Attractions & Landmarks

This ancient heiau is nearly indistinguishable from the other grass huts that were erected nearby for the King Kamehameha Hotel luau grounds. Exuding an aura of mystique and timelessness, it consists of a stone wall, some other stones and a few modest grass buildings. Although no one can enter this Hawaiian holy place, it is possible to go right up to the gates that protect it. Another good viewpoint is from across the Kailua Pier.

This garden has over a 1000 species of orchids grown and tended to by Moriyasu Akatsuka, an expert in the plantation of this exotic flower. The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is in close proximity, so you may plan your garden visit accordingly. Award-winning robust orchids are on display, and the gift shop is worth dropping by too - stocking stuffers, bath-products, T-shirts, fragrances, and the like are available.

Located inside the Hilton Waikoloa Village, this dolphin habitat draws visitors from up and down the big island of Hawaii. Dolphin Quest offers a variety of programs and encounters for everyone from children to couples. Guests and visitors have the chance to learn about these extraordinary creatures through fun and educational programs. See their website for more information.

All that is artistic on the Eastern side of Hawai'i, whether it be theatrical, musical or ethnic cultural, seems to have a home base at this downtown facility. Two galleries display the works of local and international artists. Experimental theater performances, special-interest lectures and even swing dances take place in the intimate venue on the second floor. A half-dozen arts and cultural organizations, including Hilo Community Players and Kin Ryosho Dance Academy, operate within the center. Various workshops and classes are held regularly. Call or pick up a copy of the monthly calendar for up-to-the-minute information.

This white sand beach is the stuff of movies, photo shoots and imagination. They stretch as far as the eye can see. The sand is sugar-fine, warm and clean. The waves are deep blue in the distance, foamy when they hit the shore. Among the Big Island's white sand spots, this one stands out and is regularly ranked among the top beaches in the world. The half-mile strip also has great facilities like a paved walkway leading from the parking lot, which is a rarity in Hawaii!

Some visitors hail this as the most beautiful area in Hawaii. Visitors can expect to see rushing rivers and trickling streams, vivid orchids and delicate hanging ferns, birds and flowers in every color of the rainbow. Waterfalls, lily ponds and several miles of coastline add to the astonishing aesthetic beauty of the garden. A gift shop is onsite and umbrellas are loaned out free of charge when it rains, which adds even more to the tropical setting.

The blazing red molten lava flows with a vengeance, twisting and turning to finally tumble into the ocean. The only active volcano in America, Kilauea has been bubbling non-stop since 1983. And if you want to see this miraculous creation of nature in the best possible way, you should try the Hawaii Volcano Tours excursion. It is not the cheapest, but a luxury SUV picks and drops you from your hotel, cruise or airport, and essentials, snacks and drinks are also provided. They also have tours to Hamakua coast and the highest mountain in Hawaii, Mauna Kea, which are also worth checking out.

More than two million people visit the active Kilauea Volcano each year, enthralled by the sight of the forbidding black mountain and the fiery streams of molten lava that flow from it. The other active volcano, Mauna Loa, is the largest one on earth; the summit towers at more than 13,000 feet above sea level. There are many hiking trails in the park, which spans 217,000 acres. The Kilauea Visitor Center and Jaggar Museum offer the chance to learn more about the park's history and geology.

The little settlement of Holualoa was founded as an agricultural center, but has evolved into what many consider to be the artistic center of the Big Island. Artists from around the world have gathered here, inspired by the beauty and the serenity of the island. You will find a multitude of galleries open daily on the main street. Take a moment in between viewings to relax over a cup of Kona coffee; after all, it did make the region famous.

Many of the fishing charters and scuba dive boats that operate on the West Side dock at this harbor. It's located just four miles from the Kona Airport, across from ever-popular local restaurant Sam Choy's. Among the vessels docked here are the Prime Time, the Kona Spirit and Hustler. A few restaurants and sundry stores are also onsite, most notably the Harbor House Restaurant. The Charter Desk has a fish weigh-in twice daily.

This East Hawaii surfing and body-boarding spot is popular for its steady shore-break; and by virtue of the fact that it is the only good surfing beach on the eastern coast. It is just a couple of miles north of Hilo. This is not a good swimming beach, but it is fine for sunbathing and surfer-watching (a popular tourist hobby). The beach has some facilities, including restrooms and showers. There is no lifeguard on duty.

This is one of three palaces in the Hawaiian Islands. It is located in the heart of downtown Kailua-Kona, across from the state's oldest church. From the time of its construction in 1838 up until 1925, the structure was passed down among members of the Hawaiian royal family. It was primarily used as a vacation home, but was converted to a museum after the Territory of Hawaii purchased it in 1925. The palace is currently maintained by the Sisters of Hawaii.

Located inside of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, this museum offers a number of displays and exhibits related to science, geology and, in particular, the active volcano. Several different kinds of lava are displayed, along with full-color photographs of past volcanic activity. Other exhibits show the equipment and gear that was used to study volcanoes in the past, along with more modern equipment. A seismograph and a tiltometer, two crucial pieces of equipment in any volcano study, are both on display. Park admission: USD10 per car.

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.

Established in 1978, this park is still comparatively new, but it attracts nearly 50,000 visitors per year. It is situated on an ancient settlement and is a must-see for anyone interested in authentic Hawaiian culture and heritage. On the 1,160 acres that comprise the park, visitors can view heiau (places of worship), petroglyphs, fishponds (man-made stone ponds used to raise fish) and other remnants of an ancient community. There is no visitor center on the park, so arriving guests are encouraged to visit the headquarters.

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.

This working ranch is also the site of numerous other activities. From bird watching to hunting to hiking, the diverse roster of activities can appeal to many different kinds of people. Visitors who prefer a leisurely vacation may choose to go no farther than the Kealia Ranch Store, where all sorts of locally made crafts and gifts are for sale. Pick up some stuff for the folks back home and some shave ice for yourself. Call or check the Web site for tour information.

It isn't often that one has an opportunity to see the way people lived and worked in past generations. This 'Living History' farm allows just that opportunity. It is a representation of the Kona coffee industry in the years between 1925 and 1945. Observe the procedures of an Old Hawaii coffee plantation, from the orchards and fields to the roasting plant. Artifacts and authentic landscapes add to the effect. There is a gift shop onsite. The admission prices are very high.

Even in Hawai'i there aren't many beaches like this one. The sand is an odd shade of green with gold hues - actually much prettier than it sounds. Billions of tiny fragments of green crystal give the beach its unusual color. This is a good place for swimming, sunbathing and diving during calm months. Avoid the water during high surf; but always bring your camera; photo opportunities abound. Note that unless you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, you may have to hike a couple miles to get to this beach.

En route to the Kohala Coast hotels is this pleasant, secluded beach. It is actually some ways off the main highway, 15 minutes' walking distance from the parking lot at the north end of Kona Coast State Park. Because of the abundance of easily accessible beaches in this area, few people find it worthwhile to trek out to this one. The people that do will have the gentle slope of white sand bordered by rolling dunes all to themselves. There are no facilities or lifeguard services.

Ever heard of the snows of Mauna Kea? This is where you find them. In the winter, the slopes here get plenty of snow. The reserve is noteworthy for several other reasons, as well. Natural deposits left by Ice Age glaciers are easily visible to any science buff. People with an interest in archaeology may want to hike the 40-minute path to Lake Waiau, where an archaeological site still shows remnants of ancient pre-contact Hawai'i. Plenty of other people come here to get a good look at the island from the vantage point of 13,000 feet above sea level. Note: Limited access to rental cars. Check before attempting to make the drive.

If you can get to Mauna Kea at night, you can enjoy some of the world's best stargazing. However, no one ever said it was easy to get there. The place is located 35 miles inland of Hilo inside the Mauna Kea Forest Reserve. Not only is it 6,500 feet above sea level, it is also only accessible by a winding, bumpy mountain road that is strictly off-limits for most rental cars. Spring for a 4x4 and a camping permit (get it ahead of time) and do it right. Alternatively, book a place on one of the many guided tours that head up the mountain. By day, you can hike and explore. At night, observe the glory of the night sky.

You've seen the blue cans and boxes in the drug store; now visit the source. At the Mauna Loa farm and factory, visitors can tour the grounds, sample the products and stop by the Visitor Center. Not only is there a gift shop onsite, but the prices are wholesale. Buy the macadamia nuts plain, salted, in brittle or covered in milk chocolate. Gift baskets and other specialty items are also for sale. Admission to the factory is free.

Erected in 1820, this was the first Christian church to be established in the Hawaiian Islands. Originally it was a simple thatched building, intended only as an interim place to hold services. The proud building that now stands was built in 1836 out of crushed coral and lava rock. It is in perfect condition and still holds services. Inside the church is a model of the brig Thaddeus, which carried the first missionaries to Kona Town in the early 19th century.

It is no wonder that this place is a favorite of couples looking to tie the knot. The 20-acre botanical garden full of colorful blooms, quiet lily-filled ponds and splashing waterfalls, provides hundreds of places to kiss, hold hands, or just relax and drink in all of the beauty. The gardens are split into several sections, including the formal European Garden, the vivid Orchid Garden and the serene Water Garden. A museum, gift shop and two restaurants are onsite. Admission for adults is USD7 and for children between 4-10 years of age USD5.

People arriving in Kona can make a visit to this science museum first on their list—even before picking up the rental car. The Space Center is located at the airport, right in between two airline ticket counters. A non-profit organization, it was established as the legacy of Ellison Onizuka, who died in the Space Shuttle Challenger tragedy. A variety of interactive and passive exhibits are onsite, among them a gravity well and a model of the Challenger space craft. Special programs are offered periodically. Admission is USD3 for adults; USD1 for children under 12.

Parker Ranch is one of the largest ranches in the country. There are many things to see and do on the portion of the ranch that is open to the public, but the first place to stop is probably the Visitor Center. Learn about the Parkers of 100 years ago, and how the island's paniolo ranchers affected the community of Kamuela/Waimea. Watch a short but informative film or learn about the restored homes on the ranch. The store inside the museum sells paniolo clothing, books, souvenirs and more.

It may be small (less than a tenth of a percent of the size of Volcanoes National Park), but this place is of immense historical significance. Once the site of an ancient Hawaiian place of refuge, law or code breakers flocked here to obtain mercy from the wrath of the gods (or the community). Other places of interest include royal grounds, reconstructed temples and ancient fishponds. A short walking trail winds through many of the interesting sites. Orientations are given several times daily. Artists and craftspeople often display their works onsite. Admission: USD5.

Estimated to be between 200 and 1000 years old, these eerie, timeless remnants of Hawaii's past are at the end of a 0.7 mile paved trail. The trail is easy to maneuver and the scenery is amazing. The first part travels over a vast expanse of lava rock. Eventually it leads into a dry wood forest where crude symbols are carved into large rocks. The historic site is located in the Holoholokai Beach Park.

The southern tip of the Big Island is also the southernmost place in the entire United States. Plenty of people make the journey to see it, though there isn't a whole lot to see on the way. There is something to hear, however: the windmills at Kamoa Wind Farm. Definitely take time out to stop at Mahana Beach, known for its green sand, along the way. The view once you get to South Point is quite pretty and definitely worth a picture. A warning, though: do not ever go in the water. Every local guide will warn you about this spot's perilous currents.

With its shade trees, picnic tables and gentle surf, this is a great place for family outings or afternoon naps. It is a quiet neighborhood beach just outside of Kawaihae. The same elements that draw swimmers and snorkelers tend to dissuade surfers, windsurfers and other thrill seekers. The shorebreak is gentle and usually small. Facilities include barbecue pits, showers and even tennis courts. The soft, golden sands are usually not very crowded.

For an experience extraordinaire, arrange for a visit to the Subaru Telescope site atop Hawaii's dormant volcano. For as many as 15 days a month, 30-minute tours are organized for those interested in increasing their knowledge of the fiery bowels of the earth. Both Japanese and English guides will aid tourists, but children and those susceptible to illness are strictly barred. Reservations should be made a week in advance and participants are expected to be dressed for a rough walk. After intense preparations, one will be rewarded with awesome views of naturally sculpted landscapes and loads of information about volcanoes.

Enjoy the gorgeous Hawaiian scenery while the aroma of gourmet coffee wafts all around you. The Sugai Kona Coffee Farm rests on the mountains and comprises around 60 acres of lush coffee, lychee, avocado and macadamia plantations. Visitors can take in the natural splendor while they learn more about the company and the coffee-rich tradition of the region. Come over and relax while you sip on your complimentary cup of coffee.

The famous 'Black Beauty' helicopters of Maui and the Big Island are among the best ways to tour famous natural sights. On the Big Island, the helicopters make two different journeys. The first is over majestic, volatile Kilauea and the surrounding valleys. See active lava and hidden waterfalls. The second excursion tours the Kohala Coast, taking passengers over such renowned places as Waipi'o Valley. Tours start at 150 dollars per person for a 45 minute ride. Call for reservations or more information.

The Japanese coffee giant Ueshima established Ueshima Coffee Corp. as their representative in Hawaii. As you head towards Kealakua Bay, you will find the Ueshima Espresso Bar and Roastery, where they also conduct tours (reserve in advance). This charming little venue allows visitors to come in and learn more about the coffee-making process. You can even roast your own beans and create your own label! The bar offers delicious steaming cups of espresso and yummy ice-cream; also available are gift items. Visit this award-winning establishment and don't forget to buy a little piece of Hawaii from the souvenir shop to take back home with you.

Situated in Volcanoes National Park next to the Kilauea Visitor Center, this center is a non-profit organization and an artists' collective. Its goals are to support local artists and crafters, and to promote the culture and heritage of Hawai'i. It offers a number of workshops, special events and classes in venues around Volcano Village. In addition to the main office, there is a gallery inside the Volcano House Hotel. Park admission: USD10 per car.

A nicely maintained park in central Hilo, this place is great for family outings or group picnics. The park, which spans a little more than 130 acres, has a picnic area, a boat ramp, a visitor center and a war memorial. People can choose to boat down the river or to stroll through the park and take in the scenery. The Wailoa Center, located on the property, often features displays and exhibits by local artists, while the outdoor pavilions sometimes are the sites of special events.

The best-known sight at this 16-acre park is Rainbow Falls, so named because of the rainbows that form at the base when the sun hits the mist. Another sight to see is Boiling Pots. Several large pools bordered by lava-rock columns. The water that flows through the pools appears to be boiling, though it is actually just turmoil caused by the rush of water over rocks. There are numerous other photo opportunities and scenic spots within the park. Hiking trails and restrooms are in the facility.

Anyone who's looking for a marathon horseback ride should call this place. While a normal two and a half-hour tour is available, people who really want to explore can sign up for the five-hour Hidden Waterfall Ride. Both tours travel along Waipio Valley to Hi'ilawe Falls, passing through cane fields and farmlands along the way. The five-hour journey follows the path of a stream back through the jungle, eventually arriving in a hidden rainforest paradise. Reserve in advance.