Big fun on the Big Island

A 7 day tour of Hawaii
from our Western issue,
Summer 2012.

	Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Kirk Lee Aeder
	Rainbow Falls in Hilo has an 80-foot drop and is known for rainbows formed in the surrounding mist.

Black-sand beaches, breathtaking views and tasty Kona coffee are a few of the treats awaiting visitors on the Big Island of Hawaii.

Day One

Visit Historic Kailua Village, the heart of the Kona Coast, featuring hotels, shops and restaurants lining Alii Drive. 

Also, taste its historical significance, with the village home to Hulihee Palace, Mokuaikaua Church and Ahuena Heiau — all within walking distance of each other. 

Learn about early Hawaiian culture north of Kailua-Kona at Kaloko-Honokohau National Historic Park. 

Take a surfing lesson or go snorkeling at Kahaluu Beach and other beaches in the Kailua Village and Keauhou resort areas. 

After a beautiful sunset, enjoy nightlife along Alii Drive with great food and music. For the more adventurous, go on a night dive with manta rays.

Day Two

Visit Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park for more history.

Kealakekua Bay is a Marine Life Conservation District popular with snorkelers. South Kona’s beaches are a great place for snorkelers with its calm and clear waters. 

Tour a Kona coffee farm in South Kona or in the art village of Holualoa and sip 100 percent Kona coffee. 

Then, take a road trip to Ka Lae, the southernmost point in the United States.

Day Three

See the amazing contrasts between the black lava-lined Kohala Coast and lush North Kohala. Start your day in Kohala’s fantastic resorts playing golf or indulging in a spa treatment. 

Then, explore sites such as Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site and Lapakahi State Historical Park.

Head to the green pastures of Waimea and go horseback riding. 

Then, continue driving to lovely Hawi for food and shopping. Be sure to visit Mookini Heiau State Monument, the King Kamehameha Statue in Kapaau and the breathtaking view from the Pololu Valley Overlook.

Day Four

Drive along the Hamakua Heritage Corridor to see waterfalls and botanical gardens. Easily-accessible waterfalls include Akaka Falls and Rainbow Falls in the Wailuku River State Park. 

See rare and exotic plants at the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden and the World Botanical Gardens. 

Stop in Honokaa Town to browse the shops and art galleries. End with the view at the Waipio Valley Lookout. 

	Photo: Hawaii Tourism Authority/Tor Johnson
	Red-hot volcanic lava meets the sea in Hawaii.

Day Five

Explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, hiking its miles of trails, seeing sights like Nahuku and Halemaumau Crater and watching lava meeting the Pacific Ocean at lookout points at the end of Chain of Craters Road or in nearby Kalapana. 

Beyond the park, take a trip to Punaluu Black Sand Beach in Kau to feel black sand between your toes. 

Day Six

The lush Hilo side of the island is your home base for your visit to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Visit the Puna area to find charming restaurants, shops and Lava Trees State Park. Other attractions include the Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens, Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and Akatsuka Orchid Gardens.

Day Seven

Visit downtown Hilo and check out the Lyman Museum and Mission House, Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, East Hawaii Cultural Center, Mokupapapa Discovery Center and the Pacific Tsunami Museum. Shop at Hilo Farmers Market and sample the treasures. Then, unwind in Liliuokalani Gardens.

GO
Big Island of Hawaii

SEE
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden
(808) 964-5233
http://htbg.com

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
(808) 985-6000
www.nps.gov/havo

Lapakahi State Historical Park
(808) 327-4958
www.hawaiistateparks.org

Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
(888) 628-6256 
www.maunaloa.com

Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park
(808) 328-2288
www.nps.gov/puho

Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site
(808) 882-7218, ext. 1011
www.nps.gov/puhe

World Botanical Gardens
(888) 947-4753
www.BotanicalWorld.com

ASK
Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
(800) 464-2924
http://gohawaii.com

Tell us what you think or offer your culture & entertainment group travel itineraries to the editor.
Mail: 2465 112th Ave.
Holland, MI 49424
Fax: (616) 393-0085
Phone: 1-800-767-3489 between 8am - 5pm, EST.