HAWAII ADVENTURE: SEVEN DAYS ON THE MAIN ISLAND
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 there visiting 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.
Klauea, Maunaloa, Maunakea, Huallai, and Kohala are five of the island’s active volcanoes that together produce a wide range of climatic conditions, from humid tropical to dry desert to frigid tundra. 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.
We first saw it near the runways of Kona International Airport, which was constructed on a lava flow from 1801. 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. Resorts, shops, restaurants, and beaches have replaced the formerly quiet fishing community.
You may use Kailua-Kona as a jumping off point to explore the remainder of the island, as it is replete with entertaining eateries and stores. We try out Huggo’s, Huggo’s on the Rocks, Foster’s Kitchen, and Magic’s Beach Grill throughout our stay. All of them are fantastic restaurants.
We decide to visit Kona Brewing Company 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.
KING KAMEHAMEHA’S KONA BEACH RESORT
The world-famous King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Resort is conveniently close by. 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. A National Historic Landmark now stands there.
We take a cultural tour of the Courtyard Marriott King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel to find out more about the legendary King Kamehameha. 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. Hearing Kalei’s perspective as we admire great works of art enriches the experience.
She claims hula to be Hawaii’s most potent cultural expression. The songs and dances are an oral tradition that have been handed down over the years.
At the hotel’s Island Breeze Luau, held on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays at night, we get a lesson in hula. The l’au is a feast of traditional Hawaiian food and dance performed by Polynesians on the shores of Kamakahonu Bay. The royal family makes their grand entrance in a canoe.
SNORKELING AT KAHALU’U BEACH PARK
I associate Hawai’i with relaxing on the beach. The diving and snorkeling on Hawai’i Island are among the greatest in the Hawaiian Islands.
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
Early one morning, we set out towards Pu’uhonua o Hnaunau, popularly known as the Place of Refuge, along the southern shore. 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 mana (spiritual force) of the 23 ali’i (chiefs) whose remains were enshrined in Hale o Keawe was present at the location. Even now, the region is significant in Hawaiian tradition.
PUNALUU BLACK SAND BEACH
As we travel further south, we will visit Punalu’u Bake Shop, the most southern bakery in the United States. Malassadas, a type of sweet bread brought to the islands by the Portuguese, is their specialty. It’s a local favorite over there.
Punaluu Black Sand Beach is next on the itinerary. Spectacular beaches of every color may be found on this island. Punaluu is a stunning location. The huge coconut palms here frame a black sand bay. Four huge Hawaiian green sea turtles have come ashore, and we couldn’t be happier about it.
VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
There are currently two active volcanoes on the island of Hawaii.Half of the island of Hawai’i is comprised of the massive Maunaloa volcano, the world’s largest active volcano.
The other operational volcano is Klauea. Over the years, it has burst on and off, much to the enjoyment of tourists. Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is a fantastic destination year-round.
We begin our exploration of the park with a stop at the information center. Experiencing an eruption at Klauea or Maunaloa is a profoundly spiritual experience for Native Hawaiians, just as the mountains themselves are considered sacred.
The Exploring the Summit excursion, supervised by park rangers, is a 45-minute trek to the crater via a paved track. The Hawaiian culture and legends of Pele, goddess of fire in Hawaiian mythology, will also be covered.
Before planning a trip to a National Park, make sure to check their website for the latest updates. Get the free NPS app, it has a ton of useful data. In order to avoid the crowds, it’s best to visit the park before 9 a.m. or after 9 p.m. The park is accessible at all hours.
WAILEA HORSEBACK RIDING ON HAWAI’I ISLAND
Visitors to Hawai’i Island will find themselves spoiled for choice. The Umauma Experience on the island’s eastern side allows us to partake in not one but two exciting outdoor activities within the span of a single day.
On the Big Island of Hawaii, the Umauma Experience stands out as one of the best places to go on an exciting journey. In 2009, they started providing zipline excursions and have since expanded to provide a wide variety of adventure activities.
