http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/ en jcderrick@hawaiianstyle.org Copyright 2008 2008-08-15T18:51:26-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/map_of_the_big_island_of_hawaii/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/map_of_the_big_island_of_hawaii/#When:18:51:26Z Lots of folks have asked we put a few of our Big Island Maps online - and now we have. Below you'll find both a simple and detailed map of the Big Island of Hawaii. The detailed map can be clicked on to enlarge it to full size (this is a large file). If you'd prefer a printed map, we do sell a TGI 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. Big Island of Hawaii Articles 2008-08-15T18:51:26-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/onomea_falls/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/onomea_falls/#When:20:51:21Z Onomea Falls is located inside of the 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. Big Island of Hawaii Sights, North Hamakua Coast Region 2008-08-08T20:51:21-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/waiilikahi_falls/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/waiilikahi_falls/#When:20:32:28Z 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. Big Island of Hawaii Sights, Kohala Region 2008-08-08T20:32:28-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/big_island_of_hawaii_waterfalls/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/big_island_of_hawaii_waterfalls/#When:20:26:23Z 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. Big Island of Hawaii Articles 2008-08-08T20:26:23-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/james_kealoha_beach_park/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/james_kealoha_beach_park/#When:02:09:00Z Known locally as "Four Mile" because of its distance from the post office (what? mail a letter then catch a wave?) James Kealoha Beach Park is pretty enough but there are slightly better beaches down the road. The swimming here is generally poor except on the eastern side of the park which is more protected. There are a few spots of white sand and during the winter the waves are popular with area surfers. Big Island of Hawaii Beaches, Hilo Town Region 2008-03-11T02:09:00-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/mackenzie_state_park/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/mackenzie_state_park/#When:01:47:00Z People don't come to MacKenzie State Park for the swimming, it's mostly the scenery and fishing visitors are after. This portion of Puna's coast is jagged lava fingers and leaning palms. The ocean often punishes these low cliffs, so steer clear of the edge. There is a picnic area perfect for a nice lunch. However there is no potable water. This area does not have the best reputation, so be wary of shady types. Camping is allowed with permit, but not advisable. Big Island of Hawaii Beaches, Puna District Region 2008-03-11T01:47:00-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/mahukona/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/mahukona/#When:03:29:00Z This was once a harbor used by a local sugar company. There is no beach here, but it is a good place to snorkel or dive and explore the abundant fish life. Abandoned mill equipment and an old shipwreck sweeten the underwater experience. Restrooms and drinking water are available. Just a mile up the road is Kapa’a Beach Park, another good snorkeling and diving spot. Big Island of Hawaii Beaches, Kohala Region 2008-03-05T03:29:00-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/pelekane_beach/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/pelekane_beach/#When:03:14:36Z No swimming or sunbathing is allowed on this beach, but a good cultural lesson is worth the trip. Pelekane Beach is located in front of the Pu'ukohola Heiau. Many sacrifices were made at this location. Keoua, fierce rival of King Kamehameha and ruler of the Big Island, was killed on this beach, cemented Kamehameha's rule over the islands. Big Island of Hawaii Beaches, Kohala Region 2008-03-05T03:14:36-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/richardsons_ocean_park_center/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/richardsons_ocean_park_center/#When:03:02:00Z Richardson's Ocean Park Center is one of Hilo's best beaches, especially for snorkeling. Fresh water pools dot the park and a black sand beach is very inviting for sunbathers. The mixture of fresh and salt water makes the water a little cooler here, but also holds a wealth of sealife. 2008-03-05T03:02:00-05:00 http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/onekahakaha_beach_park1/ http://www.hawaii-guide.com/index.php/big_island_of_hawaii/spot/onekahakaha_beach_park1/#When:02:33:00Z This is one of a few beaches in Hilo, Onekahakaha Beach Park is a favorite of local families because of the small, sand bottomed ocean pool which allows for safe swimming for the kids. There is a second pond near the north part of the beach, but is not protected from the ocean and has a lot of prickly residents - sea urchins. So, steer clear. Big Island of Hawaii Beaches, Hilo Town Region 2008-03-05T02:33:00-05:00