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Big Island Scenic Drives

Route 180 to Holualoa, Kona
Route 180, just north of the town of Kailua-Kona is a fascinating drive.  It snakes its way up the side of the Hualalai mountain with breathtaking views of Kailua and the Kona coast below.  Drive north on Palani Road (Route 190) leaving Kailua on the way to Waimea.  As the road gains elevation you will see the sign for Route 180 (to Holualoa) on your right - take this turn and enjoy the drive!  There are several places to pull over on the side of the road and enjoy the coastal views.  The road winds its way up the mountain and eventually finds its way into the small town of Holualoa.  Continue down the road all the way to Honalo on Route 11.

Kaloko Road to the Cloud Forest, Kona
Further north on Route 190 beyond the turn off for Holualoa, is Kaloko Road.  The approximately 7-mile drive up the winding switchback Kaloko Road takes you up to an altitude of about 5,000 feet, with splendid views of the Kona coast below.  As your drive takes you up the side of Hualalai, you will be consumed by a fern and 'ohi'a cloud forest.  As quickly as you left the ocean and Kailua-Kona, you are enveloped in the fog and clouds of the mountain.  You may experience mist and even light rain due to the altitude and the proximity to the mountain.  The air is refreshing up here!  This drive is best done in the morning - to offer the clearest views.

Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive, Hilo
Approximately seven miles north of Hilo, on Highway 19 along the Hamakua coast, watch for the "Scenic Route 4 Miles Long" sign on the ocean side.  Take the time to take this splendid detour.  The Pepe'ekeo Scenic Drive takes you through tropical jungle, winding along the coastal cliffs and waterfalls along its way down the coast.  In between towering trees you will see steep ravines dropping into the crashing waves of the ocean below. You may wish to stop at the Botanical Gardens during the drive to see exotic trees, waterfalls, and unusual tropical plants. 

Route 250 Scenic Drive, Waimea
Route 250, also known as Kohala Mountain Road, is a perfect sequence of moments, blending lava and sea, shaded mountains and blazing orange sun.  This 27-mile ride along the volcanic ridge climbs to 6,000 ft., with spectacular views of the ocean below.  Route 250 connects the town of Hawi in North Kohala to the town of Waimea, in the mountains.  This road has beautiful views of the hills and pastures of Waimea to the East and dramatic coastal views of Kawaihae and the Kona coast to the west.  Take the time to pull over for photos.

For additional detailed information on secluded secret beaches of Kona, remote hike-to-only snorkeling, hot springs, waterfalls and volcanoes, check out one of our favorites: Big Island Revealed.

	Akaka Falls - Just north of Hilo, visit twin 400 ft. Hawaiian Waterfalls.  Walk through a vibrant rainforest and experience the dramatic waterfalls.  This lovely nature hike will lead you past two dramatic falls.
	Coconut Island and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens - Coconut Island and Queen Liliuokalani Gardens sit next to each other at the top of Hilo Bay.  Coconut Island is a perfect spot to picnic and swim with a panoramic view of the bay.  Queen Liliuokalani Gardens is a beautiful Japanese garden located right off of the waters of Hilo Bay.
	Hilo Farmer's Market - Open in downtown Hilo on Wednesdays and Saturdays, the Farmer's Market offers homegrown and homemade bargains.  Here you can find beautiful flowers, crafts, and fresh produce.  More information and photos for Hilo.
	Hamakua Coast Scenic Drive - North of Hilo, on Highway 19 on the Hamakua coast, watch for the " 4 mile scenic drive " sign on the ocean side.  Take the time to take this splendid detour.  It is a wonderful, tropical drive. You may wish to stop at the Botanical Gardens during the drive to see exotic trees and unusual tropical plants.
	Waipio Valley - The rugged Hamakua Coast winds its way up to the steep and secluded Waipio Valley.  From the Waipio Lookout, you can look into the scenic valley and see the black sand beach at the coast.  There is a hiking / 4x4 trail that leads to the bottom of the valley and beyond.
	Pololu Valley - The nothern tip of the Kohala Coast curves to the dramatic Pololu Valley Lookout.  A short hike takes you to the bottom of the forested valley where the black sand beach meets the crashing ocean waves.
	Petroglyphs - Ancient Hawaiian lava rock carvings can be found in several locations on the Big Island.  The largest concentration of these rare pictographs can be found on the Big Island.  Two prolific petroglyph fields are a short hike away at the Hilton Waikoloa, and at the Volcanoes National Park.
	Hawaii Volcanoes National Park - One of the most magnificent National Parks in the country, this park boasts the world's longest continually erupting volcano.  Hikes for all ages and abilities take you through all the climate zones that the Big Island has to offer.
	Honaunau Place of Refuge - Translated, the "place of refuge at Honaunau" is the most complete restoration of an ancient Hawaiian religious sanctuary in Hawaii.  Walk through a restored ancient Hawaiian village.  Enjoy the fantastic snorkeling nearby.
	Kailua-Kona - Kailua is situated in the gentle harbor on the leeward side of the island.  In between all the shops, restaurants, and hotels you can still see the perfect sunsets and enjoy the beaches and sea life.
	Waimea - This is a picturesque, quaint town high in the hills between Hilo and Kailua.  Waimea is a rest and food spot on your drive to the other side of the island.  View the green meadowed Parker Ranch as you drive through Waimea.
	Route 250 Scenic Drive - Kohala Mountain Route 250 is a perfect sequence of moments, blending lava and sea, shaded mountains and blazing orange sun.  This 27-mile ride along the volcanic ridge climbs to 6,000 ft., with spectacular views of the ocean below.
	Hapuna Beach - Rated one of the best beaches in the world, you cannot miss Hapuna Beach.  Lots of shade, grassy knolls, picnic pavilions, beautiful sand, large parking lot, clean showers and restrooms.
	Mauna Kea - At 13,700 feet this is the highest peak on the Hawaiian Islands.  Frequently snow capped in the winter, the world's most important observatories reside here.  Enjoy the spectacular views and splendid star-gazing.  Mauna Kea Summit Adventure
	Kona Sunset - Kona is home to the world's most spectacular sunsets.  Relaxing at sunset is the best way to end a day in paradise.  Whether viewing from the Volcano, Beach, or Boat, Kona sunsets are truly amazing.

Hawaii Guided Tours

Hawaii Circle Island Tour: The 260-mile, full circle island tour of the Big Island encompasses scenic areas like Kealakekua Bay and the south coast coffee farms, the rolling hills of Parker Ranch in Waimea and the lush Hamakua Coast. At Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, visit Kilauea Iki Crater, the Volcano House Observatory, Jagger Museum, steam bluffs and Thurston Lava Tube. You’ll also visit an orchid and anthurium nursery in Hilo and the Big Island Candy Factory. *A lunch stop is made at the Volcano House located in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (lunch is not included in the price of this tour).
 

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