Big Island of Hawaii: 2010-07-02T04:24:58Z Copyright (c) 2010, J.C.Derrick ExpressionEngine tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:06:16 tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.557 2010-06-16T19:00:10Z 2010-06-16T19:02:11Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org
The mature macadamia nut trees create wonderful shade with their dark green foliage and white, raceme blossoms in Winter and Spring. The main harvest is in Summer and Fall. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.556 2010-06-16T18:45:07Z 2010-06-16T18:47:08Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.555 2010-06-16T18:31:31Z 2010-06-16T18:43:32Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park. The water here is protected by offshore reefs, so swimming is usually safe even for children.

Many turtles often feed on the grasses growing in the cloudy water of this cove. In ancient times, this natural fishpond was well utilized as fish swam in during high tide and could not get out during low tide. Today few people visit this area making it a perfect retreat for an afternoon swim and picnic.
]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.554 2010-06-16T18:24:37Z 2010-06-16T18:25:38Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org
This lovely beach is perfect for swimming, diving and snorkeling and is fairly well protected from strong surf due to the offshore reef.

Inland from the beach is a large ancient Hawaiian fishpond. The pond was used for raising mullet for the royalty and ali'i of the times. The pond is ringed by beautiful palm trees and makes for a picturesque sunset photo opportunity. There are also educational plaques along the trail surrounding the pond area.

A shoreline trail leads between resort hotels and extends from the Outrigger Waujikia all the way to the Hilton Waikoloa. This long and beautiful trail winds among lava, sand, coral and tidepools.

Numerous resort facilities are available here including rentals, restaurants and a canoe club. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.553 2010-06-16T18:22:54Z 2010-06-16T18:25:55Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org
During low tide, small pools dot the entire coastline. These pools are filled with small sealife and make excellent areas to explore.

Offshore the reef is home to a wide variety of fish. The outer edges of the reef are the most interesting, but use extreme caution and monitor ocean conditions carefully before entering the water. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.552 2010-06-16T18:20:40Z 2010-06-16T18:21:42Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org tag:hawaii-guide.com,2010:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.551 2010-06-16T18:15:32Z 2010-06-16T18:17:33Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org
In 2002 The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo hosted over 138,000 visitors, averaging nearly 11,000 free visits each month. The Zoo is heavily supported by it's large volunteer staff and by donations. One new attraction will be a Primadome, to house primates in a non traditional setting. A fun, family friendly zoo, you may see a birthday party going on in the pavilion.

The Zoo is also known for it lush tropical vegetation including orchids, rhododendrons, and water lilies.

The Equestrian Center features horse activities such as rodeos, racing, dressage, and stall rentals.

The Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is open every day at no charge from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The tiger feeding is daily at 3:30 p.m. Closed Christmas and New Year's Day. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.486 2008-10-27T17:34:38Z 2008-10-27T17:39:38Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.480 2008-08-15T18:51:26Z 2008-08-15T19:03:26Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org Pocket Map of the Big Island as well. Our forthcoming book, Hawaii - Mile by Mile, will also feature several detailed maps of the Big Island in its entirety. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.475 2008-08-08T20:51:29Z 2010-07-02T00:32:30Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden (Admission required). Onomea Falls is set amidst the natural forest of palms and ferns and is located along the pathway inside the garden. Exotic mosses grow on the surrounding rocks, trees and the small bridge in front of the falls allows for an even better view of the falls and stream, plus it makes for a great photo opportunity.

According to the HTBG website, the falls was discovered far by Dan Lutkenhouse, years after work on the lower Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden began. One day he decided to hack his way through the jungle alongside the stream, and much to his delight he found the magnificent waterfall. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.473 2008-08-08T20:32:28Z 2008-08-08T20:42:28Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org
But if you're a hard core hiker, here's the scoop. Wai`ilikahi Falls is located in Waimanu Valley, accessible via the Muliwai Trail (Z-Trail) that begins on the far side of Waipio Valley. This trail is not for the novice hiker. Once you reach the top of the ridge, it is another eight miles of hiking through gorges and over hills to reach Waimanu Valley. Do not attempt to do this hike in a single day. You will have to cross 13 streams along the way, so it is not advised during the rainy season where unbelievable amounts of mud and swollen streams will make the trek dangerous and significantly less enjoyable. The descent into Waimanu can be tricky. Once you reach the end of the switch backs, cross the stream to the campsites on the other side. Do not drink the water straight from the stream. It must be purified to be suitable for drinking. If you are one of the adventurous to make the trip, you will likely have the valley to yourself. Waimanu has all the charm and beauty of Waipio without the people. At one time several hundred people lived in Waimanu until a tsunami made them leave for good in 1946. You may encounter some of the ruins on your exploration. Waimanu is bursting with waterfalls, including the one you've come to see - the spectacular Wai'ilikahi Falls. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.474 2008-08-08T20:26:23Z 2008-08-08T21:08:23Z J.C.Derrick jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org Waterfalls on the Big Island of Hawaii are some of the world's finest. We both agree the Big Island is collectively home to some of the best falls in Hawaii as well, especially when it comes to what really makes a waterfall a waterfall - height. The Big Island is home to some of the tallest falls in the state. Below we've included links to several of the best waterfalls on the Big Island, most of which you can actually see without a tour or helicopter (all falls visible from the air only are noted).

On the list of Big Island of Hawaii waterfalls below, we've included the height of the falls when possible, a rank (out of 5 stars), noted if it's a seasonal falls (dry in summer or too heavy of a flow in winter), and included any additional access information as necessary. If you think you've located a Big Island waterfall we've mistakenly left off this list, by all means please contact us and we'll make sure it's added. Be sure to also check out all the waterfalls in Hawaii on our Hawaii Waterfalls page.

]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.413 2008-03-11T02:09:00Z 2008-03-11T02:24:23Z N.A.Whitling NADerrick@HawaiianStyle.org tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.412 2008-03-11T01:47:14Z 2010-07-02T00:36:15Z N.A.Whitling NADerrick@HawaiianStyle.org
This area does not have the best reputation, so be wary of shady types. Camping is allowed with permit, but not advisable. ]]> tag:hawaii-guide.com,2008:index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/4.409 2008-03-05T03:29:10Z 2010-07-02T00:37:11Z N.A.Whitling NADerrick@HawaiianStyle.org