Breathtaking Sights and Hikes
Pololu Valley
Coming to the Pololu Valley from the north side and walking the Pololu Trail is one of our highlights! If you can’t do the Pololu Trail, there is the Pololu Valley Lookout. Parking is limited and can be challenging, but there were people to help guide traffic when I was there. There is also parking allowed along the road further away from the parking lot.
The trail under the hot sun can be challenging with some slope, so it helps to have proper shoes and water to help everyone make it down and up successfully.
Once down the trail, it is like entering a new land. You have the beautiful ocean and beach scene on the left and on the right, there is the green mountainous range among the Pololu Stream-like a scene from a storybook.
You never know what you might find while walking around and observing the area.
After the trek, reward yourselves with a treat from Fresh Off The Grid! We passed by it driving over to the lookout and were so glad we stopped by on the way back out. They sold fruits, fresh juice, smoothies, and ice cream among other treats!
Mauna Kea Summit
Visiting Mauna Kea is definitely a highlight. However, because of the high altitude, they do not allow children under 13 to go beyond the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy Visitor Information Station. It is also very cold up there for those who are not used to 0 degree Celsius or 32 degree Fahrenheit weather. There are also specific restrictions to driving up beyond the visitor center will require specific requirements and vehicles such as a 4X4. We decided to go with tour group to take care of the logistics.
We decided to not have to worry about all this and to get a guided tour, we went with the Mauna Kea Star Gazing Tour and they chauffeured us around in this van.
There was the option to include dinner, which was lasagna and a brownie.
We ate at the visitor’s center for an hour. By doing so, it helped us to acclimate to the altitude before we made our way up to the summit. The tour company provided additional clothing if people get too cold up there–most of us took that option.
At the visitor’s center, we also wandered a protected area and short trail that has interesting plants to observe.Â
I spy with my little eye…silver plants?! These are Haleakala Silverswords or Silverswords of Hawaii and are said to be extremely rare and endangered. They can take decades to bloom. Check out the Hawaii Guide’s post for more fascinating details about this plant.
Our tour guide made a stop at the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) which is like the one that was featured in the 1997 movie “Contact” with Jodie Foster. It was cool to see it move and operate while we were there. It is an antennae that collects faint radio emission from objects in space.
We continue to head higher and got up close to see more telescopes and got to wander the area. Unfortunately, we weren’t allowed to go into the observatories as astronomers do work hard around the clock and cannot disturb them.
It was incredible to see how high we were with the clouds below us feeling like we are on top of the world! We were able to watch the sunset descend before our eyes while above the clouds, observing the change.
After sunset, we proceeded to our star gazing area. We were lucky with the weather. It was a clear night and new moon, so there was no extra light from the moon.
During the star gazing area, we were given Ghirardelli hot chocolate and a chocolate biscotti to complement our star gazing experience.
They educate us about what is out there but the best part is that they whip out a large telescope, and we take turns to see Jupiter’s moons and Saturn’s rings. It was surreal to see them! They look like little stickers even though they were real! I also saw a couple of shooting stars that flew by quickly.
Seeing the Milky Way and Andromeda light up against the dark sky fills me with wonder and makes me feel so small. It really brings up lots of reflective thoughts.
Akaka Falls State Park
While this is also a smaller loop that costs extra for parking and $5 per person for non-residents to visit, I feel like it is still a worthwhile experience if you have time to visit.
It is a pleasant walk through the path surrounded by the forest to see the beautiful Akaka Falls in front of you.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
There are so many options on how you want to create your memories at the Volcanic National Park.
KÄ«lauea Visitor Center
Definitely stop by the KÄ«lauea Visitor Center and listen to what the very knowledgeable guide has to share in terms of its history and suggestions of places to see. The speaker we listened to is a retired teacher who really captivates the audience with his passion and stories. He also provides great suggestions and tips on possible routes for your visit.
We brought our lunch to the picnic tables and ate at the visitor center. The Volcanic Gallery was also worth taking a look for some souvenirs.
If you park at the Kīlauea Visitor Center, you can make a short walk over to the Volcano House at its viewing area to see the entire Halema’uma’u Crater.
See the latest updates for where are possible eruption viewing areas here. Things feel like they are constantly changing so it is important to adhere to the most updated info while you are there.
While we were there, we walked over to the Keanakako’i Overlook to go to the lava viewing area. We needed to park further and walked a bit to reach the viewing area.
There is no coverage so make sure to be prepared with sun protection and water.
Thurston Lava Tube
Drive to another parking spot closer to the Thurston Lava Tube which is a short but an awesome trail loop through the tropical forest and cave.
There are so many options on how you want to explore the Volcanic National Park. The locals tell us that with the active eruption, they have been so excited to visit the park during the night and they can see the area just glow red. Unfortunately we didn’t get the chance to do that, but maybe if we are so lucky in the future to catch it again!
Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden
I really enjoy walking through botanical gardens that have a wide variety of plants and beautiful flowers and sceneries. This one hits them all!
The one thing to be aware of is the bug bites, especially around beautiful ponds like these. It would’ve been helpful for me to put on insect repellent! I became bug feed while I stopped to admire or take photos of certain flowers or scenery. They do sell insect repellent at the front if you wanted one and forgot.
Don’t forget to look up and around…
…as well as down below for the smaller wonders and appreciations.
It was an immersive experience with much to see.
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay/Captain Cook Monument
Snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay or near the Captain Cook Monument area is a great first time snorkeling experience. To reach Captain Cook area, it is necessary for us to go out on a boat.
We go on a tour with Captain Cook Exclusive from Sea Quest Hawaii. You can bring your own snorkeling gear or they will provide them for you. We take a small boat ride out and take in the scenery. It is helpful to wear a UV protective shirt over the swim suit so that you don’t burn during the boat ride.
We make a couple of stops during the boat ride and listened to our guide talk about the surrounding areas, but wafting in the wavy waters could lead to motion sickness for those who may be sensitive to it.
All in all, a wonderful experience snorkeling in the blue waters of Hawaii.
Waipio Valley (closed to visitors indefinitely starting February 2022)
We were lucky to be able to attend this tour before the mayor authorized the closure of Wai’po Valley Road due to hazardous conditions except to residents, property owners, and farmers into the area. The trail route is also closed to pedestrian traffic.
Since it was so difficult to access, we went with Waipio Valley Shuttle Tour which has temporarily suspended their service due to the closing of the road.
When and if it does open again to visitors, a trip down Waipio Valley is worth visiting. It definitely feels like a sacred place that should be preserved and kept untouched as possible.
The tour began and ended at Waipio Valley Artworks which is a lovely gallery with great souvenirs to bring home to family and friends.
Farm Experiences
Paradise Meadows Orchard and Bee Farm
This place is fantastic for kids and adults alike! There is an open air merchandise area where people are so nice and helpful. They are not shy with helping you out and giving out samples of anything you are curious about before purchasing.
Feel free to wander around their orchard and see the animals and their parrots. They are so much fun since they are very interactive!
There’s a map you can refer to for the self tour of what you’re interested in.
They have a coffee field, bananas, fish tank, and a greenhouse as some of the options to look at.
It was a relaxing visit perusing this farm and picked up a few souvenirs.
Hala Tree Organic Kona Coffee Farm
I enjoyed this short free tour and visit. While we had to make reservations, we were able to have the area to ourselves to take in the scenery and see the coffee plants up close. They are award winning and also pride themselves in their care and their organic certification process.
Their very friendly cat loves attention and being around us.
We were even allowed to pick a mature Kona coffee tree cherry and peel it to try the berry. It was aromatic and slightly sweet!
This is what is used to roast into what we know as coffee beans for coffee!
There are many types of distinct coffee they create you can also try or purchase home to enjoy later!
Their very affectionate cat also joined our coffee sampling. The 100% Kona coffee is smooth and excellent. One of my favorites is the Honey Medium Roast but so many are fabulous that it is hard to choose!
