Nestled in Pahala’s scenic Wood Valley 2.4 miles up the road from town sits the Ka’u Coffee Mill. The mill, which processes nearly all of the coffee grown in the Ka’u area, currently offers tours and tastings by appointment only (808) 928-9811. In recent years Ka’u coffee has gained recognition worldwide, and the mill offers […]
Arguably Ka’u’s most scenic drive, Kaalaiki road (15 miles one way) lies between Pahala and Na’alehu up on the mountainside above both towns. Referred to as “the high road” by locals, Kaalaiki is the scenic route through this lesser-known part of big island. Sitting on Mauna Loa’s eastern flanks, the best time to do this […]
The windswept land of Ka Lae, also known as Big Island’s South Point, is home to some of the most picturesqe coastline in the state. Holding the title of the southernmost point in the United States, this spot is where locals and adventure seekers alike come to jump off the edge of the world. Many […]
In Hawaii the Green Sea Turtle is called Honu. This is the most widespread and numerous turtle in the state, and if you’re visiting Kona or Hilo this is the turtle you’re most likely to see. As adults Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles are vegetarian, eating algae and sea grass in shallow waters near shore. If […]
Perched above the tiny community of Waiohinu at the southern tip of Big Island is a scenic drive that offers stunning views of the small town as well as the entire Ka Lae (South Point) area. This is Hao Springs Road. Rather steep and requiring a 4WD vehicle, the first paved portion of this road […]
Ka’u is Big Island’s southernmost district. Sitting far away from the island’s major cities, Ka’u is home to Hawaii’s last great tracts of untouched wilderness. There are several population centers in this district, which include Pahala, Ninole (now Sea Mountain Resort), Na’alehu, Waiohinu, Ka Lae (South Point), and the community of Ocean View. Ka’u is […]
Big Island’s western side is world famous for its pristine coastal waters. Indeed, there seem to be spectacular snorkel spots every few hundred yards down the shore, but because of lava shelves and heavy shorebreak many of these places are either accessible only by boat, or from shore by the more experienced ocean-goer. This is […]
Just north of the city limits Hilo surfers get their fix at Honoli’i, east Big Island’s most popular surfbeach. There aren’t many accessible surf breaks around the Hilo area, so when the surf is good you can be sure everyone’s at Honoli’i. The beach is a short 2-mile drive north of Hilo and is a […]
On July 3, 2003 Hawaii Volcanoes National Park purchased Kahuku Ranch from The Damon Estate for $22 million, effectively doubling the size of the national park. The 116,000 acre unit is free to access, but currently entry is only permitted on weekends. The park is not accessible by bicycle or scooter. Cars and motorcycles are […]
Just up the mountain from Hilo town sits one of the lesser-visited geological formations of the area. Kaumana cave is a 25 mile long lava tube that is accessed via a skylight created when part of the cave ceiling collapsed more than a hundred years ago, leaving two gaping cave doorways exposed to the outside […]
