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- \u00a0Going to Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park is always a winner…even if you have been previously. \u00a0The lava is not flowing at the time of this writing, but things can change quickly. \u00a0If the lava does start to flow, the best viewing is at night. \u00a0The Halema’uma’u crater is at about 4500 feet altitude, so bring a jacket and a flash light.<\/li>\n
- Hop in the water with manta rays at night. \u00a0You do not even need to know how to swim to enjoy the experience. \u00a0In 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. \u00a0There 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. \u00a0Our favorite manta boat is Sunlight on Water. \u00a0They run a sunset and a later evening manta snorkel. \u00a0A GoPro or a properly protected phone will get you great video and but not quite as great photos.<\/li>\n
- Whale watching. \u00a0Lots of boats going out for whale watches…always fun. \u00a0The season runs late December to March.<\/li>\n
- Go with a tour company to the top of Mauna Kea at night. \u00a0You will not believe how many stars are visible. \u00a0If 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. \u00a0Do not attempt to drive up in anything less than a four wheel drive. \u00a0The tour companies provide warm coats…it is cold as heck up there and there may be snow on the ground.<\/li>\n
- Snorkel at Kealakekua Bay…sometimes called Captain Cook. \u00a0CJ used to crew on the Fairwinds II and Linda and Don have been on the Fairwinds hundreds of times. \u00a0Great snorkeling for all levels of experience. \u00a0They provide the gear, a lunch and a trip back and forth that often spots whales and dolphin. \u00a0Walking down to the bay is not as fun as it sounds. \u00a0Kayaking across the bay can be fun…but not as fun as the Fairwinds II.<\/li>\n
- Visit a coffee farm…lots to choose from. \u00a0We love Buddha Cup Coffee just south of Kailua-Kona…free and unique.<\/li>\n
- Golf…lots of golf courses around…many are quite expensive in the winter. \u00a0The 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). \u00a0There are world class course all over the island…some private…some very expensive…all are beautiful.The Waikoloa area has some of the best.<\/li>\n
- The Botanical Gardens just outside of Hilo…world class. \u00a0Some steep walkways. \u00a0However, it is an inexpensive experience and the vegetation is amazing. \u00a0Close enough to Hilo that you can visit downtown Hilo and also go see the Rainbow Falls that are just minutes from downtown Hilo. \u00a0Bring an umbrella. \u00a0If you have time, drive the Hamakua coast line back through Waimea…maybe take a side trip to the overlook for Waipio Valley. \u00a0Waipio 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.<\/li>\n
- Hiking…go online and look for local hiking trails…hundreds to choose from. \u00a0We love hiking down into Pololu Valley, but avoid that one if it has rained recently…can be slippery. \u00a0One other warning, not a great place to go for a swim in either the ocean or the river…but otherwise gorgeous.<\/li>\n
- Helicopter trips…many to choose from. \u00a0Can be expensive, but helicopters are a great way to see the island. \u00a0Blue Hawaiian Helicopters is located near our gallery in Waikoloa…and there are several other services from which to choose.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
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 \u00a0beaches in the world at places like Hapuna and Makalawena…or our beloved Kua Bay…Two Step…Kahalu’u or Ho’Okeena.<\/p>\n
And if you want to get a great orientation to the island, come spend a few minutes with us in the gallery. \u00a0We 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. \u00a0The folks who read our blogs are Ohana…family…and we are always happy to see you. \u00a0We are located in the Queen’s Marketplace, Waikoloa, Hawaii between Quiksilver and The Bike Works. \u00a0Our hours are 10-8 seven days a week.<\/p>\n
Aloha.<\/p>\n