Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
the bowels of Mauna Loa. With 34 miles of passageways intertwining under 400 acres of
earth, it is more than enough to satisfy the most ardent spelunker.
The 30-minute Lighted Trail tour is the gentlest option, an easy walk covering every-
thing you'll want to see and know about lava tubes. The Crawl takes you through a
smooth braided passage requiring caving gear ($60), while the Two Hour tour is even
more hardcore exploration (adult/child $95/65). Reservations required.
Manuka Natural Area Reserve
HIKING
This 13.5-acre reserve offers a very well-done nature trail. Proceeding through forest on
a lava rock path, and assisted by a nice trail guide, you'll identify 30 species of plants,
and see a pit crater and lava flows. The entrance is off Hwy 11, just north of mile marker
81. There's also a picnic area.
Sleeping & Eating
Leilani Bed & Breakfast
B&B $
(
929-7101;
www.leilanibedandbreakfast.com
; 92-8822 Leilani Pkwy, Hawaiian Ocean View
Estates; r $99, tr $124;
) Tucked away on a tropical lot in Hawaiian Ocean View Estates,
this well-managed property offers a private guest wing with three rooms and a lovely
lanai, along with some amazing lava tubes nearby. A perfect stopover between Hilo and
Kona.
Lova Lava Land
ECORESORT $
(
www.lovalavaland.com
; Hawaiian Ranchos; yurt/VW buses $65/35;
) This off-the-grid
'ecoresort' (solar power, catchment water, nifty low-flush toilet) epitomizes Ocean View
pluck and ingenuity. Guests sleep in VW campers set on an old lava flow, and share a
central compound with fully equipped kitchen, herb garden, wi-fi and lava rock shower.
There's also a cozy yurt, with double bed, hardwood floors and moon roof.
It's fun, well-planned DIY living. Reservations required, use website.
Grinds
CAFE $
(Pohue Plaza; mains $7-10; 6am-4pm Mon-Sat, 7am-1pm Sun)
A very simple cafe with a
growing reputation and no competition. Two doors down from the post office.
Ocean View Pizzeria
PIZZA $
