| This
web site is part of a family of web sites: alohafriends.com, alohafriendsshop.com,
alohafriendshawaii.com, alohafriendsphotos.com, and alohafriendsluau.com
Below are quick links to these different web sites:
 Island Specific
Activity Suggestions
Answers to
Frequently Asked
Questions About Hawaii
Romantic
Activity Suggestions
Suggestions for
Getting Engaged or Married
in Hawaii
Suggestions for
Vacationing in Hawaii
with Kids
Island
Activity Reviews
Hawaii Travel Tips
Free
Hawaii Enewsletter
Resources for
Researching Hawaii
Moving to
Hawaii Resource
Hawaii
Radio Stations Online
Popular Hawaiian
Words & Phrases
Translate Your Name
into Hawaiian
Easily Create a
Luau Anywhere
Easily Create a
Hawaii Theme Wedding
Anywhere
Popular Luau
Food Recipes
Hawaii Theme
Game Suggestions
Pick Up or Send
Hawaii Post Card
Free
Hawaii Photo Gallery
We offer for free over 400 pages of Hawaii
related information. These web sites cost us quite a bit to provide and maintain but we
provide them at no cost to our users and do so without accepting paid advertising.
We rely solely on the support of our web site users. If you find our web sites
useful please support them by enjoying or sharing treats and treasures from Hawaii
available for shipment anywhere in the USA!
ISLAND GIFT SHOP
Most
Popular Items
Macadamia Nuts, Chocolates,
Cookies,
Popcorn, & Candy
Fresh
Pineapples and Papaya
Hawaii Theme
Cookie Cutters
Fresh Leis,
Fresh Flower Accessories,
Lei Making Kits,
Fresh Loose Ti Leaves,
Fresh Blooms &
Fresh Wedding Lei Sets
Kukui Nut Leis,
Shell Leis, Silk Leis,
Silk Flower Hair Clips &
Silk Wedding Lei Sets
Hula Skirts &
Hula Supplies
Pineapple Lovers
Treats & Treasures
Coconut Lovers
Treats & Treasures
Coffee, Syrups, Jams,
Jelly, Poi and Other Island Treats
Local Kine Favorite Seeds
Snacks, Sea Snacks, and Cracker Snacks
Tropical Plant
Cuttings & Seeds
You Can Grow
Shark Tooth Necklaces
& Plumeria Jewlery
Perfumes, Colognes, Lotions
& Candles
in Island Scents
Dashboard
Hula Wigglers &
Island Gift Sets
Island Treasures
Kids Will Love
Hawaiian Music CDs
Hawaii
Christmas Items
About alohafriends.com
Awards this Site Has Won
FREE Banners to
Add a Link to Your Web Site |
 WEB SITE USER COMMENT: "Thanks for
your information - it came in very handy. I arrived home yesterday after a wonderful 10
days. I can't wait to return." A Camp, USA DISCOVER
VOLCANO: The Volcano area is home to towering
tree ferns that thrive in this cool 4,000 foot elevation. Stop in at the Volcano Winery
and sample their fine nectars. There are unique shops and
restaurants to find great treasures. Follow Highway 11 to get
to Volcano. The winery is past the entrance to the Volcanoes National Park. Look for signs
for the Volcano Golf Course, it is on the same side-road called Golf Course Road.
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK The Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is the home of Hawaii's active
volcano. Visitors can explore the parks diverse ecosystems and amazing history by visiting
an informative visitors center, a museum, an observatory, taking a 51-mile self guided
driving tour, hiking/walking 150-miles of trails, and by camping.
The volcano has been erupting continuously since 1983 however the lava flow is primarily
underground through lava tubes. For current eruption updates please call the park at 808
985-6000. There is a $10 fee per vehicle for a 7 day entry pass and a $5 per person fee
for a 7 day pass for folks who walk or bike into the park. Please be Eco-friendly
explorers, the Hawaiian Islands are the home to rare animals and plants. Clean your
footwear to prevent bringing foreign plants or bugs to our delicate environment. To
obtain help or written information about Hawaii Volcanoes National Park including
brochures, maps, pamphlets, pictures, and visitors guide contact the park service at HAVO_Interpretation@nps.gov or by calling
808-985-6000. Plan on four to six weeks to obtain the information depending on the time of
year you request it. For
a detailed review of Hawaii Volcano National Park click here.
 CAMPING AT HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL
PARK: see details on Big
Island Land Adventures page
STAY
AT A HOTEL LOCATED ON THE RIM OF THE ACTIVE VOLCANO: Nestled 4,000 feet above
the Pacific on the rim of Kilauea Crater, amid lush rain forests and dramatic lunar-like
volcanic landscapes, is the Volcano House Hotel. This hotel is over 140 years old, the
rooms are elegantly decorated in native Koa wood and Hawaiian quilts, and the views are
spectacular. This cozy lodge has a great restaurant on the crater rim and 9 hole golf
course. Room rates range between $95 and $225 per night for up to two people. A minimum of
3 night stay is required. For more information or for reservations call 1-808-967-7321
 HIKE HAWAII: Discover hidden Hawaii. There are hikes through rain forests, lava fields,
along shorelines, to waterfalls, to lava tubes, and to an ancient petroglyph sites. Always
bring water on your hikes. Other items handy to have are a snack, camera, sunscreen, and
bug repellant (for rainforest hikes). Trails may be slippery due to mud. Wear appropriate
hiking shoes. If you're planning to hike in any lava fields please be aware that the lava
is very sharp and hiking shoes are recommended. It is very hot with no shade in the lava
fields so protect yourself from the sun and bring plenty of water. Please make certain
your hiking shoes are free of foreign seeds, The spread of unwelcome, introduced plant
species can destroy Hawaii’s fragile ecosystem. It’s a good idea to leave a note
in your room explaining how many people are hiking, where, and when you expect to return.
Please do not litter your trash or cigarette butts anywhere while in Hawaii.
Mahalo!
HIKING AT HAWAII VOLCANOES
NATIONAL PARK: There are many trails of all levels
through out the park. Hike through lush rain forest and see beautiful and rare
animals/plants, or hike across lava fields to ancient petroglyphs or breathtaking
lookouts. Stop at the Visitors Center after the park entrance to pick up a free map and
trail information. The park rangers on duty can offer suggestions based on your interests
and abilities. Park rangers also offer guided hiking tours. Admission to the park is $10 a
car load for a 7 day pass. Click here to see our detailed
review of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
SHORT HIKE TO THE LAVA FLOW AT
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK: County
work crews cut a road through lava fields in Kalapana making the road to the new lava flow
now accessible by sedans and they extended the road so the hike is just a short 10 minute
walk to great views of the lava flow. This road takes you so close to the flow that
occasionally the road has to be closed due to a flow crossing the road. There will be a $5
per vehicle access fee charged to pay for the maintenance of the road and to have staff at
the flow lookout to answer questions and make sure everyone has a safe experience. When open the road is available for access from
10am-10pm
.
No new vehicle entry on the road will be permitted after 8:15pm.
Because conditions and viewing locations can change on a daily basis we recommend
contacting the visitors center at the The Volcanoes National Park at 808 985-6000 the day
prior to your adventure.
PETROGLYPH HIKE near the
Mauna Lani Resort. The massive Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve has 3,000 drawings
made by ancient Hawaiians and is the Pacific’s most extensive petroglyph field. Get a
free copy of "A view into the Past" at the Mauna Lani Resort property. It has
informative historical information and a map on the resort’s Kalahuipua’a area
that details petroglyphs, the King’s Trail, archeological sites, anchialine pools and
great photo spots. To preserve these ancient Hawaiian treasures please do not walk on or
take rubbings of the petroglyphs. Follow road signs leading to petroglyphs next to
Holoholokai Beach Park. The turnoff is on Highway 11 just
past the entrance of 'The Orchid at Mauna Lani', north of Kailua-Kona. Hike 1/7 of a mile along the Malama Trail to a viewing platform
overlooking the Puako Petroglyph Archaeological Preserve.
MILE LONG CAVE HIKE is not well know to visitors but is a unique adventure. This was formed
during the 1881 lava flow and is filled with incredible formations including lava
stalactites, rock formations, and channels. Most of the cave is over 10 feet tall but
caution must me taken on this adventure to avoid hitting your head on unexpected low
spots. Some frequent hikers of this trail take precautions by wearing a hard hat. A bright
flashlight is a required to get the most from this adventure. It will light your path and
expose the natural beauty created over 100 years ago. A 4X4 vehicle is required to get to
this adventure.
Directions to the cave: Take Saddle Road, also known as Highway 200, to the 21 mile
marker. Take the 4WD road on the south side of the road, it leads to a power line road.
Drive 2 1/2 miles down the power line road. (Don't look for the power lines, they have
been removed and the poles cut down) The road runs through a fern forest then down to a
more recent lava flow. About 200 feet after the decent ends look to the right for the
opening of the cave. The tunnel actually passes under the road. Once you enter the cave
take the tunnel towards the road. It is about 1 mile before you are forced to turn around
where the cave ends due to a rock slide. For your safety stay on the trail. To preserve
this treasure please leave the cave as you found it by removing your trash and do not
remove any rock souvenirs.
GUIDED KAZUMURA
LAVA CAVE HIKE- If you are looking to add a bit of
adventure to your visit to the Big Island try exploring a natural lava caves that were
formed by the still active Kileaua volcano. Kazumura cave is the world's longest known
lava tube, currently measured at over 40 miles! Entrances to the cave system are located
on private property and are only accessible by guided tour. On your guided adventure you
are lead by experienced guides that will explain the many amazing underground lava
formations you will see. You will be amazed at the caves stalactites, stalagmites,
coralloids, botryoids, and levees. $35 per person with two person minimum. Lights and
gloves are provided. You will need to provide your own boots, long pants, small to
medium-size daypack, water and snack food. Hikers need to be over 9 years old on the 1- 1
½ hour tour and over 12 years old on the other tours. Call Volcano Cave Adventures at 808
968-0763 for reservations or more information.
ARNOTTS LODGE & HIKING
ADVENTURES not only offers a great place to stay it also offers awesome
adventures like a night lava hike, a hike up Mauna Kea mountain,
hike to a green sand beach, or to a natural sauna and warm springs in the Puna district. All hikes are full day adventures and are $86 per person except
the Mauna Kea & lava hike which is $96 per person. Call 808 969-7097 for reservations.
 Night
lava hike takes you on a adventure to visit Kilauea, which has been continuously
erupting since 1983. As safety permits the National Park Officers allow you to hike 14
miles out to the point where lava is flowing into the sea. You will stay until darkness to
view a spectacular show as molten magma meets cold seawater and hike 14 miles back. This
is a strenuous all day hike over hot lava fields and is only for those who are avid hikes
and are physically fit. Offered Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays departing Arnott's Lodge
around 12pm and arriving back around 10pm. Bring dinner, water, snacks, sunscreen,
camera, hat, closed toe hiking shoes or boots. Hot jagged lava will melt
and shred sneaker soles and flimsy hiking boots.
Mauna
Kea Summit hike takes you up above the clouds to the top of Mauna Kea at 13, 796
feet. See the sunset from the what feels like the top of the world! A the summit is the
world's largest telescope and its twelve companions. Hike 1/4 mile to the summit and
marvel at the view to distant Maui in the world's cleanest air. Astronomers and astronomy
enthusiasts will be on hand to answer questions and guide you through the night sky. High
power telescopes available for your use. Offered Monday, Wednesday, Friday. Departs from
Arnott's Lodge at 3pm and arrives back at 10pm. NOTE: People with respiratory, heart, and severe overweight conditions, pregnant women
and children under 16 are advised not to go above the 9,200 ft. level where the visitor
center is located. Do not go to the summit within 24 hours of scuba diving. Bring: extra layer of clothes, long pants, sturdy
walking shoes. (Seasonal temperatures in winter can be extreme.) Dinner, water, snack,
sunscreen, lip protection, sunglasses, and camera.
South
Point hike not only will take you to a remarkable green sand beach but you can also
snorkel with magnificent green sea turtles and beautiful tropical fish at Punaluu Black
Sand Beach! Take a daring leap into the sea at the southernmost point of the U.S.A.
Offered Mondays 9am-6pm. Bring: lunch, water, snack, swimsuits, sunscreen, camera
and suitable footwear for a hike with some rough spots.
Waterfalls & Valleys hike allows you to discover the beauty and
adventure that is tucked away on the Hamakua Coast. Knowledgeable guides help you discover
hidden streams, pools, and waterfalls including breathtaking Akaka Falls. Offered Saturday
9am-6pm. Bring Swim wear, sunscreen, footwear, water, lunch, and light jacket.
Puna
on the Rift Zone In 1959 and 1992 massive lava flows wiped out villages and changed
the land. Visit cold water ponds, warm springs, natural steam saunas, a famous
"clothing optional" Kahena Beach, and Lava Tree State Park. Offered Wednesday
10am-6pm. Bring lunch, water, snack, swimsuit, sunscreen, camera, bug repellant,
and towels.
 The Ultimate Bike Challenge Pedal 48 miles to the summit of
Mauna Kea at 13,796 ft. Water and camping gear are left at preset locations to assist you
with your adventure. The record is six hours, the average is ten hours. Some adventurers
go to 9,000' the first day, camp out, and do the summit next day.
OTHER GUIDED HIKES allow you
to explore the island with locals who will explain local legends, culture, and will answer
your questions.
Hawaii Volcano Geoventures offers
guided geologic adventures on one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Personalized
tours and hikes for individuals and families. Call 808 985-9901 for more information.
Hawaiian Walkways, Inc. offers
several personalized guided hikes to spectacular hidden corners of the island. Guided
tours start at $85 per person. Call 800 452-7759 for more information.
Kona Historical Society offers a
variety of inexpensive, educational and fun tours to Kailua Village, historic coffee
farms, crater rim tours and more. Call 808 323-3222 for more information.
GUIDED IN LANGUAGE ADVENTURES:
Dieter's Creative Tours offers personalize guided tours of Oahu, Maui and the Big Island.
Tours daily in German. French and other in language tours are also available upon
request. Call 808 262-1000 for more information.
Take
a walk through a FOREST
OF LAVA TREES. This state park was taken over by
a lava flow. The fast moving fluid lava solidifies against live, moist hardwood trees
before they ignite. The lava flow drains away and leaves behind a forest of lava trees. It
is amazing to see the destruction and beauty of the volcano. Located on Highway 132. This
area is very interesting to drive around in. Also check out Highway 137 and Highway 130.
 HAWAII TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDENS at Onomea Bay is a spectacular valley garden on the ocean. More than
2,000 different species of flowers, plants, and palms growing in a natural tropical
rainforest. Also see a lily pond, flamingos, and an orchid display in a tranquil setting
of cascading waterfalls, streams, and ocean vistas. Admission is $15 per adult, $5
children 6-16, 5 and under are free. Open 8:30am-4:30pm daily. Located 8 miles north of
Hilo. Call 808 964-5233 for more information.
AKATSUKA
ORCHID GARDENS is an enclosed garden of colorful
orchids and plants. It has free admission and is open daily 8:30am-5:30pm. Located at the
22-mile marker between Hilo and Volcano. Call 888 967-6669 for more information.
NANI MAU GARDENS is a beautifully
manicured garden in a remote rainforest. Explore 20 acres of palms, ponds, pavilions,
orchids and orchards. Learn about Hawai`i’s plants in their museum. Admission is
$7.50 per adult, $4.50 per child 6-18 years old, children under 6 free. Open 8am-5pm
daily. Call 808 959-3500 for more information. There is restaurants that serve lunch and
dinner at the gardens.
 MAUNA LOA
MACADAMIA NUT VISITORS CENTER lets you see how Mac nuts are processed.
Enjoy a self-guided walking tour through the orchards. Located on Mauna Loa Road (off
Route 11) in Keaau (Puna District). Call 800 832-9993 for more information.
 HULA SHOW at the Kona Inn Shopping
Village. Enjoy Hawaiian music and dance while browsing the Hawaiian craft vendors.
Held every Aloha Friday. The hula show is 12:30-1:30pm and the Hawaiian craft vendors are
there from 10am-4pm.
 HULIHEE
PALACE was built in 1838 by Governor Kuakini. It houses a great collection
of koa furniture and Hawaiian artifacts. A guided walking tour is included with admission.
Call 808 329-1877 for more information. Located at 75-5718 Alii Drive Kailua-Kona, HI
96740
 PU’UKOHOLA NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK is where Kamehameha the Great built a temple to the war god, Ku,
to fulfill a prophecy so he would unite the Hawaiian islands. Interpreters are on duty to
explain site. Call 882-7218 ext. 23 for more information. From Kona head north on the main
highway. It will run into highway 270. Turn left, then left again. There are signs
directing you to the park.
POLYNESIAN VILLAGE tours allow you to experience
how early Polynesian peoples lived. Enjoy hands-on activities, cultural demonstrations,
and ceremonies of the South Pacific. Organic and fresh homemade foods are served. Located
at 83-5427B Mamalahoa Highway Honaunau (South Kona District). 808 331-1991
 STARS
AND STRIPES TOUR is ideal for WWII history buffs who
are not staying on the island of Oahu. The tour includes round trip airfare between the
Big Island and Oahu, a visit to the Arizona Memorial at Pearl Harbor, a Guided Tour of the
USS Missouri Battleship, a Guided Tour of the Punchbowl National Memorial, and a Drive
Through Historic Downtown Honolulu. $45 per adult, $34 per child- including transportation
from the Honolulu International Airport. The flight from the Kona Airport on the Big
Island departs at 6:20am and the return is approximately 7pm. $199 per adult, $189 per
child. For more information or reservations call Roberts Hawaii Tours at 808
831-5541.
 WATERFALLS are easy to
get to on the Big Island. There are many beautiful waterfalls along the ROADSIDE on the Hilo side of
the island. Other waterfalls you can explore:
AKAKA FALLS STATE PARK- featuring a 420-foot cascading waterfall. Follow Highway 19 north.
WAI’ANUENUE FALLS- A waterfall that drops 80 feet into a large pool. Behind the falls is a
deep cave, the legendary home of Hina the mother of Maui. Go in the morning for the best
views of rainbows in the falls.
 PLEASE
NOTE: Prices for island activities featured within our
site are NOT guaranteed. Since we are not
affiliated with any of the activity providers we are not notified if services or prices
change. You will need to contact the activity
provider directly for a current price quote and for availability information.
|
