Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
available at the north end of the beach. At the far edge of the bay is a rare tur-
tle-cleaning station, where snorkelers and divers can watch endangered green sea
turtles line up, waiting their turn to have small fish clean them. Facilities include
restrooms, showers, picnic tables, and plenty of parking.
HILO
LELEIWI BEACH PARK
Hilo's beaches may be few, but Leleiwi is one of Hawaii's most beautiful. This
unusual cove of palm-fringed black-lava tide pools fed by freshwater springs and
rippled by gentle waves is a photographer's delight—and the perfect place to
take a plunge. In winter, big waves can splash these ponds, but the shallow pools
are generally free of currents and ideal for children, especially in the protected
inlets at the center of the park. Leleiwi often attracts endangered sea turtles,
making this one of Hawaii's most popular snorkeling spots. The beach is 4 miles
out of town on Kalanianaole Avenue. Facilities include restrooms, showers, life-
guards, picnic pavilions, and paved walkways. There's also a marine-life facility
here.
7 For the Active Family
IN THE WATER
If you want to rent beach toys, like snorkel gear or boogie boards, the beach con-
cessions at all the big resorts, as well as tour desks and dive shops, offer equip-
ment rentals and sometimes lessons for beginners. The cheapest place to get
great rental equipment is
Snorkel Bob's,
in the parking lot of Huggo's Restau-
rant at 75-5831 Kahakai Rd., at Alii Drive, Kailua-Kona (
&
808/329-0770;
www.snorkelbob.com).
BOATING
Body Glove Cruises
Ages 5 and up.
The
Body Glove,
a 55-foot trimaran
that carries up to 100 passengers, runs an adventurous sail-snorkel-dive cruise at
a reasonable price. You'll be greeted with fresh Kona coffee (and the kids will get
fruit juice), breakfast pastries, and fresh fruit; you'll then sail north of Kailua to
Pawai Bay, a marine preserve where you can snorkel, scuba dive, swim, or just
hang out on the deck for a couple of hours. After a buffet deli lunch spread, you
might want to take the plunge off the boat's water slide or diving board before
heading back to Kailua Pier. The boat departs daily from the pier at 9am and
returns at 1:30pm. The only thing you need to bring is a towel; snorkeling
equipment (and scuba equipment, if you choose to dive) is provided.
Money-
saving tip:
The afternoon trip is cheaper.
Kailua Pier.
&
800/551-8911
or 808/326-7122. www.bodyglovehawaii.com. Morning cruise $94 adults, $54
children 6-12, free for children under 5; afternoon cruise $59 adults, $39 children 6-12, free for children
under 5; additional $43 for certified scuba divers with own equipment ($53 without own equipment) and $63
additional for introductory scuba. Whale-watching with Greenpeace Hawaii (Dec-Apr) $59 adults, $37 chil-
dren 6-12, free for children under 5.
Captain Beans' Cruises
All ages.
Captain Beans' runs Kona's most popular
dinner sails on a 150-foot catamaran, which can accommodate about 290 pas-
sengers. The 2-hour cruise includes dinner, cocktails, dancing, and Hawaiian
entertainment. People always leave with smiles on their faces.
Kailua Pier.
&
800/831-5541
or 808/329-2955. www.robertshawaii.com. $52-$63 adults, $31-$42 children
4-11.
