A WEEK ON THE BIG ISLAND OF HAWAI’I: A TOURIST’S GUIDE TO HAWAI’I
As the waves roll over me, I find myself face down and bobbing around. As I look down into the murky depths with my snorkel, I notice a big shadow whirling about. Suddenly, a massive manta ray appears. The female is 10 feet long from nose to tail, but she swims with ease and grace.
She scoops up plankton with her gaping maw. She does a diving belly flop and comes soaring up at me. As we meet face to face, I hold my breath with excitement. As she floats by, a mere foot from me, I stare into her eyes.
Minutes later, four more enormous manta rays swim down to join her, making a total of five big manta rays whirling around the ocean floor. This is the kind of chance meeting that made my trip to Hawaii worthwhile.
MANTA RAY ADVENTURE WITH ANELAKAI ADVENTURES
We’re going out with Anelakai Adventures, a family-run business with a focus on sustainability, to snorkel with manta rays at night. When it comes to trips out to sea, Anelakai does things a bit differently. Six tourists and a number of guides take a double-hulled canoe out on the water rather than a motorboat.
Those interested in snorkeling disembark just offshore and enter the sea in the space between the canoe’s two hulls. Those who would rather observe from the canoe do so. There are special lights installed between the hull to attract plankton, which in turn attract manta rays. Extreme caution is exercised so as not to frighten the animals. We do nothing but float about and watch them dance.
VACATION ON THE ISLAND OF HAWAI’I
Our trip to the Island of Hawai’i (formerly called the Big Island) begins with an exciting nautical excursion. Benjamin and I intend to spend the entire eight days traveling across the island’s beaches, jungles, volcanic highlands, and lava deserts.
The largest island in Hawaii can be driven around in about eight hours, but there’s no need to. We intend to take our time while touring the many parts of Hawai’i Island.
Climates ranging from wet tropical to hot desert to polar tundra are all made possible by the island’s five volcanoes: Klauea, Maunaloa, Maunakea, Hualalai, and Kohala. The Island of Hawai’i is the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, and its volcanic origins are clearly visible in the form of expansive lava flows.
The runways of Kona International Airport, which was constructed on a lava flow from 1801, provided our first glimpse of this. It might be quite a surprise to touch down on a sea of volcanic rock. However, tourists have nothing to worry about because the beautiful flowers, coconut trees, and beaches of Hawai’i are only a short drive away.
STAY IN KAILUA-KONA
Kailua-Kona is a bustling beach town located about 15 minutes south of the airport where we will be staying for the first portion of our journey. Once a quiet fishing community, it is now a popular tourist destination with hotels, restaurants, and beaches.
Kailua-Kona is a great place to start exploring the island because of its convenient location and abundance of entertaining restaurants and shopping. We try out Huggo’s, Huggo’s on the Rocks, Foster’s Kitchen, and Magic’s Beach Grill while we’re there. All of these are wonderful places to eat.
Our group visits Kona Brewing Company late one afternoon. Their beer is well-known all throughout the United States, and they are the largest craft brewery in Hawai’i. Among the craft beers we try are several with a tropical flavor profile.
Located in Kailua across from Kamakahonu Beach and King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort, Ahu’ena Heiau is a small manmade island designated as a National Historic Landmark. Janna Graber’s Photographs
KING KAMEHAMEHA’S KONA BEACH RESORT
King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort, which is famous worldwide, is not far from here. The famous Hawaiian king Kamehameha the Great spent his final years at this property on Kamakahonu Bay. Between 1812 and 1813, King Kamehameha I erected the temple of peace and prosperity known as Ahu’ena Heiau in honor of Lono, the god of fertility. It has now been designated a National Historic Landmark.
At the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel, we take a cultural tour to find out more about King Kamehameha the Great. Kalei, our tour guide, tells us tales about the past, present, and future of Hawai’i.
Hawaiian art and historical items from different time periods are on display at King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort. Kalei’s commentary adds depth to our appreciation of great works of art.
According to her, hula more than anything else represents the true character of the Hawaiian people. Songs and dances have been passed down orally from generation to generation.
The hotel hosts the Island Breeze Luau every Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday night, where we might potentially take a hula class. The Polynesian hula dancers and unrestricted bar are just a few of the highlights of the l’au, which is held on the beach at Kamakahonu Bay. An outrigger canoe carrying the Royal Family has just docked.
SNORKELING AT KAHALU’U BEACH PARK
I associate Hawai’i with relaxing on the beach. Some of the best snorkeling and diving in the Hawaiian Islands may be found on the Island of Hawai’i.
Kahalu’u Beach Park, not too far from Kailua-Kona, is one of my go-tos for scuba diving and snorkeling. I observe a spotted boxfish with her huge, doey eyes, a hilarious blue spine unicornfish, a yellow tang, and many other species thanks to the reefs that surround the bay and keep the waters safe for swimmers.
PU‘UHONUA O HŌNAUNAU
The next morning, we head south down the coast to Pu’uhonua o Hnaunau. Throughout Hawaiian history, Pu’uhonua o Hnaunau has played a significant role. Formerly the Royal Grounds and a safe haven for ancient Hawaiian outlaws, the park’s 180 acres are now protected as a national historic site.
A person’s sole hope for forgiveness after breaking sacred commandments was to reach the Place of Refuge. The 23 ali’i (chiefs) whose remains were kept at the Hale o Keawe temple gave the area its mana (spiritual strength). Even now, the region is significant in Hawaiian tradition.
PUNALUU BLACK SAND BEACH
We travel on to Punalu’u Bake Shop, the southernmost bakery in the United States, as our next visit. Malassadas, a type of sweet bread brought to the islands by the Portuguese, is their specialty. It’s a popular dish in Hawaii.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach is next on the itinerary. All colors of sand from white to black to green can be found on this island. Punaluu is a stunning location. It has a bay with black sand that is surrounded by palm trees. Four huge Hawaiian green sea turtles have come ashore, and we couldn’t be happier.
MORNING CANOE TRIP TO GREET THE ARRIVAL OF THE SUN
Our plan is to take an outrigger canoe into the harbor the following morning at 6:30 a.m. to watch the sun rise over beautiful Maunakea.
Hotel guests might choose to participate in this unique activity. Elisha, our tour guide, was born and raised on the island, and he tells us many interesting stories about his life there. As dawn breaks, he sounds the conch and sings a traditional Hawaiian ‘Oli of thanks. Then there is a minute of silence during which we reflect while listening to the waves. A lot of emotion is evoked.
