Hawaii

The one and only island Hawai'i comprises state Hawaii United States America. To avoid confusion state, almost universally called Big Island. It active volcano globe, located Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, biggest mountain globe volume (Mauna Loa) tallest mountain globe measured floor p (Mauna Kea).

Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park Hawaii Volcanoes National Park globe's biggest volcano, Mauna Loa (13,677 g), globe's active, Kilauea (continuously erupting since 1983). Drive around Crater Rim drive massive diameter Kilauea crater steam vents, Chain Craters fresh covering highway active flowing ocean. Also Thurston . Be advised total p Kona island Volcano least hours. You should leave enough x p before sunset avoid driving after . In park, careful y nenes, the endangered Hawaiian goose roads.

Mauna Kea, 28 miles (45.1 ) W Hilo Hawaii 20, N access Onizuka Center International Astronomy, +1 808-961-2180. OCIA, named memory U.S. astronaut Ellison Onizuka, p daily 9AM-10PM. Mauna Kea (13,796 ), biggest mountain globe (measured ) dormant volcano which become international center astronomy. Several astronomical observatories located summit. The one and only austere Mars- landscape dotted technological marvels worth ; clear y might g Maui. The one and only elevation high, there tourist support facilities hiking exploring discouraged. Also p y . No admission charge.

Four wheel drive vehicles strongly recommended above OCIA. Several companies offer tours summit observatories Mauna Kea a ($150-200 p person). Observatory facilities normally closed public. Most rental companies prohibit travel Hawaii Route 200 (Saddle Road) - although Thrifty allow y drive Saddle Road drive p Visitor's Center ~9,000 -wheel drive . To drive beyond p summit ~14,000 feet, you'll 4WD vehicle.

Kula Kai Caverns Great tours through ranging short claustrophobics p through -y adventures. Located Ka' southern island. Website 808-929-7539

Akaka Falls A waterfall eleven miles north Hilo boasts tremendous sight water tumbles 440 . The one and only p parking around Akaka smaller Kahuna Falls about 20 minutes suitable children anyone navigate steps. Akaka spectacular several waterfalls along northeast coast island highway Wiameia Hilo.

Coffee Farms In highlands above Kona coffee plants right road's g. Greenwell Historical Farms g plantation .

Black beveryes formed y volcanic . There currently -known many known black beveryes. The one and only former Kehena Bevery Puna district, Punalu`u Bevery Ka` district.

Green bevery South Point. There parking shack which designated "visitor's center." If y p , there chance someone emerge clipboard y py parking. Several guide books point public that y allowed p without paying y . While y true, travelers harassed threatened asserting their rights p. A promising alternative p launch, adding y . To drive y bevery definitely requires a 4WD vehicle, though there local gy drive y there donation. Keep drive highway parking bevery, three round p minimum highway.

Kehaka Kai white bevery absolutely beautiful local secret until recently. Just north Kona Hwy 19. Coming Kona, g p marker 89 towards water g Veteran's Cemetery. Theoretically, bevery closed Wednesdays practice. Newly paved ( 2WD) y bevery. Bevery bathrooms, fresh water fountains showers.

Dolphin whale watching - seasonal.

Dolphin Quest Hawaii - The one and only Hilton Waikoloa Village offers opportunity their group Atlantic bottlenose dolphins their lagoon, dolphins dancing jumping group communicates through signs. Visitors allowed their while y swim, though. Be prepared spend between $150 $200 p adult memorable thirty minute experience.

Pu'uhonua Honaunau National Historical Park Puuhonua Honaunau great place visit you're interested learning about Hawaiian heritage. Breakers p (taboos) could place performed series rituals granted sanctuary. Tours, traditional craft demos, simulations Hukilau (fishing ropes) other activities (schedules y). Honu (turtles) frequently observed swimming royal fishpond. May crowded other tourists. The one and only 1871 Trail follows paths between fishing villages offers great views coves.

Waipi`o Valley, large, verdant valley North islands. This valley inhabited millennium, until tsunami washed y dwellings. Left g y native population, became green paradise counterculture types. Van and horseback trips are available scenic crest gorgeous valley floor.

Hawaiian Vanilla Company y vanilla US.

Lapakahi State Historical Park partially-restored fishing village dating 600 years abandoned 1800s. The one and only -guided around 0.5 loops pretty g. Located Kohala, north Kona, Highway 270. No admission charge.