E Komo Mai
"Welcome"
Attractions
Onomea Bay and the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Garden are breathtaking even if your not a gardener. This is one of the finest gardens in the state and not to be missed.
Lava Tree State Park is really a strange place. During a previous lava flow, lava swept around large trees and cooled around the trunks which then burned up inside, leaving these strange monuments to the trees. This makes a nice stop as you are driving down to Kapoho Tide Pools or the Red Road.
This is typical of the shoreline along the Red Road. The Red Road goes by many other  names such as Highway 137, Kalapana-Kapoho Rd ,or Beach Rd but it's all the same gorgeous stretch of road. Go slow to take it all in. This is the tropical road of your imagination.
While traveling the Red Road be sure to stop here at the Ahalanui thermal heated pool for a treat of swimming in 90 degree plus water. While down in this area be sure to bring your snorkel gear becasue the Kapoho Tide Pools are not to be missed. They are named the Wai'opae Ponds but are in Kapoho, hence the common name used. These are large tidal ponds next to the ocean and protected by large reefs. Outstanding snorkeling here, but be careful not to get sun burned.
No trip is complete without spending some time in Volcanoes National Park. This is a picture of Kilauea Iki Crater, a smaller crater next to the Kilauea Caldera, that line you see going though it is a trail that is fun to take.There are so many incredible sights to see here you really should give it a few days at least.  The tree fern forests are amazing and you can walk through a lava tube. The spirit of Madame Pele is strong throughout the park.
The Chain of Craters Road takes you down to the coastline where you can take a hike out to see where the lava is creating new land by going into the ocean. The best time to take that hike is after dark as you can often see the glow of the red lava flows. If you go take a flashlight , sturdy shoes and plenty of water.

This sea arch is along the road to the hike. You can see how lava has just poured out and formed new land here.

This is a view of the Ka'u coastline. It is on the southest side of the island after you pass through Volcanoes National Park. It is a lot drier and windier than the rest of East Hawaii but as you can see it so gorgeous! Stop in the small town of Na'alehu for lunch and you can say you ate at the southernmost restaurant in the United States!
Can you spot the turtle in this picture? This is a turtle nesting area so you can frequently see them near the shoreline. This picture was taken at Punalu'u Beach Park. It is a little gem of a beach. It is a black sand beach lined with palm trees. This is a great place for a picnic.
Kamehameha Ave or Front St is home to many interesting shops. While there be sure to check out the Pacific Tsunami Museum to get a real feel for this town and the awesomeness of the ocean. Hungry? No problem, Hilo has lots of restaurants with ono or delicious Hawaiian food. Many of these shops will ship your treasures back home so you don't have to figure out how you are going to get that gorgeous picture you just bought into your suitcase.
Hilo Town is the second largest city in Hawaii. It is one of the prettiest towns in the world. It is fronted by Hilo Bay and lots of green parks. Hilo is the economic center of East Hawaii and is filled with interesting shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Merrie Monarch Festival in the spring. This is the premier hula contest and not to be missed as the music and the pagentry and the spirit takes you away.
Coconut Island is a Hilo Treasure, kids love to swim here and it is the center of many Hawaiian family picnics and parties. From the island you get a picture perfect view of Hilo and Mauna Kea rising above. Simply breath taking!  Hilo Bay is also where the Hawaiian Canoe Clubs are housed and were they practice so you will have a good chance seeing them sprinting across the bay.
About a mile outside of downtown Hilo is Rainbow Falls. Such a pretty waterfall, it changes dramatically with the different water levels. Just above the falls about another mile is Boiling Pots. This is a series of depressions in the river that really get boiling in a heavy flow after a rain.
Another falls not to be missed is Akaka Falls. It is a short but beautiful hike through a stunning tropical forest. The falls drop 420 feet and just take your breath away. Don't climb over the fence!! To get there you travel north from Hilo going up the beautiful Hamakua coast and turning up the Honomu Rd. A stop in Honomu is definitely worth the time. You can feel the vibes of Old Hawaii here as you check out the shops and get a bite to eat. Then head on up to the falls through some of the prettiest countryside you've ever seen.
The treat at the end of the Hamakua coast drive is the Waipi'o Valley and the Waipi'o Lookout. This was home to Hawaiian Kings and is still a very special place to all who live in Hawaii. The spirit runs strong here you can feel it when you are here.
This little gem is know as Shipman Beach. You have to hike into it so it is rarely crowded. The hike is along an ancient trail that goes in and out of the tropical forest. Take plenty of water and maybe a picnic and spend the day. It takes about an hour each way so take hiking shoes.
Here is a common view from the Hamakua Coast. Yes the water is really that color! This is one of the favorite drives on the East Coast of Hawaii. There are several small beaches and towns to explore and you will nver forget driving through the narrow gultches with their waterfalls.
Lastly here is a view of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa from the air. The Big Island has five volcanoes all together but these two domininate the island. Mauna Kea is taller but Mauna Loa is larger. If you are seeing this view as you are flying out of Hilo you will begin to feel homesick at leaving the island, if you are seeing them as you arrive, your heart begins to jump in anticipation .
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