Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
road. A brief, half-mile walk will bring you to a circular boardwalk where you
can see thousands of mysterious Hawaiian petroglyphs carved in stone. Wa r n -
ing: It's very easy to destroy these ancient works of art. Do not leave the board-
walk, and do not walk on or around the petroglyphs. Rubbings of petroglyphs
will destroy them; the best way to capture them is by taking a photo.
This area, Puu Loa, was a sacred place for generations. Fathers came here to
bury their newborns' umbilical cords in the numerous small holes in the lava,
thus ensuring a long life for the child.
A BIRD'S-EYE VIEW The best way to see Kilauea's bubbling caldera is from
on high, in a helicopter. This bird's-eye view puts the enormity of it all into per-
spective. I recommend Blue Hawaiian Helicopter ( & 800/745-BLUE
or 808/886-1768; www.bluehawaiian.com), a professionally run, locally based
company with an excellent safety record; comfortable, top-of-the-line copters;
and pilots who are extremely knowledgeable about everything from volcanology
to Hawaii lore. The company flies out of both Hilo and Waikoloa. (Hilo is
cheaper because it's closer.) From Hilo, the 45-minute Circle of Fire tour
takes you over the boiling volcano and then on to a bird's-eye view of the
destruction the lava has caused and remote beaches ($165 per person). From
Waikoloa, the 2-hour Big Island Spectacular stars the volcano, tropical
valleys, Hamakua coast waterfalls, and Kohala Mountains (from $340, but
worth every penny).
6 Beaches
Too young geologically to have many great beaches, the Big Island instead has
an odd collection of unusual ones that your family will find fascinating: brand-
new black-sand beaches, green-sand beaches, salt-and-pepper beaches, and even
a rare (for this island) white-sand beach.
All beaches in Hawaii belong to the public, and resorts are mandated by law
to provide public access and parking. Even if you are not staying at a resort, you
can go to the beach through these public access areas.
THE KONA COAST
KAHALUU BEACH PARK
This family-friendly beach is the most popular on the Kona coast; the reef-pro-
tected lagoons attract 1,000 people a day almost year-round. Kahaluu is the best
all-around beach on Alii Drive, with coconut trees lining a narrow salt-and-pep-
per sand shore that gently slopes to turquoise pools. The schools of brilliantly
colored tropical fish that weave in and out of the well-established reef make this
an ideal spot for children and beginning snorkelers to get their fins wet; the
water is so shallow that you can stand up if you feel uncomfortable. Be careful
in winter, though: The placid waters become turbulent, and there's a rip current
when high surf rolls in; look for the lifeguard warnings.
Kahaluu isn't the biggest beach on the island, but it's one of the best equipped,
with off-road parking, beach-gear rentals, a covered pavilion, and a food con-
cession. It gets crowded, so come early to stake out a spot.
KEKAHA KAI STATE PARK (KONA COAST STATE PARK)
You'll glimpse this beach as your plane makes its final approach to Kona Airport.
It's about 2 miles north of the airport on Queen Kaahumanu Highway; turn left
at a sign pointing improbably down a bumpy road. Pack a picnic lunch before
you head out. You won't need a four-wheel-drive vehicle to make it down here—
just drive slowly and watch out for potholes. What you'll find at the end is 5
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