Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sleeping
Butterfly Inn
B&B $
(
800-546-2442, 966-7936;
www.thebutterflyinn.com
;
Kurtistown; s/d with shared bathroom
$55/65)
Since 1987 owners Kay and Patty have welcomed women to stay at their com-
fortable home in Kurtistown. Two tidy rooms with private entrance share an ample kit-
chen, living room, dining deck, bathroom and outdoor hot tub. Single female travelers
will appreciate the safe, supportive, women-only environment. Three-night minimum, or
rates go up. Directions provided upon booking.
Art & Orchids B&B
B&B $$$
(
877-393-1894;
www.artandorchids.com
; 16-1504 39th Ave; r incl breakfast $110-140;
)
This dreamy, relaxed haven set in an ohia forest is Puna at its best. Three airy (albeit
frumpy) rooms include funky mosaic-tile baths and tons of amenities. The spacious com-
mon room has a full kitchen and cozy couches, plus there's a unique lava-rock-and-
mosaic-tile swimming pool with a hot tub out back. Papermaking and mosaic classes are
available, and you can make your own art in the garden gazebo.
PUNA BACKROADS
The old lighthouse that Pele spared isn't much - just a tall piece of white-painted
metal scaffolding. But it's still rewarding to head straight across Four Corners from
Hwy 132 and brave the rutted, 1.5-mile dirt road to the end of
Cape Kumukahi
.
This is the easternmost point in the state, and the air that blows across it is the
freshest in the world (so scientists say). Even better, the lava-covered cliffs make a
gorgeous perch to contemplate this meeting of sky, sea and lava. From the parking
area, walk the 4WD roads that crisscross the point - all the way to Champagne
Pond and other snorkeling spots, if you're up to it.
Turn left, or north, at Four Corners, and time will seem to slow to a stop as you
enter a teeming, ancient, vine-draped forest pulsing with mana. The road leads to
Waʻa Waʻa
and is passable for standard cars, but much of it is cratered, narrow and
twisted. Mind the numerous 'Kapu' signs and go slow. After about 5 miles you
reach boulder-strewn
Orr's Beach
shaded by ironwood trees; park here and
scramble along the shore to find a spot for a quiet picnic lunch.
TOP OF CHAPTER
Pahoa
