightly colored clothing for safety. The trail can be difficult to follow where it crosses lava flows, especially in daily fog. Cold climate with rain and fog.

Trail head is identified by a sign on the south side of Saddle Road (Hwy 200) approximately 22.4 mi. from Hilo. Parking is limited.

Description:

Tasty curries, stir-fries and salads in a wholly unexpected locale adjacent to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Description:

In 1988, friends of Tom and Brenda Carson came to visit from Alaska, so the Carsons renovated their 1925 tin-roofed cabin, under giant tree ferns in the rain forest, to accommodate them. That was the beginning of the Carson's B&B business, and today they're quite a success story. They have six units on their 1/2 acres in the rain forest: three guest rooms with private entrances and private baths, done in Oriental, 1940s, and 1950s Hawaiiana themes; and three cottages, each with its own decor (Asian, American, and a quaint Victorian English cottage), plus another three houses in the neighborhood. The property also has a hot tub tucked under the ferns for guests' use. Several of the "deluxe" cottages even have their own hot tubs and free-standing fireplaces. Tom and Brenda serve a hearty breakfast in the dining room.

Description:

It's located in the cool and quiet ranching town of Waimea and it is nothing less that the place to dine on the Big Island for those who run in circles that transcend over-priced and grand scale dining at the resorts along the Kohala Coast. Peter Merriman's notable and modest restaurant is nothing less than one of the cradles of the ever popularized and often copied Hawaii Regional Cuisine. The dining room offers warm Hawaiian hospitality and an open kitchen along with a menu that changes from day to day and from season to season.

Description:

Snorkelers and divers flock to this bay, which is a designated marine preserve and home to hundreds of varieties of tropical fish, sea turtles and even some dolphins. Kayakers also enjoy the calm, warm waters. History buffs will be more interested in the monument to Captain James Cook, the first British sailor to venture to Hawai'i. Cook was at first revered by the Hawaiians, who believed him to be the god Lono, but eventually they killed him in a skirmish upon his return to the island.

Description:

Sea Paradise helps you to explore the Hawaiian seascape like no other. With tours in snorkeling, scuba diving and sailing, this organization offers you a wide range of water sports to choose from and also organizes guided tours. While the daily tours take care of the hoards of tourists, it is the arranged tours like 'dinner sail' and private charters, which can be booked for a small group or a special occasion. This ensures an intimate experience and one that you'll have special personal memories of. So go ahead and have a royal splurge!

Our Local Expert Says:

A huge hot pond ocean side. A must see!

Description:

Located 30 miles outside of Hilo town along the Puna coast, Ahalanui County Park is one of those places that you could spend all day at sunbathing on the lawn or the lava rock cliffs, submerging yourself in the warm water, and having lunch at a picnic table under trees or a roof.

The main attraction is the large geothermal hot pond. Surrounded by towering coconut trees and jungle foliage, the remote pool is heated by underlying volcanic activity to a comfortable 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and is surrounded by a man-made lava rock wall. At the ocean end of the pond is a small gate made of metal bars where the ocean washes in and out, keeping the pond clean. Above the gate is a walkway that is horizontal to the cliffs lining the ocean perfect for a view of the coast or sunbathing. If you are facing the ocean, a walk over large lava boulders will take you to a lesser known surf break known as "Secrets." Definitely not for any surfers who are not experts, Secrets is another site you see and you may catch someone putting on a show for you in the dangerous and shallow waves.

A lifeguard is usually on duty during the day at Ahalanui, but if you come at night, you are on your own and make sure you bring a flashlight because it is pitch dark. The occasional local may decide to go topless, but the pond is not locally known as an official nude beach. Picnic tables are also on site, both under the trees and in covered pavilions, and portable toilets and showers are also available.

If you park in the lot on the pond side of the road, your car is pretty safe but bring anything of real value to the pond with you. There is a larger parking lot on the inland side of the road, and if you park here make sure you leave nothing of value.

Description:

Filled with warm woodwork decor, this formal dining restaurant specializes in genuine Sicilian style Italian cuisine with items on the menu including tasty soups, creative seafood, chicken, veal, vegetarian, and pasta dishes, great pizzas, homemade breads, and delectable desserts. The two-room restaurant is on the smaller side, which enables the friendly servers to provide diners with prompt service and a warm smile. All servers appear to be well versed on the wine menu, and can help diners decide which wine to order.

Although the restaurant is a bit formal, diners can eat dressed in very casual clothing or in formal attire. Located in Hilo's lively downtown area, eating at Pescatore is nicely accented by exploring the shops and art galleries in the bay front area either before or after dinner. They are open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Description:

Kekaha Kai State Park encompasses over 1,500 acres of beach, dune and wilderness areas on the leeward side of the Big Island north of Kailua-Kona. This park is divided into two sections: Mahai'ula and Kua Bay.

The Mahai'ula section is the more developed of the two sections of the park. It offers a sandy beach and dunes, picnic area with tables and restrooms. In addition to unpaved road access between the two sections, a 4.5 mile hike along the Ala Kahakai Trail, an historic coastal trail, leads to the Kua Bay portion of the park. Halfway along this trail, a hike to the summit of Pu'u Ku'ili, a 342-foot high cinder cone, offers excellent coastline views. Kua Bay, at the north end of the park offers beach access and beach related activities.

Both sections of this park provide swimming, water play and snorkeling during calm conditions.

Kekaha Kai lies on the leeward side of the Big Island north of Kailua-Kona. Visitors can access the site from Queen Ka'ahumanu Highway.

Description:

Located on the northeastern side of the island, this 10.5 mile difficult trail first passes through mixed exotic forest, then native Koa/Ohia forest, and finally through former pasture, before rising 3,250` in elevation in 5.5 miles to reach the old Civilian Conservation Corps camp and Ranger station at Keanakolu. The trail is not well maintained and can be difficult to negotiate in wet weather. Catchment water is available at Keanakolu, but purify before drinking. Area is open to year-round game mammal hunting. Wear bright colored clothing.

A partially paved, four wheel drive road leads mauka from Highway 11 at the 30 mile post in Ookala. Follow road 2.7 miles to the Hilo Forest Reserve boundary and Humuula Trail.