Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

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Road Trip: Going to Volcano

May 13, 2022/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a must on any Big Island itinerary and makes for a great day trip. The volcanoes in Hawaii are a rare treat to explore as the landscape is ever-changing and is home to seven of the world’s thirteen climates. You will pass through a lush rain forest known for precipitation to a desert filled with lava rocks, see the active crater and hopefully some glowing lava, stand next to steam vents, and drive along the crater roads while exploring this fantastic park.

The road trip to the Volcano is an adventure in itself, and we will cover everything you need to know about it in this blog post.

Which route to choose and how to prepare

You can take several routes to get to the Volcano National Park: through the north part of the island (through Waimea), through the middle via the new Saddle road, and through the south. We recommend taking the north route if you plan on staying in one of the Kohala Coasts resorts, and here is why.

Going through the north is probably the most scenic way to get to the Volcano. You will be driving along the historic Hamakua Coast on the eastern side of the island with expansive ocean views, lush vegetation, and several exciting stops on the way. The north route is also not as long as the south one, so you will not be completely exhausted when you get back.

Plan to spend all day on the trip and leave in the morning. Pack some warmer clothes as the park is located at a higher elevation, and the weather can be unpredictable there. Colder temperatures and occasional rain are pretty typical.

Waimea Coffee Shop

Recommended stops

You can stop in Waimea for a cup of coffee and some breakfast at the Waimea Coffee Shop, then drive along Hwy 19 towards Hamakua. Once you get to the other side of the island, you will see the small town of Honokaa – a quiet, charming place with a few good restaurants and shops on its main street.

‘Akaka Falls State Park

Following down the Hamakua coast, enjoy breathtaking ocean views on the left and eucalyptus forests on your right side. About 11 miles north of Hilo is a famous Akaka Falls State Park, home to the cascading Kahuna Falls and the free-falling ‘Akaka Falls, which plunges 442 feet into a stream-eroded gorge. The paved route, which includes multiple steps in places (not wheelchair accessible), makes an easy-to-follow loop offering stunning viewpoints of the two waterfalls. The park is open daily from 8 am till 5 pm, and for more info about their entrance and parking fees, visit their website.

Onomea Bay

Pepe’ekeo (Onomea) Scenic Drive

As you get closer to Hilo (about 7-8 miles from the city), don’t miss this hidden gem on your way. The turn is rather inconspicuous and is marked as a “scenic drive.” The Pepe’ekeo (also known as the Onomea bay) scenic drive is the most famous scenic route on the Big Island. It is a 4 mile stretch of the old Mamalahoa highway that snakes from scenic spot to scenic spot through wild, lush tropical forest and gives some stunning views of Onomea Bay.

Half the drive, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens are a must-see if you like tropical plants and flowers and are one of our favorite short hikes on the Big Island. They are often described as a “walk in paradise” and “stunningly beautiful” and host many trails and over 2000 species of plants.

Downtown Hilo

You can stop for lunch or some refreshments in downtown Hilo, the largest population center on the Big Island. Reminiscent of old Hawaii, the town never fully recovered from the 1960 tsunami, but it still bears its old Hawaiian charm. Our favorite place for lunch is Cafe Pesto, located on the main street. This award-winning restaurant serves world-class pizzas, specialty seafood dishes, amazing salads, classic comfort foods, and delectable desserts. The restaurant offers plenty of seating, and you can almost always get a table for lunch without a reservation.

Hilo’s city market, steps away from the restaurant, offers an excellent selection of local produce and goods for half the price you would pay in the resorts and is worth checking out.

After leaving Hilo, head to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Since the 2018 eruption of the Kilauea volcano, parts of the park have been closed. Either consult the National Park Service website to confirm what is open, or you can visit the Kilauea Visitor Center. There you can get the newest information about what you can access. The Jaggar Museum and Thurston Lava Tubes are fun parts of the park to explore.

Crater Rim Drive

After the visitor center, head to the steam vents and steaming bluff. The steam is the result of hot rocks boiling rainwater below the surface. The Caldera Rim Path is an easy trail that is about ¼ mile. It is wheelchair and stroller accessible. There are great views of Kilauea here as well.

The steam vents through the Devastation Trail are part of the Crater Rim Drive. It is an 11-mile stretch of road that circles the Kilauea Caldera. Unfortunately, some of the attractions along the route are closed due to the recent volcanic activity, but it is still worth driving along as far as you can.

Next, head to the Ka’akulamanu (Sulphur Banks) Trail. It is an easy walk that is about 1.2 miles round trip. The trail starts across the street from the Steam Vents. Here volcanic gases ooze out of the ground producing a smell of rotten eggs. The gas then crystallizes into colorful mineral deposits.

After that, head to the Kilauea Iki Overlook. This crater was the site of a lava lake that erupted in 1959 in Volcanoes National Park.

Chain of Craters Road

The Chain of Craters Road will take you about 90 minutes, depending on how long and how often you stop. Craters and other volcanic highlights are found in the first four miles. It is a fun area to drive through and get out of the car when something catches your eye. Mauna Ulu stop is especially enjoyable. There are lava flows from as recent as 1979.

The Chain of Craters Road ends at the Holei Sea Arch. The arch is about 90 feet tall and was cut into the cliff of an ancient lava flow from approximately 500 years ago.

Punalu’u Black Sands Beach

After exploring Volcanoes National Park, visit the nearby Punalu’u Black Sands Beach if you have some time left. It is the most famous black sand beach in Hawaii. Small pieces of lava make up the sand. There are strong currents here, so be careful if you plan on swimming. You also have a good chance of seeing the endangered Hawksbill and green turtles sunbathing on the beach.

Coming Back

The best and shortest way to come back to the west side is by taking the new Saddle Road, aka Highway 200 or Daniel K. Inouye Highway. However, you would have to go back to Hilo, as the road starts there. Built a few years ago, the highway goes through the saddle between Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes (hence the name) and is one of the best roads on the island. Once you cross the path, you may see the sunset from a higher elevation, which is quite stunning. If you have to drive back after dark, be mindful of the driving conditions. Sometimes you can encounter thick fog or rain going through the mountains, and there are not many street lights along the way, so using caution is always recommended.

If you don’t get to see everything you want, no worries! Save it for your next visit to the island. The most important thing is to enjoy your trip, have fun, and learn something new while doing so.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

New Kilauea Eruption and Some Interesting Facts About Hawaii Volcanoes

October 14, 2021/0 Comments/in Company News, Hawaii, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

You may have already heard that Hawaii’s famous volcano, Kilauea, is erupting again. The new eruption started on September 29 and is still ongoing as of the time of writing this post.

Like the prior eruption in December 2020, this recent activity is confined within the volcano’s Halema’uma’u crater, so there is no danger to the Big Island’s communities. The new lava continues to fill the crater that collapsed in 2018 and creates a fresh lava lake on top of the older one. This pattern of summit collapse and subsequent lava lake filling is one that Kilauea has exhibited in the past. Multiple active vents continue to feed the growing lava lake that rose approximately 65 ft since the eruption started.

While it’s impossible to predict precisely how long the current eruption may last, scientists expect that more summit and upper rift zone eruptions are likely in the coming years as Kilauea continues to re-pressurize and re-establish magma pathways after the 2018 eruption.

You can see incredible photos and images of the current eruption here.

Living near the live volcano is undoubtedly exciting, but did you know that the Big Island is home to not one but four active volcanoes and is the liveliest of all islands? Between 1912 and 2012, there were nearly 50 Kīlauea eruptions, 12 Mauna Loa eruptions, and one Hualālai intrusion of magma. Mauna Kea most recently erupted only about 4,000 years ago and is considered an active volcano.

Here are some interesting facts about Hawaii’s active volcanos.

Kilauea eruption crater

Kilauea, the youngest and most active volcano on the Big Island, erupted almost continuously from 1983 to 2018. From 2008 to 2018, there was a lava lake within the Halema’uma’u crater at the volcano’s summit. In 2018, Kīlauea experienced the largest lower East Rift Zone eruption and summit collapse in at least 200 years. An eruption from December 2020 to May 2021 fed a lava lake in the Halema’uma’u crater at the summit. Since September 29, 2021, an eruption has been ongoing within the Halema’uma’u crater. About 90 percent of the volcano is covered with lava flows less than 1,100 years in age.

Mauna Loa volcano

Mauna Loa, the largest volcano on Earth, has erupted 33 times since 1843. The most recent eruption in 1984 lasted 22 days and produced lava flows which reached to within about 4.5 miles of Hilo, the largest population center on the Island of Hawai’i. Lava flows less than 4,000 years old cover about 90 percent of the volcano.

Hualālai, the third most active volcano on the Island of Hawai’i, has erupted three times in the past 1,000 years and eight times in the past 1,500 years. The most recent eruption in 1801 generated a lava flow that reached the ocean and now underlies the Kona International Airport. Lava flows less than 5,000 years old cover about 80 percent of the volcano.

Mauna Kea, the highest volcano on the Island of Hawai’i, erupted most recently between about 6,000 and 4,500 years ago from at least seven separate summit-area vents, producing lava flows and cinder cones. Glaciers covered parts of the volcano’s summit area during the recent ice ages, the only Hawaiian volcano known to have been glaciated.

A part of Mauna Kea’s glacial past is Lake Waiau, located just below the summit. It also is one of the highest lakes in the United States with an elevation of 13020 ft and is the only alpine lake in the state of Hawaiʻi.

You can hike to the lake, though we would not recommend it for beginners. Learn more about the lake here.

Lō‘ihi, the youngest and only known active Hawaiian submarine volcano, erupted most recently in 1996 during an earthquake swarm of more than 4,000 events. The volcano’s summit is about 3,179 ft below sea level, located 22 miles southeast of the Island of Hawai’i.

The newest Hawaiian island, Lōʻihi, will likely emerge from the ocean in the next 100,000 years, and possibly in less than half that time. After that, the volcano may potentially merge with the Big Island and may one day become a snow-capped mountain like the nearby summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes.

Kilauea eruption at night

The current eruption event at Kilauea presents a great opportunity for visitors to see a live volcano in action. So if you are planning to come to the island this fall, be sure to visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Explore towering tree fern forests, feel the heat of volcanic action under your feet at Steam Vents, then make your way over to the main highlight, Kīlauea Caldera, where you can witness the volcano’s fiery lava lake. Afterward, head over to the historic Volcano House Hotel, where you can have a cocktail by the fireplace or enjoy excellent cuisine against the spectacular backdrop of Kīlauea’s powerful glow. Just a tip: the best viewing of Kīlauea Caldera is at night.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of USGS, Inoptia.

Hawaii’s Beautiful Flowers & How To Wear Them

August 27, 2021/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

Once you step off the airplane in Hawaii, the first thing you notice is that the air smells differently. This, in part, is because there are so many flowers here. Everywhere you look, there seems to be a splash of color and something in bloom. A mild soothing fragrance and bright colors give Hawaiian flowers an aesthetic appeal and are one of the reasons why Hawaii is called a tropical paradise. The official state flower of Hawaii is not the orchid or plumeria, as most of us would assume, but the yellow Hibiscus, also known as the pua aloalo. Flowers are considered an integral part of Hawaiian culture and are used in beautiful leis and celebratory arrangements. Below is a list of the most popular flowers, plus some tips on how to wear them.

1. Orchid

Hawaiian Orchids are available in a dazzling spectrum of colors but can mostly be found in the famous purple and white leis. These royal flowers are sturdy enough to withstand being strung together, all while maintaining their stunning composure. The best-known species of orchid in Hawaii are the Dendrobium and the Epidendrum.

2. Plumeria

One of the most delightfully scented flowers in Hawaii, Plumeria can be found in white, pink, red, and yellow. Commercially grown in Hawaii for lei production, these flowers are the perfect accessories for a decorative welcome home lei or worn behind your ear.

3. Hibiscus

The official state flower of Hawaii, Hibiscus, can be seen growing just about everywhere— from on the side of the road to tucked away in most backyards. At one point, they were considered endangered; however, today, over thirty new species have been introduced into the island’s fertile environment. The interesting thing is that Hibiscus doesn’t have much scent like other flowers, but it looks absolutely amazing.

4. Ginger (Awapuhi)

A large tropical herb, you can find many types of ginger growing wild in Hawaii. Ginger is not native to Hawaii, but its variety of blooms are used in leis and cut flower arrangements. Intricately woven Leis made from the sweet-smelling white ginger flowers are a favorite for special occasions.

5. Pikake

The Hawaiian name for Jasmine, Pikake translates to “peacock,” one of Princess Kaiulani’s favorite types of birds. The light and bright scent of Pikake is considered one of Hawaii’s signature scents.

Ways to Wear Hawaiian Flowers

Haku lei

This type of lei is a flower crown or headdress. Having become increasingly popular in the last few years (outside of the historical Hawaiian culture), Haku lei is the perfect way to tie in the Aloha Spirit into weddings, birthdays, graduation ceremonies, May Day, and much more.

Pink orchid lei

Lei

A collection of blossoms tied and hung around your neck, traditional Hawaiian leis are a fun way to showcase Mother Nature’s beauty while celebrating loved ones. Not only do visitors and locals partake in this custom, but there are also several ways to go about it. There are many different styles to choose from, from the Hili lei (braided Ti leaf) to the flattened Christina Lei (braided Ti leaf). Leis aren’t always made out of flowers; in fact, a large majority include Ti leaves, Kukui nuts, and shells in addition to paper money, bones, and feathers.

Flower behind your ear

It’s a well-known fact that wearing a flower behind your ear is much more than just a fashion statement. In the Hawaiian culture, if you wear a flower behind your left ear, you are married or unavailable. Wearing a flower on the right side signifies the opposite, that the person in question is single and possibly looking for love. And if you wear it in the middle, then you are undecided. So be sure to wear it accordingly!

What are your favorite Hawaiian flowers? Please share in the comments below.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of LoveBigIsland.com, BigIslandHikes.com, Inoptia.

Top 5 Must-Do Activities on the Big Island of Hawaii

August 13, 2021/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals/by Alice Hughes

The Big Island of Hawaii is so unique in so many ways. It is the youngest of all Hawaiian Islands; it has 11 of the 13 world climate zones, an active volcano, pristine land, you name it. What truly sets the island apart is that besides the usual blue ocean and beautiful beaches, it offers you incredible experiences that you will not find anywhere else. We include them in our top 5 list of must-do activities on the Big Island below. They will make your trip so much more memorable!

1. Visit the Mauna Kea Summit

The Big Island of Hawaii is one of the prime spots on earth for stargazing. You’ll be amazed at how close and clear the stars appear. The best place to do it is the Mauna Kea Summit which is the reason it is home to many world-class telescopes and observatories. Start by watching a beautiful sunset from the top of the mountain, then come down to the Visitor Center level for stargazing. Provided the sky is clear, this will be one of the most striking scenes you’ll ever see in your life. The sky appears white from the countless numbers of stars, and you can even see a swoop of the Milky Way, which is quite stunning. You can drive there by yourself or book a tour (recommended). For information, click here.

2. Visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

This National Park located between Hilo and Kona on the southern flanks of the Kilauea and Mauna Loa volcano is, for locals and tourists, by far the most popular attraction on the Big Island. It also is one of the few places on this planet where you can safely watch an active volcano (Kilauea) up, close and personal.

According to us and many others, this park is the “must-see” destination on the Big Island. Even though Kilauea is now not erupting, there’s plenty to do, from wilderness adventures to short walks and scenic drives. To learn more, click here.

Or you can embark on the Circle of Fire helicopter tour for a breathtaking adventure, seeking out the island’s unique rain forest, newly formed landscapes, and black-sand beaches, and witnessing the results of Madame Pele’s incredible volcanic activity—scenes of nature’s raw power that you’ll never forget! For more information about the tour, click here.

3. Dive with Mantas

Manta rays’ night dives on Big Island are considered one of the most memorable dives on the planet and are something you definitely shouldn’t miss. Manta rays are completely harmless. These gentle marine giants have a 12-foot wingspan; they feed on plankton attracted by divers’ lights, so scuba dives and snorkeling trips to see them take place after dark.

Two of the world’s best viewing spots for manta rays happen to be right off the Kona Coast: “Manta Heaven,” near the Kona International Airport, and “Manta Village,” in Keauhou Bay. Various tour operators will get you there, such as Big Island Divers or Manta Ray Dives Hawaii. For more information, click here.

4. Go to Green Sand Beach

Papakōlea Beach is a geologic oddity among few in the world. The Green Sand Beach is located at the Southern point of the island in a bay cut into a side of Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago. The sparkling green sand is created by a common mineral in Big Island lava called olivine, which stays deposited on this beach because it is heavier than the other components of the lava.

Before you venture on that journey, stop by Punalu’u Bake Shop in Naalehu, the most southern bakery in the United States. They offer a wide variety of fresh pastries, cookies, and bread full of Hawaiian flavor and calories, which you will need for this hike (it’s a 5.2 miles round trip). And if you are not that much into hiking, take a “shuttle.” No, it’s not your regular shuttle that takes you from the hotel to the airport. Run by locals living there, it would rather be a beat-up SUV or a pickup truck with no doors resembling something out of the Mad Max movie scene. For about $10-15, the “shuttle” will take you there and back, but you will still see all the beauty of the rustic coastline and the surroundings. For more information about the beach and how to get there, click here.

5. Try Big Island Coffee

Kona Coffee is what first comes to mind when you think about Hawaiian coffee. It’s no wonder – coffee has been cultivated in the Kona region for nearly 200 years, thanks to the perfect blend of rainfall, sunshine, and rich soil. Coffee cherries are harvested by hand in the fall through early winter at the more than 600 farms here, and you can tour many establishments year-round.

The lesser-known coffee variety grown on the Big Island is Hawaiian Cloud Forest Coffee. And if you are a coffee lover, you will be amazed by its taste and quality. This delicious coffee is hand-picked from coffee arabica trees grown high on the lush slopes of Hawaii’s Mauna Kea volcano. The cold air coming down from the mountain flows right through the farm and produces very cool nights, resulting in an extended amount of time for the coffee cherries to ripen and enhance the roasted coffee’s body and flavor. In addition, the soil is different from that on the leeward, drier Kona side of the Big Island. Mauna Kea is about 1 million years old and last erupted 4,500 years ago. As a result, its soil has developed a rich, fertile quality. Thus, much like a fine wine, Hawaiian Cloud Forest coffee has an exceptional taste due to its particular climate and soil. It is soft and smooth with a robust and balanced finish. You can find this coffee in some stores, fine restaurants, or order directly from the farm’s website.

What activities did you enjoy on the Big Island? Please share in the comments below.

Save on your Hawaii vacation rental

Remember, you can always save 10% on your vacation rental when you book direct with us and mention “Aloha escape” in your reservation.

We hope to see you soon – a hui hou!

Images courtesy of LoveBigIsland.com, BigIslandHikes.com, Inoptia.