Explore Holualoa Village in Kona Hawaii

The gorgeous art and coffee town of Holualoa sits peacefully above Kailua-Kona on Hualalai Mountain. Driving by, you could almost blink and miss this small village, but you’d truly be missing a treasure. Holualoa has more to offer than you could possibly imagine. There are a few different roads leading from “town” up to Holualoa. … [Read more...]

Foraging Guava on The Big Island in Hawaii

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The Big Island is rife with opportunity and attractions peering around every corner. So much so that it is easy to miss a lot of the excitement that stares you in the face on your entire visit. Though foraging is more practical the whole world round than most think, it is extremely popular in Hawaii. Many people that wish to live off the land … [Read more...]

Big Island Beach Guide

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  Don't believe it if anyone tells you the Big Island lacks beaches. It actually has 80 or more, and new ones appear -- and disappear -- regularly. In 1989 a new black-sand beach, Kamoamoa, formed when molten lava shattered as it hit cold ocean waters. Kamoamoa was the largest of the black-sand beaches, Kua Bay white sand beachmore than … [Read more...]

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park, established in 1916, displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with complex and unique ecosystems and a distinct human culture. The park encompasses diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit … [Read more...]

Kona, Hawaii

Sunset at Anaehoomalu Bay, Kohala Coast

  The Big Island of Hawaii is divided in half by three volcanoes, Hualalai, Mauna Kea, and Mauna Loa. To the east is the Hilo side which is the windward side of the island, and to the west is the Kona side which is the leeward side of the island. Kona is famous for sportfishing, snorkeling, sunsets and coffee. It means “leeward” in … [Read more...]

Planning your Big Island Trip

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There are a lot of things to think about when planning your next trip to the Big Island of Hawaii.  When to Visit and How Long to Stay are frequent questions asked by visitors.  The Island of Hawaii is a larger area than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined - and the climate, regions, and activities are incredibly diverse.  You can visit a … [Read more...]

Adventure: Hiking the Waipio Valley

Paddle Boarders Deep in the Waipio Valley

Waipio Valley: Hawaii’s Garden of Eden Waipio Valley, often called the Valley of the Kings, is easily among the most beautiful places in the world. It is considered the cradle of life for Hawaiians. Few sites on the planet combine its rich history with such lush vegetation and pristine beaches. It stands out on the Hamakua coast as a popular … [Read more...]

Question - Kayaking to Capt Cook

We received this question by email: I 'm planning a trip too big island this August and I want to rent a triple kayak for me, my wife and my daughter.  We want to get to Captain Cook Monument . As we are coming from France , I try to rent it online. May you confirm that the "konaboys" is a good way and may you explain to me the way to … [Read more...]

Question - Snorkeling near Hilo

Hawaiian Honu at Leleiwi Beach Park, Hilo

We received the following question by email: My husband and I are spending two nights in Hilo at the end of October and don't have accommodations yet. Before we make any reservations, I'd like to get an idea of where we can find good snorkeling in the area. I'd appreciate your … [Read more...]

Kilauea Iki Trail

In the crater, Kilauea Iki

View from top of crater rim, start of trail Ferns in the rain forest Steam rising from the hot lava View, midway to the bottom of the crater Bottom view, prior to crossing the crater View of trail cutting across crater (see the small people) Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Distance and hiking time: 4 mile loop, 2 to … [Read more...]