FUN THINGS pt.II

3)      Pohoiki is the closest access to the ocean.  It is a small boat ramp and beach park.  There is swimming, snorkeling and surfing, but you must watch for boats. 

4)      Ahalanui Park which is a swimming pool type of hot springs mixing with ocean water.  There are picnic tables and a lifeguard at this family park.

5)      Lave Tree State Monument is within walking distance of the house.  See what happened when lava hallows tree trunks.

6)      Hapuna Beach is the best beach on the island.  Unfortunately it is on the other side of the island, approximately a two-hour drive on Highway 19.  Hapuna has a large sandy beach, great swimming, body surfing and good snorkeling (around rocks to the left).  Bathrooms, showers, phones and lifeguards are present.  You an also eat lunch and rent the ocean toys you need.

7)      Puuhonua O Honaunou – City of Refuge is a short drive past Kaelakekua Bay.  You will find  a recreation of a Hawaiian village at this popular tourist attraction.

8)  The only sandy beach, Kamaili Beach, in this area is clothing optional.  It is down a steep but passable path.  The parking lot is off of Highway 137 just past Opihikao.

9)  Akaka Falls State Park is about a mile off of Highway 19.  This 420 foot water fall (the tallest in Hawaii) is not to be missed.  There is a pleasant and easy one mile loop trail that winds through a wonderful tropical forest.

10)  Waipio Valley lookout is also just off of Highway 19.  This view of taro fields and a crescent beach is well worth the stop.

11)  Pahoa is the closest town to the house.  Pahoa has an excellent swimming pool, tennis courts at the high school (after school only) and some shopping – get you fresh fish here.  You will feel as if you have entered a time warp as you go thru this one street town.  Pahoa hasn’t moved out of the 60’s era.  Even though it looks rather rough, there are several good places to eat here.  Pizza at Godmothers’ – Mexican at Louquins – French at Paolo’s (very good) – Tia at Tia Kitchen – hamburgers and plate lunches (Hawaiian staple) at Black Rock Café.  There is a farmers market on Sunday mornings

12)  You will find helicopter tours at the Hilo airport.  These tours will take you over the volcano and around the island.

13) We will have many more things we can show you when you arrive.