Things to do - Kohala Coast properties

6 Reasons to Visit the Big Island in the Fall

September 17, 2021/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals /by Alice Hughes

People usually like to visit Hawaii when the weather is lousy elsewhere, particularly in the winter months. But experienced travelers know that the best time to come here is in the Fall, September, and October. This period is called shoulder season in Hawaii, which is the time of year between peak and off-seasons. Why is it so attractive to visit Hawaii in the Fall? Let’s explore below.

1. Fewer Crowds

Big Island’s shoulder season is a sweet spot between summer family vacation time and the winter peak season starting in November. Back to school time here means a lot fewer people on the beaches, in the parks, restaurants, and on the roads. You can explore the island’s sites in near solitude and enjoy the beautiful landscapes and nearby vistas that are gorgeous year-round.

2. Better weather

Hawaii’s summer weather generally lasts through October. Yet, in September and October, it is not as hot as in July and August, and it can be the perfect time to take advantage of beautiful beach days without the crowds. Although the rainy season can begin near the end of October, South Kohala is notoriously dry, averaging only 10-12 inches of rain per year. Typically, the ocean is a bit calmer in the Fall, meaning smaller waves – great for swimming and an easier introduction to surfing and other water sports.

3. Lower Prices

In Hawaii’s shoulder season, decreased demand and fewer visitors typically mean lower accommodations prices, but all the attractions, entertainment, and restaurants are still open and ready for your enjoyment. Airfare from the mainland to Hawaii is also typically more affordable in September and October, while rates start to rise in November.

4. Fun Events and Activities

With the summer family tourists gone, you can experience the island’s sights and activities without fighting off crowds. Fall is the time for some of the best events taking place on the Big Island. Even though the usual October Ironman Championship was rescheduled until February of the following year, there are still many things to do and see. Here are some events worth participating in:

Big Island Chocolate Festival

October 15, 2021, 9 am – October 16, 2021, 12 am

The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

Big Island Chocolate Festival includes farm seminars for local cacao growers and cacao tours to learn about cacao growing and local chocolate. As well as chef demonstrations with tastings and a gala featuring 25-chef booths with beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. More detail on their website.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – Pele & Poliahu

October 01, 2021 6:00pm – 9:00pm

Mauna Kea Beach Hotel

This grand tasting event brings you a contrast of flavors and tastes. Executive chef Peter Abarcar shares his expertise in local fare and teams up with seven celebrated chefs from across the U.S. to bring you a mouth-watering harmony of fire-roasted bites hot off the grill served alongside a raw bar on ice and refreshingly cool sips. For more details, visit their website.

Hawaii Food & Wine Festival – Cuisines of the Sun

October 02, 2021 5:00pm – 9:30pm

Canoe House at Mauna Lani, Auberge Resorts Collection

Curated by HFWF co-founder and pioneering chef Alan Wong, this five-course dinner is an unparalleled display of gastronomic diversity and excellence. Wong is joined by Canoe House’s executive chef Matt Raso and renowned California chefs Raphael Lunetta and Celestino Drago. With a solid commitment to using sustainably sourced local ingredients, these culinary masters create an eclectic menu featuring dishes inspired by warm climates and destinations that stretch across the Equator. Find out more here.

Kona Coffee Cultural Festival (50th Annual)

November 04, 2021 – November 07, 2021 10:00am – 7:00pm

Kona, Hawaii

Excitement brewing as Kona Coffee Cultural Festival celebrates its 50th anniversary. The 4-day Festival will bring the community together with in-person events that have their own charm. The Festival will also feature an online virtual format that will provide a broader reach and engaging program experiences.

Throughout the Festival, festival-goers celebrate the harvest as Kona coffee farms offer a firsthand look at growing this world-famous crop, the coffee art scene fills with inspiration, and music and dance enrich cultural exchanges. In addition, Kona coffee and food events offer tastings, and hands-on cultural events help tell the story of Kona’s rich coffee history. Find out more here.

5. Best Restaurants

Besides the unique food festivals, the Big Island of Hawaii is renowned for incredible seafood restaurants and delicious authentic Hawaiian dining experiences. While reservations book up early during summer and winter, Fall provides you the chance to experience some of the best restaurants on the Big Island without having to make reservations months in advance. A few of our favorite restaurants include:

Napua

Brown’s Beach House

Tommy Bahama Restaurant and Bar

Canoe House

Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill

6. Famous Big Island Golf Courses

The Kohala Coast is known for spectacular golf courses with lush green fairways rising above blue ocean water. Fall is a perfect time to enjoy a game of golf with no crowds or trade winds that can be intense during the wintertime. Some of the best-known courses in the area are Hapuna Golf Course, Mauna Lani Courses, and Waikoloa Beach Resort Courses. Many of our properties are located nearby or right on our stunning Big Island golf courses.

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, Hapuna Golf Course, Brown’s Beach House, Kona Coffee Festival, 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.

8 Incredible Hawaiian Fruits You Have to Try

July 30, 2021/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals /by Alice Hughes

Hawaii is well-known for its perfect climate. Each island has a section where tropical heat meets humidity. This year-round warmth and moisture collision is a recipe for life, and most plants thrive in Hawaii. This outrageous ability for growth allows the Hawaiian islands to produce a myriad of tropical fruits, some of which you may have never heard of. And there lies the excitement for a Hawaiian vacation. You get to try new things and broaden your horizons.

We put together this blog to highlight the best Hawaiian fruits worth trying, and summer and fall are the perfect times to do so. You can find some of these fruits in supermarkets, like KTA, but the best source would be local farmers’ markets. Arm yourself with information so that you have the tastiest vacation possible.

1. White Pineapple

Most people associate Hawaii with pineapple. That’s because of the pineapple plantations in the 1900s. Hawaii used to produce the most pineapples in the world.

However, few people know about white pineapple. It’s grown in Hawaii, and it doesn’t usually ship to the Mainland, making it extra special to eat in Hawaii. It’s the sweetest variety, and the fruit inside is more of white color. Their white flesh is exceptionally juicy with a floral aroma and a creamy, non-stringy texture. The flavor is exceedingly sweet, with hints of honey and almost no acidity. The edible core is just as sweet to the taste, and unlike other varieties, it is not woody or fibrous.

White pineapple is seasonal, available during summer and early fall, so now is the perfect time to try it!

2. Mango

If you’re used to eating everyday mangoes, this exotic fruit in Hawaii is different. There are over 60 different kinds of mangoes on the Hawaiian islands. They’re some of the juiciest, sweetest Hawaiian fruits. It’s perfect to eat mangoes in Hawaii just on their own, cut up into pieces. Mango is excellent in salads and desserts too.

3. Apple Bananas

If you are not a fan of bananas, this variety will change your mind. These bananas are anything but normal. They are smaller in size and have an extra pop of flavor. With a lot lower sugar content, apple bananas have a somewhat sweet and sour taste and a much better texture than regular bananas. You won’t think of bananas as “ordinary” anymore after biting into apple bananas!

4. Strawberry Papaya

Papayas are abundant in Hawaii, and they are smaller and more pear-shaped than the Mexican ones you can usually find on the Mainland. The fruit inside can be golden yellow or a bright reddish-orange. The most popular variety is Rainbow papaya, but the Strawberry one is sweeter and has more flavor. The best place to find those are local farmers’ markets. You can eat it on its own, but I like to squeeze lime juice on top to bring out the flavor.

5. Lilikoi (Passion Fruit)

Lilikoi is a vine that grows in Hawaii in the wild and is popular among the locals. It is a small yellow fruit that you can usually find at the farmers’ markets. The inside is soft, juicy, and full of tiny black seeds. Though you can consume the seeds, the best part of lilikoi is its juice. Just slice the fruit in half, scoop the inside into a fine-mesh strainer, and let drain. Press the solids to extract as much liquid as possible. You may not get much, but it will be pretty concentrated. You can use the juice in desserts, syrups, jams, juice, smoothies, baked goods, or salad dressings.

6. Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit grows on the Hylocereus cactus, also known as the Honolulu queen. It goes by many names, including pitaya, pitahaya, and strawberry pear. The two most common types have bright red skin with green scales that resemble a dragon — hence the name. The most widely available variety has white pulp with black seeds, though a less common type with red pulp and black seeds exists as well. Dragon fruit may look exotic, but its flavors are similar to other fruits. Its taste has been described as a slightly sweet cross between a kiwi and a pear. The best way to eat it is to cut it in half and eat the flesh with a spoon. It also works well in smoothies, especially the red variety.

Rambutan

7. Rambutan

Rambutan is another exotic Hawaiian fruit that is native to Hawaii. Like lychee, these red fruits are colorful and hairy, and they’re packed full of Vitamin C, iron, and potassium. But while lychees are sweet, rambutans are more tart – a mix of sweet and sour, a little like a cross between a grape and an apple. The best way to eat it is to slice open the skin with a knife and get the meat out. It works great as an afternoon snack.

8. Rollinia

Quite rare in Hawaii, Rollinias are not the most appetizing looking of fruits. When not ripe, its soft spikes are green and look a bit like an artichoke gone wrong; as it ripens, they turn yellow and eventually brown. But the inside is filled with a creamy, sweet, custard-like white pulp that tastes like caramel and lemon meringue pie. You can eat them raw with a spoon or in fruit salad; juice, blend into milkshakes and cook into deserts. So if you happen to come across one of those, definitely give it a try.

What are your favorite Hawaiian fruits? 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!

5 Best Hikes to Take on the Big Island

June 18, 2021/0 Comments/in Hawaii, Things to do, Vacation Rentals /by Alice Hughes

The Big Island is an outdoor paradise for hikers. The low population density, miles and miles of hiking trails, waterfalls, and many different climate zones make hiking one of our favorite pastimes on the island. 11 out of 13 climate zones worldwide are represented on the Big Island, which means that you can see a totally different view around every corner. We consulted with the island’s top hiking experts and put together this blog with the 5 best hikes on the Big Island.

Pololu Valley

1. Pololu Valley

Probably one of the most popular hiking destinations, this magnificent wild valley is at the head of the Kohala Coast, the oldest part of the island with deep valleys and picturesque beaches. You would take Hwy. 270 to the northern Kohala Coast, past the towns of Hawi and Kapa’au. Park at the end of the highway at the Pololū Valley overlook. Most people look at the beauty of the rugged northern Kohala coastline from the Pololū Overlook. However, hiking down to the valley floor and spending some time on the beach is very worthwhile. If you are up to this adventure, find the trailhead for the Awini Trail and hike down the wide trail and stop at each switchback in the trail to take in the awesome views of the northern Kohala coast.

The Pololū Valley beach is mostly made up of moderately-sized polished lava rocks. The water here is notoriously dangerous and should only be attempted by very experienced swimmers and surfers. There is no lifeguard. The mounds of sand behind the beach are a fun place to spend some time. For more information, click here.

Makalawena Beach

2. Makalawena Beach

Makalawena might be the best beach on the Big Island that can’t be reached by road. It is located in the Kekaha Kai State Park – a large and relatively undeveloped beach park north of Kailua-Kona. There are several bays scooped out of the Kona Coast with gorgeous white sand and plentiful shade from palm trees. The hike out to Makalawena keeps the crowds away, especially on weekdays. It’s tough to find a more perfect beach anywhere in the Hawaiian island chain. Swimming is usually pretty safe when the waters are calm. The land behind Makalawena is private. The most northerly bay has a protected spot that’s very calm. ʻŌpaeʻula Pond is behind Makalawena and its twelve acres are a National Natural Landmark that protects nesting and breeding areas for some native Hawaiian birds. To learn more about the beach and how to get there, click here.

Kalopa State Park

3. Kalopa State Park

Kalopa Native Forest State Park and Recreation Area is located near the village of Honoka’a, about 15 miles east of Waimea and about 40 miles north of Hilo. The location of the Park keeps the traffic light. If you’re looking for solitude, you have a great chance of finding it here. Located on the upcountry, windward slopes of Mauna Kea, the Park gets a significant amount of rainfall. This rainfall creates an enchanting and lush native forest. A ‘native forest’ attempts to preserve the endemic Hawaiian ecosystem as it existed before contact with a man. Most of the plant species in the Park were on the island before the first Polynesians discovered and settled Hawai’i. The Park has a family-friendly loop called the “Nature Trail,” with easy hiking and lots of information about the native forest. It’s ideal for the keikis (kids) or for visitors short on time. Several other trails criss-cross the Park and provide many opportunities to create different loops to explore the extent of the land. Click here to learn more.

Akaka Falls State Park

4. Akaka Falls State Park

Located about 10 miles north of Hilo, this small state park’s main attraction is the free-falling 442′ tall ‘Akaka Falls along the Kolekole stream. ‘Akaka means “split, separation, or crack” in the Hawaiian language. A short, paved hiking trail leads to a lookout over ‘Akaka Falls and also smaller Kahūnā Falls. This short hike follows a paved trail that travels to both ‘Akaka Falls and Kahūnā Falls through a lush upcountry rainforest. The overview spot for 442 foot tall ‘Akaka Falls is very picturesque and the views are expansive, but it’s much more difficult to see 100-foot tall Kahūnā Falls from its overlook through the forest. The best time to visit this popular park is on a weekday, between about 9 am and 11 am. You’ll probably beat the tour buses and the sun is high enough to illuminate the entire ‘Akaka Falls.

Papakolea Green Sand Beach

5. Papakolea Green Sand Beach

Papakōlea Beach is a geologic oddity among few in the world. The Green Sand Beach is located in a bay cut into a side of Puʻu Mahana, a cinder cone that erupted about 50,000 years ago. The 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.

To get there, from the parking area walk south on a paved road that turns to dirt. Head toward the ocean. At a concrete boat launch into Kaulana Bay, turn and hike east along a very rough four-wheel-drive road. Shortly pass a picturesque bay and continue to hike northeast. There is a maze of dirt roads in this area, but just stay parallel to the ocean. After about two miles of hiking along the dirt roads, you’ll come to a dramatic view of Papakōlea Beach. Hike around the rim of the eroded cinder cone to the north end where you’ll find the path down to the beach. The footing can be uncertain, and the hike down to the beach is very steep. Enjoy the beach and return the way you came. Click here for more info.

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.