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Big Island of Hawaii Sights
Location: Hilo Town
Pe'e Pe'e Falls (pronounced Peh-eh Peh-eh Falls) is fed by the Wailuku River which also feeds Rainbow Falls further down river. Getting an up close view of Pe'e Pe'e requires a short hike down a hill and some rock skipping. The flow is determined by rainfall. The multi-spouted falls fills up a small pool at the base. Beware of mosquitoes.
Pe'e Pe'e Falls (pronounced Peh-eh Peh-eh Falls) is fed by the Wailuku River which also feeds Rainbow Falls further down river. Getting an up close view of Pe'e Pe'e requires a short hike down a hill and some rock skipping. The flow is determined by rainfall. The multi-spouted falls fills up a small pool at the base. Beware of mosquitoes.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents. At the mouth of the valley the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep inside the valley.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents we do not encourage driving into the valley. However, we have been told that it is fine to walk in and hike to the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide.
Located along the Hamakua Coast on the northeastern coast of the Big Island of Hawai'i, Waipi'o Valley is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. Time and nature's elements have carved an unimaginably massive valley filled with deep green-encrusted cliffs cut by plunging waterfalls. Its floor is carpeted with forests and neatly formed taro patches interspersed with the homes of its few residents. At the mouth of the valley the ocean licks the mile-long black sand beach which is sliced in half by the river that is partially fed by the 1,200 ft. free-falling Hi'ilawe Falls which resides deep inside the valley.
The road into the valley is incredibly steep and out of respect for the residents we do not encourage driving into the valley. However, we have been told that it is fine to walk in and hike to the beach, but do not explore the interior of the valley without a tour guide.
Location: South Kau
The turnoff for South Point Road is between the 69 and 70 mile markers with a large green sign pointing makai. The traditional Hawaiian name for South Point is Ka Lae meaning “the point.” The two-lane paved road cuts through macadamia nut groves, pasture land and a Mauna Loa lava flow. About five miles into the 12 mile trip to Ka Lae the road shifts to a one-lane rugged passageway through vast, flat pastureland. Short, scrubby plants cling to the fields while cattle graze. A little further down the road you’ll see rows of metal giants reaching toward the skies, their huge metal arms straining against the fierce South Point wind. When it was built in the late 1980s, the Kamoa Wind Farm had over 30 operating turbines. Some of these massive windmills may still spin but many, rusted and broken down are a bit sad against the landscape. Off the road and closer to the point are Tawhiri Power’s 14 brand new GE turbines, which when completed in early 2007 were expected to bring power to 10,000 Big Island homes.
The turnoff for South Point Road is between the 69 and 70 mile markers with a large green sign pointing makai. The traditional Hawaiian name for South Point is Ka Lae meaning “the point.” The two-lane paved road cuts through macadamia nut groves, pasture land and a Mauna Loa lava flow. About five miles into the 12 mile trip to Ka Lae the road shifts to a one-lane rugged passageway through vast, flat pastureland. Short, scrubby plants cling to the fields while cattle graze. A little further down the road you’ll see rows of metal giants reaching toward the skies, their huge metal arms straining against the fierce South Point wind. When it was built in the late 1980s, the Kamoa Wind Farm had over 30 operating turbines. Some of these massive windmills may still spin but many, rusted and broken down are a bit sad against the landscape. Off the road and closer to the point are Tawhiri Power’s 14 brand new GE turbines, which when completed in early 2007 were expected to bring power to 10,000 Big Island homes.
Location: Hilo Town
Nothing hits the spot on a warm Hilo day like looking down the mouth of a lava tube. Just a little north west from Hilo you will find Kaumana Caves Park. From Hilo take Waianuenue Ave. mauka for about a mile. Kaumana Dr. will branch off to the left. The park is located on the right between the 3 and 4 mile markers. The parking lot is across the street and on a blind curve so be careful when crossing the street. The entrance to the cave is marked with a railing. A very steep set of stairs descends into the cool darkness of this relatively young lava tube.
Nothing hits the spot on a warm Hilo day like looking down the mouth of a lava tube. Just a little north west from Hilo you will find Kaumana Caves Park. From Hilo take Waianuenue Ave. mauka for about a mile. Kaumana Dr. will branch off to the left. The park is located on the right between the 3 and 4 mile markers. The parking lot is across the street and on a blind curve so be careful when crossing the street. The entrance to the cave is marked with a railing. A very steep set of stairs descends into the cool darkness of this relatively young lava tube.
Location: Kohala
As you pass the 28 mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of our next stop, Pololu Valley. On a sunny day you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of vegetation lining the sides of the valley. A short walk to the lookout reveals the many folds and creases of the inner part of the valley which drop into a rich, green floor. Lines of ironwood trees divide the lush valley from the grainy black sand beach that meets the ocean.
Early morning is the best time to visit, when you'll have a chance of snagging a parking space in the small lot. Pololu is the end of a string of seven major valleys carved into the northern Kohala coast of the Big Island which ends with Waipio Valley. This now uninhabited valley was once used to grow taro. The root of the taro plant is pounded down and mixed with water to create a purple paste called poi, a staple of the Hawaiian diet.
As you pass the 28 mile marker on Highway 270 past Hawi, the coast will open up and you will suddenly be treated to a breathtaking view of our next stop, Pololu Valley. On a sunny day you will see the vibrant blue and green ocean crashing into the rugged sea cliffs and the deep green carpet of vegetation lining the sides of the valley. A short walk to the lookout reveals the many folds and creases of the inner part of the valley which drop into a rich, green floor. Lines of ironwood trees divide the lush valley from the grainy black sand beach that meets the ocean.
Early morning is the best time to visit, when you'll have a chance of snagging a parking space in the small lot. Pololu is the end of a string of seven major valleys carved into the northern Kohala coast of the Big Island which ends with Waipio Valley. This now uninhabited valley was once used to grow taro. The root of the taro plant is pounded down and mixed with water to create a purple paste called poi, a staple of the Hawaiian diet.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
Halfway between mile markers 8 and 7 on the Hawaii Belt road you will see a rather large sign that says "Scenic Drive." The Scenic Drive actually begins right after mile marker 11 and runs parallel to the Hawaii Belt Road until it reconnects between mile markers 8 and 7. We have chosen to take you onto the Scenic Drive at this point because most of the beautiful scenery is at this end.
Halfway between mile markers 8 and 7 on the Hawaii Belt road you will see a rather large sign that says "Scenic Drive." The Scenic Drive actually begins right after mile marker 11 and runs parallel to the Hawaii Belt Road until it reconnects between mile markers 8 and 7. We have chosen to take you onto the Scenic Drive at this point because most of the beautiful scenery is at this end.
Location: North Hamakua Coast
About 1.5 miles down Onomea Scenic Drive the parking lot for the gardens will be on the mauka side of the road. Admission is a bit steep ($15 for adults, $5 for children) but it is money well spent for the vast natural beauty of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This garden was a gift to the people of the world from Dan J. Lutkenhouse, a businessman from San Francisco.
Currently, over 2,000 species of plants, including a large variety of orchids, heliconia, gingers, bromeliads, and palms, spread throughout the garden mixed with several natural waterfalls and a view of Onomea Bay. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of the garden. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree.
About 1.5 miles down Onomea Scenic Drive the parking lot for the gardens will be on the mauka side of the road. Admission is a bit steep ($15 for adults, $5 for children) but it is money well spent for the vast natural beauty of the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This garden was a gift to the people of the world from Dan J. Lutkenhouse, a businessman from San Francisco.
Currently, over 2,000 species of plants, including a large variety of orchids, heliconia, gingers, bromeliads, and palms, spread throughout the garden mixed with several natural waterfalls and a view of Onomea Bay. With the aid of the map provided by the garden, you will easily spend several hours ambling through the various sections of the garden. Every twist and turn leads to a new plant or tree.
Location: Hilo Town
One of the most gorgeous views of Hilo Bay is from the edge of the gardens. The sun glistens on the calm bay waters while palm trees gently sway in a warm breeze, and in the distance you can see clouds banking on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Lili'uokalani Park was named in honor of Hawaii’s last queen and features a meticulously manicured Japanese landscape ringed by sprawling banyan trees.
One of the most gorgeous views of Hilo Bay is from the edge of the gardens. The sun glistens on the calm bay waters while palm trees gently sway in a warm breeze, and in the distance you can see clouds banking on the slopes of Mauna Loa. Lili'uokalani Park was named in honor of Hawaii’s last queen and features a meticulously manicured Japanese landscape ringed by sprawling banyan trees.
Location: Hilo Town
Just outside of downtown Hilo, 16-acre Wailuku River State Park is home to several of the most striking waterfalls in the area.
Among the several falls which occur along the Wailuku River are 80-foot Rainbow Falls which takes its name from a rainbow formed by the mists and sunlight, Pe'epe'e Falls (upper right) and Boiling Pots, a series of large pools whose water appears to be boiling as it rolls over many rocks en route to the ocean. The depressions are caused by swirling rocks.
Just outside of downtown Hilo, 16-acre Wailuku River State Park is home to several of the most striking waterfalls in the area.
Among the several falls which occur along the Wailuku River are 80-foot Rainbow Falls which takes its name from a rainbow formed by the mists and sunlight, Pe'epe'e Falls (upper right) and Boiling Pots, a series of large pools whose water appears to be boiling as it rolls over many rocks en route to the ocean. The depressions are caused by swirling rocks.
Location: Kohala
If you are eager to explore this waterfall, you're going to have to pay the piper with some sweat and hard physical labour (tough hiking may be an understatement here). Or, you could just take a helicopter tour of the Kohala coast. We'll let you pick.
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.
If you are eager to explore this waterfall, you're going to have to pay the piper with some sweat and hard physical labour (tough hiking may be an understatement here). Or, you could just take a helicopter tour of the Kohala coast. We'll let you pick.
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.
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