Beaches,
Snorkeling,
Tidepools
|
Hilo
beaches laced with fish ponds, little islands, and lava rimmed
black and white sand beaches.
|
Onekahakaha
Beach
|
Onekahakaha Park is the largest area with picnic tables, restrooms,
showers, and large shallow white-sand bottomed pool protected
by breakwater. This is one of the few white sand beaches in Hilo.
Located in close proximity to the Lilikoi, Aloha, Beaches, and
Surfrider houses. |
Richardson's
Beach
|
Most popular snorkeling spot in the Hilo area. The waters are
protected from the current and home to a variety of fish and other
marine life. Good area for swimming, surfing, boogie boarding,
kayaking and diving. There is an expanse of of black sand beach
and easy access to the ocean. Beach fronted by Beaches and Surfrider
houses. |
Leleiwi
Beach
|
Large swimming
pond that opens to the ocean. |
The
Warm Pool, Ahalanui
|
On
route 137. It is volcanically fed from a spring at one end and
the ocean at the other. Temperatures vary but are often around
90. The surrounding palm trees offer shade and great picnic opportunities.
About 10-15 minutes drive from Sea Watch, Palms, Mangos, and Orchid
houses. |
Punalu'u
Black Sand Beach
|
Popular
surf spot south of Volcano. Waters can be rough depending on the
day. Breeding ground for sea turtles. About 30 minutes drive from
Sea Watch, Palms, Mangos, and Orchid houses. |
Kahena
Beach
|
Requires
a hike down a rough ancient trail. Swimsuit optional. A great
place to stop if you're not shy! |
Bicycling
|
Bicycle rentals available in Hilo. |
Biking
Around the Area
|
Explore
historic Hilo or the Beach Parks on a cruiser! |
Competition
Biking
|
Several
races occur annually: Battle of the Saddle, Kulani Trails, Nick
Rott Memorial Bike Festival, and the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Challenge. |
Bird
Sanctuary
|
Bird
Park amid the Koa Forest |
| |
Self-guided
tour of the bird park and forest |
Cultural
Events
|
Local
seasonal events |
East
Hawaii Cultural Center
|
East
Hawaii Cultural Center. Exhibits change frequently. Song, dance,
theater regularly featured. Works by Hawaii's most distinctive
artists. |
Merrie
Monarch Hula Festival
|
Competitive
Hula between local, mainland, and international hula schools.
Tickets go on sale January 1st of every year. |
Slack
Key Festival
|
In
Hilo on the 3rd Sunday in July. |
Volcano
Art Center Gallery
|
Art
works, crafts and gifts by over 300 Hawaiian artists: music, hand-crafter
koa furniture, paintings, prints. |
Fishing
|
The best places to fish |
The
Front Yard
|
Bring
your pole or use of of ours (provided inside the house) to fish
in the front yard of the Sea Watch, Mangos, Palms, or Orchids
homes. Walk along the coast and find your lucky spot. A local
secret. Guests of Lilikoi, Beaches, and Surfrider houses can also
fish readily in the Hilo Bay. |
Gardens
|
Landscapes worth viewing |
Coconut
Island
|
Coconut
Island is known as the "healing island" where people
could find cures from disease. |
Hawaii
Tropical Botanical Gardens
|
A
Garden in a Valley on the Ocean with over 2000 species of flowers,
palms and plants, natural streams, and cascading 3-tier waterfall.
This is the only botanical garden fronting the ocean in Hawaii.
|
World
Botanical Gardens
|
300
acres of former sugar cane fields. Includes an 80 meter orchid
"wall." The garden continues to grow and also contains
a 3-tiered Umauma Falls. Close to Akaka and Kahuna Falls. |
Nani
Mau Gardens
|
20
acres of sculptured gardens. Stroll through the elegant gardens,
sit by a lily pond, or visit the soothing waterfalls. Garden View
Restaurant all-you-can-eat-buffet. |
Lili'uokalani
Park
|
30
acres of manicured gardens and majestic island. Beautiful 30 acre
park was designed and landscaped to honor Japanese immigrants
to Hawaii. This is one of the largest Japanese-style gardens outside
of Japan. |
Akatsuka
Orchid Farm
|
Tour
their greenhouse or shop in their store where they can arrange
for shipment of flowers and plants. |
Golf
|
Hilo Municipal Golf Course |
Volcano
Golf & Country Club at Kilauea
|
The
oldest golf course on the island sits at 4000 feet on the Kilauea
Volcano. This course boasts spectacular views of Mauna Loa. Par:
72 / 18 holes, Rating: 70.8 / 128 |
Discovery
Harbor Golf Course
|
Course
in Waiohinu. About 1.5 hours from Hilo and Keaau Properties. |
Mauna
Kea Golf Course
|
Located
on the Kohala Coast. |
Hilo
Municipal Golf Course
|
18-hole
course. Very affordable. |
Hapuna
Golf Course
|
On
the Kohala Coast. About 2 hours from Hilo and Keaau properties. |
Naniloa
Country Club
|
9-hole
course. Close to Hilo airport. |
Sea
Mountain Golf Course
|
Located
in Pahala. |
Waikoloa
Village Golf Course
|
Located
at Waikoloa Village. |
Hamakua
Country Club
|
9-hole
course in the town of Honoka'a |
Waimea
Country Club
|
Par:
72 / 18 holes, Rating: 71.4 |
Hiking
|
Trails from seashore to mountaintop. Hike in the volcano. Explore
the Thurston Lava Tube. Hike around and gaze at the stars atop
the summit of Mauna Kea. Stroll along bird trails, or into the
valleys of majestic waterfalls. |
The
Coastline In Front of the house
|
If
staying along the cliffs in Keaau, walk along the Coast to the
Ocean Beach Park. Or, continue hiking approximately 2.5 miles
along the coast at the end of the street and discover a lovely,
isolated white sand beach. If staying in the Hilo Bay, walk along
the beach or the road. |
Volcanoes
National Park
|
Hike
the volcano or wander around the Volcanoes National Park. |
Waipio
Valley
|
Laced
with waterfalls, rivers, streams, taro patches and fish ponds,
and wild trees. The valley can be seen by foot, horse, wagon,
shuttle or helicopter. |
Rainbow
Falls
|
The
roaring water falls 80 feet into a large pool. Hike for the best
view! About 2 miles upstream, see Pee Pee falls a 5 spouted waterfall. |
Cape
Kumukahi Lighthouse
|
See
where the lava just stopped flowing and spared this lighthouse.
Even more amazing than it sounds! |
Coconut
Island
|
This
little island can be seen from Banyan Drive. Explore the island
by foot. This little island is surrounded by coconut trees and
provides a great setting for swimming, picnics or fishing. |
Hula
|
Merrie
Monarch Festival |
Hula
Performances
|
The
world's most prestigious hula competition is held in Hilo, usually
in early April. Festivities include a parade, craft show, hula
performances, and more. Tickets must be purchased months in advance. |
Kayaking
|
Kayaking
At Richardson's Beach |
| |
Kayak
rentals available in Hilo Bay. Kayak with dolphins at the beaches
in front of Lilikoi,
Beaches, Aloha, and Surfrider houses. |
Macadamia
Nuts
|
Visit
the Mauna Loa Factory |
Mauna
Loa
|
Very
close to Keaau and Hilo Properties. Taste the treats at Mauna
Loa. Self-guided tour, gift shop, outdoor cafe and ice cream stand. |
Hilo
Hattie
|
Retail
chain store in Hilo will package and ship nuts & other gifts
to your friends and family back home. |
Movies
|
Theaters
and Rentals |
Movie
Library
|
Great
VHS video library inside the house. Some of the houses have DVD
players and DVD movies. All have large VHS movie collections.
|
Play
It Again Video
|
Good
selection of Movie Rentals in the Keaau Shopping Center, especially
of older movies and less expensive than Blockbuster. |
Prince
Kuhio Theaters
|
Waiakea
Theaters 9 Multiplex Cinema located at the Mall. |
Blockbuster
Video
|
Movie
Rental near Prince Kuhio Plaza in Hilo. |
Museums
|
Local
Museums of interest |
Historic
Downtown Hilo Tour
|
Self-guided
walking tour with 17 historical stops include the Tsunami Museum
and Zen Buddhist Mission. |
Lyman
House Museum & Mission House
|
Guided
walking tours of downtown. Museum exhibits include: Polynesian
navigation techniques, mineral rock collection, flora and fauna
of Hawaii, native Hawaiian artifacts, influences of immigrant
groups. And modern display or art by local artists. Themes change
frequently. |
Tsunami
Museum
|
Fire
and Water exhibit shows historic destruction caused by volcanos
and tsunamis. Photos, videos, interviews with survivors. |
East
Hawaii Cultural Center
|
Displays
of local art and culture |
Jagger
Museum at the Volcano
|
Hawaiian
Volcano Observatory |
Ranches
|
Visit
the largest cattle ranch in Hawaii. |
Parker
Ranch
|
The
Parker Ranch sits on 225,000 acres in Waimea. Ride a horse-drawn
wagon, shop in the cowboy gift shops, dine with Hawaiian cowboys
at the Parker Ranch Grill, and visit historic homes and gardens. |
Rainforests
|
Off the beaten path... |
Waipi'o
Valley
|
A
spectacular slice of rainforest bounded by a black sand beach
and 2900 foot cliffs and 1300 foot Hi'ilawe falls. Drive the area
or participate in a safari tour. |
Scuba
Diving
|
Image provided by Jochen Boeing in front of Surfriders and Beaches
houses. |
Scuba
|
Richardson's
Ocean Park in Hilo abounds with turtles, spinner dolphins, tropical
fish, and even whales. Most of the diving in East Hawaii is done
from the shore, but charter dive boats are available. |
Snorkeling
|
Snorkeling
at Richardson Beach |
| |
Great
snorkeling at the beaches fronting of Lilikoi, Beaches, Aloha
and Surfrider houses. |
Surfing
|
Lessons
& equipment rental available! |
| |
Exclusive
offering limited to our guests.
Learn to surf or just rent equipment. Available only to guests
of Surfrider and Beaches houses. |
Shopping
|
Something
for everyone... |
Macy's
|
Prince
Kuhio Plaza in Hilo |
Sears
|
Prince
Kuhio Plaza in Hilo |
Hana
Hou
|
Downtown
Hilo (exceptional art, gifts, housewares, & clothing) |
Hilo
Hattie
|
Prince
Kuhio Plaza in Hilo |
Safeway
|
Hilo |
WalMart
|
Hilo |
Office
Max
|
Hilo |
Ross
Store
|
Hilo |
Starbucks
Coffee
|
Hilo
(2 stores) |
Border's
Bookstore Cafe
|
Hilo |
Sunrise
|
Sunrise
|
Tours
|
Local
tours of interest |
Custom
Tours
|
Exclusive
offering limited to our guests.
Design your own tour through local tour operator. Vans with seating
for 1-8 or 8-18. Visit all the highlights of east Hawaii, from
Kau to Waipio, though our local guide. Door-to-door service available.
1/2 or full-day trips by arrangement. Highly recommended! |
Downtown
Walking Tour
|
Tour
Historic Downtown Hilo. Maps for Self-guided tour. |
Banyan
Drive Tour
|
Walk
the street lined with Banyan Trees. See Liliuokalani Garden park
and Coconut Island. |
Helicopter
Tours
|
Flights
leave from the Hilo Airport. |
Nani
Mau Gardens
|
Self-guided
garden tours of majestic gardens and soothing waterfalls. |
Mauna
Loa Macadamia Nut Factory
|
Self-guided
tour, macadamia nut gift shop, and outdoor food court. |
Kipuka
Tours
|
4-wheel
drive tour for 1-7 passengers |
Volcano
Winery
|
Located
between 2 active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Free tasting year-round. |
Ukulele
Lessons
|
Exclusive offering limited to our guests.
Learn
to play the unique Hawaiian 4 stringed wonder. Loads of fun. Instructor
will meet you at the house, and usually sit by the beach to teach
you to play. Ukulele provided. |
University
of Hawaii
|
University
of Hawaii Hilo |
University
of Hawaii
|
The
State of Hawaii has two state universities, one in Hilo and one
in Honolulu. |
Volcanoes
|
Come visit the only active volcano... |
Hawaii
Volcanoes National Park
|
This
377 square-mile park terrain ranges from arid expanses of lava
flow to lush green jungles. The park is open 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. The latest eruption of Kilauea continues its fireworks.
Watch as the molten lava pours into the surf to create the newest
land on earth. Drive to Kilauea's summit and see lava fields caused
by past eruptions, craters, sulfur banks, steam vents, pit craters,
cinder cones, and walk through a lava tube. At night, view the
glow of Kilauea's outbound lava flow. Hike through the Thurston
Lava Tube. Visit the Jagger Museum. |
Lava
Tree State Park
|
Walk
through a lava forest that destroyed the village of Kapoho. Stop
to see hollow columns of lava where ohi'a trees once stood, curious
shapes sculpted by the goddess Pele. |
Mauna
Kea Summit Tour
|
Check
out the world's greatest concentration of telescopes at 13,796
feet. The Visitor's Information Center offers free tours every
Saturday and Sunday (weather permitting). |
Star
Party at Mauna Kea
|
Hosted
by the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy. Open Thursday
- Sunday for free stargazing, a brief discourse on astronomy,
and viewing of Mauna Kea film show. |
Mauna
Loa
|
Towering
over Kilauea is Mauna Loa. Still an active volcano, this is the
most massive mountain in the world. |
Volcano
Winery
|
Located
between 2 active volcanoes in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Free tasting year-round. |
Volcano
Art Center
|
Features
local arts and crafts |
Waterfalls
|
The
most majestic landscape on the island...
Akaka
Falls |
Akaka
Falls
|
442-foot
waterfall on a winding path through bamboo groves and wooden footbridges |
Rainbow
Falls
|
The
roaring water falls 80 feet into a large pool. |
Umauma
Falls
|
Fabulous
triple-tier fall. |
Winery
|
Near
Volcano National Park |
Volcano
Winery
|
Tasting
room open daily: Volcano Blush, Guava Chablis, and Symphony |
Zoo
|
One of the best kept secrets in Hilo is the Pana'ewa Rainforest
Zoo. This is the only tropical rain forest zoo in the United States. |
Panaewa
Zoo
|
Botanical
garden and home for various animals, Hawaiian birds and reptiles.
Zoo is open every day except Christmas and New Years. |
