Punalu'u Beach Park

Punalu'u Beach Park is one of the most scenic beaches that the Big Island has to offer. With palm trees overlooking the jet-black sand, you can stroll, sit, or dig your feet while enjoying the calm waves of the ocean. The beach has a fresh water wading pool, and a pond where you might find some visitors, exotic ducks, hanging around, and enjoying the Hawaiian weather too. Punalu’u Beach Park is a popular place for the local Hawaiians, since many residents used to get their fresh water from the springs that gurgled up in the bay. If you get luck, you might even see the endangered green sea turtle. At Punalu’u the sea turtles come in great numbers, since the beach is their favorite nesting spot. They can be lying under the sun, resting on the rocks, or eating algae under the palm trees trying to keep cool. The turtles are friendly, but protected by law, so touching, or harassing them is against the rules. Punalu’u Beach Park allows campers to unload for the night and enjoy Mother Nature at its finest. Public restrooms and showers are on the premises, and a little t-shit hut that lies outside the beach is a great way to take back a memory of the Big Island back home with you.

To get to Punalu'u Beach Park, go south out of Kona on Highway ll.
After going through the little town of Na'alehu for about 20 minutes you will reach a four-way junction that says "Sea Mountain Resort". Take the right turn, and go past the golf course and rest rooms. Walk to the end of the beach.

Kapoloa Falls Hike

Address	Meet at the HI Forest and Trail office located on Hwy 19 half way between Kailu-Kona and the airport

The Big Island is one of the most diverse hiking destinations in the world. Both challenging and leisurely hikes can be found on the Big Island. Imagine challenging your self by hiking up a steep rugged trail that starts from the astonishing crystal blue seashore, and making its way up high to the mountain tops, then to be rewarded with a beautiful stunning waterfall view. Pack your water bottles and put on some comfortable shoes, because hiking up Kapoloa Falls, will leave you 1000 ft. above the Pololu Valley floor. The entire tour is about six hours, with an actual three-hour hike up the Kapoloa Falls. The adventure hike starts out with a drive through the Waikoloa lava fields, and ends up at luscious green foliage of the Big Island. A lunch will be served during the hike, with your choice of deli sandwiches. During this time you can have some quality time to yourself and enjoy being in the moment. One cannot visit the Big Island without booking a tour of the many fabulous waterfalls that reside here.

Valley Waterfall Adventure Details

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Address	30 miles southwest of Hilo and 96 miles southeast of Kona
Hours	Year-round, 24 hours a day

Ever wonder what it would be like to touch, smell, and walk on a real volcano? Well now is your chance to make a your dreams come true. The Big Island is home to numerious volcanoes but the most fascinating one of them all is called, Pele, or the Hawaiian Volcano goddess. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, the Big Islands #1 visitor attraction allows you to experience the most amazing creation by Mother Nature, an active volcano. The finest and safest way to view Pele is to get updated flow information from the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Visitor Center on the day of your hike. Wear comfortable shoes and bring lots of water when going to view Goddess Pele. Hiking down the lava flow will offer you a once in a lifetime viewing of Pele erupting, the longest eruption in history. The volcano has been erupting its red-hot lava to create a crimson fortress, and there is not indication of when Pele’s eruptions will stop. Immerse yourself in the feeling and allow the memory to be with you for all the years to come.

Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

Address	Stainback Highway, Hilo, off Hwy. 11
Admission	Free
Hours	Daily 9am- 4 pm
Phone	808 959 7224

Whether you are on vacation with your little ones or visiting the Big Island with a loved one, the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, is a great place if you want to get away from all the typical Hawaii attractions. Low on cash? Then the Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is the perfect place for you. Spend the day and have a great time enjoying all the exotic animals, because it’s free! With over 50 species from the rainforest, this 12- acre zoo allows plenty of monkeying around. The zoo is located in the heart of Panaewa Forest Reserve, south of Hilo. The Pana’ewa Rainforest Zoo is the only zoo in the entire United States to be located outdoors. The zoo features Sumatran tigers, rare pygmy hippopotamus, and is home to the Brazilian tapirs. Want to entertain the little ones? Every Saturday from 1:30- 2:30, there is a petting zoo, so that kids can interact with the animals and learn about the various creatures that live on the Big Island. There is even a tiger feeding daily. So enjoy a fun filled day with your family or take some quality time out for yourself. The best things in life… are free!

Ski Guides

Address	Mauna Kea Ski Corporation
Phone	(808) 885-4188

Ski / Snowboard ServicesGroup Ski / Snowboard Tour $250 per person (3 person min. ) 'ALII' Ski / Snowboard Tour $450 per person ( 2 person min. )An exclusive, one of Da-Kind Ski Experiences. You'll never forget the backside, hidden places on the mountain, spectacular vistas and miles of wide-open expansive skiing. Mauna Kea VIP luncheon and Mountain Ski Services & Equipment all inclusive. All tours include 4-by-4 'ski gondola' with driver, WEC Certified Ski GuideSki Rentals $50 per day for Skis, Boots & Poles ($100 cash Deposit)Snowboard Rentals $50 per day for Snowboard & Boots ($100 cash Deposit) Ski Specials Prices Available Upon Request.

Hawaii Travel Guides
 Frommer's Hawaii
 Lonely Planet Hawaii
 Let's Go Hawaii
 Fodors Hawaii