- Going to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is always a winner…even if you have been previously. The lava is not flowing at the time of this writing, but things can change quickly. If the lava does start to flow, the best viewing is at night. The Halema’uma’u crater is at about 4500 feet altitude, so bring a jacket and a flash light.
- Hop in the water with manta rays at night. You do not even need to know how to swim to enjoy the experience. In fact, at least one of the manta boats has a special rate for those who just want to see the manta up close, but from the boat. There is not one thing on a manta that can hurt you…and it is life changing to jump in and view them up-close and personal. Our favorite manta boat is Sunlight on Water. They run a sunset and a later evening manta snorkel. A GoPro or a properly protected phone will get you great video and but not quite as great photos.
- Whale watching. Lots of boats going out for whale watches…always fun. The season runs late December to March.
- Go with a tour company to the top of Mauna Kea at night. You will not believe how many stars are visible. If you go on a night with no moon and clear skies, you will be able to reach out and touch the Milky Way…or so it will seem. Do not attempt to drive up in anything less than a four wheel drive. The tour companies provide warm coats…it is cold as heck up there and there may be snow on the ground.
- Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay…sometimes called Captain Cook. CJ used to crew on the Fairwinds II and Linda and Don have been on the Fairwinds hundreds of times. Great snorkeling for all levels of experience. They provide the gear, a lunch and a trip back and forth that often spots whales and dolphin. Walking down to the bay is not as fun as it sounds. Kayaking across the bay can be fun…but not as fun as the Fairwinds II.
- Visit a coffee farm…lots to choose from. We love Buddha Cup Coffee just south of Kailua-Kona…free and unique.
- Golf…lots of golf courses around…many are quite expensive in the winter. The locals go to Makalei Golf Course…hilly, great views, tons of peacocks…or Kona Country Club stretching along the ocean in the Keauhou area…or The Waikoloa Village Golf Club…seniors will love this course or beautiful Makani Golf Club (formally known as the Big Island Golf Club). There are world class course all over the island…some private…some very expensive…all are beautiful.The Waikoloa area has some of the best.
- The Botanical Gardens just outside of Hilo…world class. Some steep walkways. However, it is an inexpensive experience and the vegetation is amazing. Close enough to Hilo that you can visit downtown Hilo and also go see the Rainbow Falls that are just minutes from downtown Hilo. Bring an umbrella. If you have time, drive the Hamakua coast line back through Waimea…maybe take a side trip to the overlook for Waipio Valley. Waipio is having major problems with the narrow road that leads into the valley and it is recommended that you not try to drive or walk it at this time.
- Hiking…go online and look for local hiking trails…hundreds to choose from. We love hiking down into Pololu Valley, but avoid that one if it has rained recently…can be slippery. One other warning, not a great place to go for a swim in either the ocean or the river…but otherwise gorgeous.
- Helicopter trips…many to choose from. Can be expensive, but helicopters are a great way to see the island. Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is located near our gallery in Waikoloa…and there are several other services from which to choose.
So much to do and so little time…visit the Octopus Farm, the Sea Horse Farm, walk the petroglyph trails near our gallery, watch for the green flash at sunset, go see Kozy for a magic and comedy show right around the corner from our gallery, go to a luau, go see South Point and the Green Sands Beach and the Black Sand Beach on the way, scuba dive, look for turtles (ask us where to look), look for local art in Holualoa, go to a chocolate farm or Mac nut farm…or find some of the most beautiful beaches in the world at places like Hapuna and Makalawena…or our beloved Kua Bay…Two Step…Kahalu’u or Ho’Okeena.
And if you want to get a great orientation to the island, come spend a few minutes with us in the gallery. We will show you photos from all around the island…tell you how to get to those locations and help you in any way we can. The folks who read our blogs are Ohana…family…and we are always happy to see you. We are located in the Queen’s Marketplace, Waikoloa, Hawaii between Quiksilver and The Bike Works. Our hours are 10-8 seven days a week.
Aloha.
