Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
konane
(a game similar to checkers) chinked into the lava, and tide pools deep enough to
cool off in.
Kohala Divers
DIVING
MAP
(
882-7774;
www.kohaladivers.com
; 61-3665 Akoni Pule Hwy; 1-/2-/3-tank dive $100/139/239;
8am-6pm)
This dive outfit, based out of Kawaihae to the north, leads excellent diving
trips across Kohala, includng the Puako area. One of the best trips is to a local sea turtle
'cleaning' station, where
honu
allow fish to pick parasites off their bodies.
Sleeping
It seems every other home in Puako is available as a vacation rental; see
www.hawaiianbeachrentals.com
and
www.2papayas.com
for listings.
Puako B&B
B&B $$$
MAP
(
800-910-1331, 882-1331;
www.bigisland-bedbreakfast.com
;
25 Puako Beach Dr; r $100-155, ste
$175;
) For both proximity to South Kohala beaches and a personal touch, make this
inviting B&B your home base. Rooms are tastefully appointed with Hawaiian motifs,
and guests are welcome to use the kitchen. The best options are the largest three, each
with private sliding doors to the garden.
Proprietor Paul ʻPunahele' Andrade, who grew up in this very house, is a
kumu hula
(certified hula teacher) who will gladly introduce you to Hawaiian and local culture.
Rates include breakfast.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area
Hapuna Beach is world-famous for its magnificent, screen-saver worthy half-mile sweep
of white powder sand and crystal-clear waters. Water conditions vary depending on the
season; in summer waves are calm and allow good swimming, snorkeling and diving -
though bear in mind, the fish population has woefully declined since the 1980s. When
the surf's up in winter, the bodyboarding is awesome and the surf is reliable - the best
swells tend to come from the northwest. In general, Hapuna waters are too choppy for
tots or nonswimmers. Remember that waves over 3ft should be left for the experts;
drownings are not uncommon here.
