William's Guidebook
Explore the Big Island… things to do
This is a pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion. This is a good family walk. Allow 1/2 hour for the full loop.
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Akaka Falls State Park
875 Akaka Falls RdThis is a pleasant self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The 0.4-mile loop footpath requires some physical exertion. This is a good family walk. Allow 1/2 hour for the full loop.
Onekahakaha Beach
Family friendly beach with a play area for kids, picnic area and large enclosed area for swimming and keeping the waves out of the way. Parking lot is small and this park is busy on weekends, so try to get here early. The restrooms are kept clean and there is an outside shower to use as well.
'Imiloa Astrono
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Onekahakaha Beach Park
74 Onekahakaha RdOnekahakaha Beach
Family friendly beach with a play area for kids, picnic area and large enclosed area for swimming and keeping the waves out of the way. Parking lot is small and this park is busy on weekends, so try to get here early. The restrooms are kept clean and there is an outside shower to use as well.
'Imiloa Astrono
'Imiloa Astronomy Center
The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi opened to positive reviews from residents and tourists of all ages. Where astronomy and culture merge, ʻImiloa means "exploring new knowledge." The ʻImiloa center takes visitors on an exploration of Mauna Kea and tells the story of its world-renowned astronomy and rich Hawaiian traditions.
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Imiloa Astronomy Center
600 Imiloa Pl'Imiloa Astronomy Center
The ʻImiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaiʻi opened to positive reviews from residents and tourists of all ages. Where astronomy and culture merge, ʻImiloa means "exploring new knowledge." The ʻImiloa center takes visitors on an exploration of Mauna Kea and tells the story of its world-renowned astronomy and rich Hawaiian traditions.
Volcano National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,677 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Volcano National Park
Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park protects some of the most unique geological, biological, and cultural landscapes in the world. Extending from sea level to 13,677 feet, the park encompasses the summits of two of the world's most active volcanoes - Kīlauea and Mauna Loa.
Waipio Valley
"The Valley of the Kings" is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it's also a place of dramatic tropical beauty. Touting the steepest road in the United States, rental vehicles are not allowed down and the walk back up is a rigorous one, even if you're in the best shape. Experienced swimmers and surfers only please.
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Waipio Valley Lookout
Waipio Valley
"The Valley of the Kings" is an important site for Hawaiian history and culture, it's also a place of dramatic tropical beauty. Touting the steepest road in the United States, rental vehicles are not allowed down and the walk back up is a rigorous one, even if you're in the best shape. Experienced swimmers and surfers only please.
Poho'iki
Pohoiki is officially known as Isaac Hale Beach Park and is an extremely diverse natural area in the beautiful and lush Puna district. Its exposed reef break has pretty consistent surf any time of the year, but is not for the faint or weak swimmer. The 2018 lava flow overran many portions of the roads and park, so if you want to see new lava up close, head Kalapana way (might check out Uncle Robert's too).
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Pohoiki Black Sand Beach
Kalapana Kapoho Beach RoadPoho'iki
Pohoiki is officially known as Isaac Hale Beach Park and is an extremely diverse natural area in the beautiful and lush Puna district. Its exposed reef break has pretty consistent surf any time of the year, but is not for the faint or weak swimmer. The 2018 lava flow overran many portions of the roads and park, so if you want to see new lava up close, head Kalapana way (might check out Uncle Robert's too).
Botanical Gardens
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is 40 acres of tropical plants and a nature lover’s paradise, located in the Onomea Valley. The Garden is home to over 2000 plant species. The garden has numerous trails, beautiful streams, waterfalls, a bird aviary, orchid garden and ocean vistas. Bring mosquito repellant!
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Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
27-717 Mamalahoa HwyBotanical Gardens
The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is 40 acres of tropical plants and a nature lover’s paradise, located in the Onomea Valley. The Garden is home to over 2000 plant species. The garden has numerous trails, beautiful streams, waterfalls, a bird aviary, orchid garden and ocean vistas. Bring mosquito repellant!
Mauna Kea Visitor Center
The visitor center is located halfway up Mauna Kea at 9,200 ft elevation. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you start the ascent, as the nearest gas stations are 35 miles (50 km) away. At the visitor center you can watch a video about astronomy. Or ask them about their Stargazing and Summit tours.
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Onizuka-Zentrum für internationale Astronomie-Besucherinformationsstation
Mauna Kea Access RoadMauna Kea Visitor Center
The visitor center is located halfway up Mauna Kea at 9,200 ft elevation. Make sure you have a full tank of gas before you start the ascent, as the nearest gas stations are 35 miles (50 km) away. At the visitor center you can watch a video about astronomy. Or ask them about their Stargazing and Summit tours.
South Point
South Point is the southernmost tip of the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as the United States. Only a few people make it here because this undeveloped area is only accessible via a dirt road. Thrill-seekers will love the jump; the climb back up, not so much.
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South Point Park
South Point RoadSouth Point
South Point is the southernmost tip of the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as the United States. Only a few people make it here because this undeveloped area is only accessible via a dirt road. Thrill-seekers will love the jump; the climb back up, not so much.
Beaches
Hapuna Beach
The largest of the island's white sand beaches, Hapuna Beach has consistently been rated on international Top Ten lists of best beaches. Located off Hwy 19 north of Kailua-Kona around mile marker 70, the beach is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is a small entrance fee of $5 to help maintain the park.
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Hapuna Beach
Hapuna Beach
The largest of the island's white sand beaches, Hapuna Beach has consistently been rated on international Top Ten lists of best beaches. Located off Hwy 19 north of Kailua-Kona around mile marker 70, the beach is open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. There is a small entrance fee of $5 to help maintain the park.
Punalu'u Beach
Located on the southeastern Kau coast, between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. Its jet black shores are an unforgettable sight. You can often see endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun on the beach - but do not approach them, admire from a distance, please.
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Punalu‘u Beach
Punalu'u Beach
Located on the southeastern Kau coast, between the towns of Pahala and Naalehu, Punaluu Black Sand Beach is one of the most famous black sand beaches in Hawaii. Its jet black shores are an unforgettable sight. You can often see endangered Hawksbill turtles and green turtles basking in the sun on the beach - but do not approach them, admire from a distance, please.