Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(Papakolea)
This legendary green sand beach on Mahana Bay is made of semiprecious
olivine (a type of volcanic basalt), which erodes from the ancient cone towering over it.
The olivine sand mixes with black sand to create an unusual olive green that brightly
sparkles in the sun, making this a fun and unique destination.
As a beach, it's wanting. The tiny strand is pounded by strong waves even on calm
days, making swimming dubious; high surf can flood it completely and wind howls
through here.
To get here take the road to South Point, turning left after 10 miles. Follow this road
around until it dead ends at a grassy parking area; don't leave valuables in your car. At
this point you can either walk or hire one of the many local 4WD 'taxis' waiting there
($5 to $15 return). It is a dusty, hot and long 2.5-mile hike, so the latter makes sense. If
you do choose to walk, head toward the water, past the Kaulana boat ramp, and follow
the rutted dirt road left through the metal gate. Now just keep going, enjoying the gor-
geous undulating coastline and aiming for the curvaceous cliff-face in the distance. Once
there, a good scramble down the cliff is required to reach the beach. In any case, start be-
fore 8am to beat the crowds, and bring plenty of water.
Sleeping
South Point Banyan Tree House
VACATION RENTAL $
the limbs of a huge banyan tree off Hwy 11, this fun octagonal vacation rental offers the
visually arresting illusion of a jungle escape, and is a bargain at this price. Fully equipped
and flooded with light, it has a great kitchen, relaxed living room (with TV) and a hot tub
on a hidden deck. Honeymoon, anyone?
Kalaekilohana
B&B $$$
$$$
(
888-584-7071, 939-8052;
www.kau-hawaii.com
;
94-2152 South Point Rd; r incl breakfast $249;
) There's no doubt about it: this is
the
place to stay in Ka'u. Rising like Tara at the end
of a long driveway, this outpost of refinement offers the quality accommodations and
hospitality one expects of a fine inn. The impeccable owners lead fine conversation on
the veranda and, if you're lucky, cook an amazing dinner ($35).
Upstairs you'll find spacious, private and well-appointed rooms with rainfall showers
that make you late for the gourmet breakfast. And out back there is ever-reliable Rusty, a
third host offering an endless source of complimentary aperitifs. Shaka!
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