text:
Tag Archives: gps guide hawaii
Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Along Crater Rim Drive
Tagged app, best hikes in hawaii, best scenic drives in hawaii, best volcano hikes, Big Island, chain of craters road, crater rim drive, devastation trail hike, donald b. macgowan, donnie macgowan, explore hawaii volcanoes national park, GPS, gps app, gps guide hawaii, gps guide volcanoes, Hawaii, hawaii app, hawaii volcanoes national park, iphone, iphone guide volcano, iphone tour hawaii, ipod touch, itunes, Jagger Museum, kilauea caldera, kilauea crater olverlook, kilauea iki crater, kilauea iki crater hike, kilauea visitor's center, main entrance, main gate, mauna loa, ohia forest, steaming bluffs, sulphur banks, thurtson lava tube, tourguidehawaii.com, tree fern jungle, Volcano Art Center, volcano house hotel, volcao app
Halema'uma'u eruption from Steaming Bluff, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Graphic Photo By Donald B MacGowan
Crater Rim Drive
Kilauea Crater and Eruption of Halema'uma'u, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
A fine introduction to the wonders of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Crater Rim Drive circles the summit caldera of Kilauea Volcano, including Halema'uma'u Crater, the home of Madame Pele. The drive runs 11 fabulous and amazing miles through arid, barren volcanic desert, ohi'a forest and grassland and lush fern jungle. The most interesting sites along the drive are the Visitor's Center, Jagger Museum, Halema'uma'u Crater, Kilauea Iki Crater, Devastation Trail and Thurston Lava Tube.
Mauna Loa from Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Currently, because of the eruption in Halema'uma'u Crater, Chain of Craters Road is closed from Jagger Museum, south past Halema'uma'u Crater Overlook to the junction with Chain of Craters Road at Devastation Trail. This means that you cannot drive through the interior of Kilauea Caldera and will miss such sites as Southwest Rift, Halema'uma'u Crater Overlook and Keanakako'i Crater, as well as many of the more interesting recent lava flows and ash fall surfaces. However, this allows you to concentrate more fully on other sites.
Halema'uma'u Crater from Kilauea Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
We recommend that, after entering the park at the Main Gate, you stop and get oriented at the Visitor's Center, then drive to Jagger Museum through the amazing high-altitude, Ka'u Desert scrubland. Many people find the volcanic barrens disturbingly empty and void of life, but if you look closely, this starkly beautiful desert is quickly being re-colonized by plants. After visiting the Museum, turn around and come back down Crater Rim Drive toward the main gate. Along this section of road are several fascinating stops, such as Steaming Bluffs/Sulfur Banks, Kilauea Crater Overlook, the Volcano Art Center, Volcano House and the hike to Waldron Ledge.
The Halema'uma'u eruption in Kilauea Caldera at night, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Be sure to return to Jagger Museum after dark if you have the opportunity to watch the Hadean glow of the Halema'uma'u Eruption…it is as if someone left the door to the Fires of Hell ajar and you can glimpse inside.
A misty day on Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Continuing on Chain of Craters Road as it passes the Main Gate, you dive into the wet side of Kilauea Caldera and the two-tiered ohi'a/tree-fern forest, a dense and a seeming impenetrable jungle that teams with flowers, birds and exotic plants. Along this salient of roadway are several not-to-be-missed stops such as the Kilauea Iki Crater Overlook, Kilauea Iki Hiking Trail, Thurston Lava Tube, Pu'u Pua'i and the Devastation Trail. In addition to the beautiful and startling scenery, this part of the drive allows you to get a better idea of how Hawaii's amazing volcano are born, evolve, and what their inner plumbing looks like. We highly recommend both the walk through Thurston Lava Tube and the hike through Kilauea Iki Crater.
Kilauea Iki Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Photo by Donnie MacGowan
This tour along Chain of Craters Road can be made in under 40 minutes. However, one should allow at least three hours (more if you are hiking any of the delightful trails) to explore this fantastic place; if you have never been here before, you certainly have never seen anything like it.
The Devastation Trail at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Many people who plan to rush through the Park find themselves utterly engrossed, wind up spending much more time (and gas) than they planned here. In fact, many extemporaneously change their plans and cut time from some other attraction. Best plan to spend sufficient time here in the first place.
No services are available along Crater Rim Drive.
Maus Family Entering Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Uncle Donnie MacGowan
Crater Rim Drive is closed at Jagger Museum due to the Halema'uma'u eruption, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
The two-tiered forest along Crater Rim Drive, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Exploring Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: The incredible Hilina Pali Road
Tagged app, best hike in hawaii volcanoes national park, best hikes in hawaii, best mount bike rides in hawaii, Big Island, bike rides in hawaii volcanoes national aprk, bird watching, camping, donald b. macgowan, donnie macgowan, endangered speicies, GPS, gps guide hawaii, Hawaii, hawaii camping, hawaii iphone guide, hawaii state bird, hawaii volcanoes national park, hawaii volcanoes national park gps guide, hiking, hilina pali overlook, hilina pali road, iphone, iphone guide hawaii volcanoes national park, ipod touch, itunes, kuanaokuaiki campground, kulanaokuaiki campground, mountain biking, nene, nesting sites, tourguidehawaii.com, Volcanoes
Looking southwest from the Hilina Pali, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Hilina Pali Road/Kulanaokuaiki Campground/Hilina Pali Overlook
Looking at the coastal explosion plume on a voggy day from Hilina Pali Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
At 2.2 mile down Chain of Craters Road is the turn off to the Hilina Pali Road. This road is 9 miles of some of the most spectacular, lonely and striking scenery in Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park. Be especially careful when driving this road, it is mostly only one lane and there are more people enjoying this trip through the backcountry than you might think.
Camping at Kuanaokuaiki Campground, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
About halfway to Hilina Pali Overlook is the Kulanaokuaiki Campground. Set amongst rifts, collapse features and flows, this desert campground is secluded and spectacular. Rarely utilized, it is a great place to camp while exploring the park. Pit toilets and an emergency phone are available, but there is no water at Kulanaokuaiki Campground.
Looking towards Keauhou and Halape from Hilina Pali Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Driving further across the broad lava flows, past panoramic vistas of Mauna Loa, along the spectacular drop-off of the Hilina Pali (literally "cliff of faith"), one comes to the Hilina Pali Overlook, a great place for a picnic or short hike. Connecting with several longer trails across the Ka'u Desert, Kilauea Crater, or down the Pali to such abandoned coastal villages as Halape and Keauhou, the Hilina Pali Overlook is the central cross-roads of back-packing trails which crisscross the park.
Frank Burgess hiking at Hilina Pali Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Hilina Pali Road, due to its remoteness and lack of traffic, is a great place for a mountain bike ride, birding, or just getting away from crowds and tour busses. There are magnificent views, heart-stopping sunsets and pit toilets at the Campground and Overlook, but no water or other services are available. Hilina Pali is a nesting place for the endangered Nene, the Hawai'i State bird, which is related to the Canada Goose. Hilina Pali Road may be closed during Nene nesting season.
Less than 1/10 of a mile from Hilina Pali road is the unmarked Devil's Throat collapse crater…an excitingly vertically-sided pit that is worth the visit just for the "okole squeezing" peering down the throat will give you.
Looking southwest from the Hilina Pali, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Hilina Pali Overlook, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Best Scenic Drives in Hawaii #6: Hawaii Whirlwind Road Trip: I have to see the whole Big Island all in one day!
March 5, 2010 – 9:13 am
Tagged 2 step beach, ahalanui hot pond, akaka falls, app, best beaches in hawaii, best hikes in hawaii, best scenic drives in hawaii, best snorkeling in hawaii, Big Island, capatian cook, cook monument, donald b. macgowan, donnie macgowan, driving hawaii, eruption, gos, gps guide hawaii, gps tour hawaii, hapuna beach, Hawaii, hawaii cowboys, hawaii fugar, hawaii ranching, hawaii road trips, hawaii scenic drives, hawaii volcanoes national park, hike to flowing lava, hike waikupanaha, hiking, hilo, honoka'a, how can I see flowing lava, iphne tour hawaii, iphone, iphone tour hawaii, ipod touch, Isaac Hale Beach PArk, itunes, Jagger Museum, Ka'u, kailua kona, kaimu, kalapana, kealakekua bay, kealalkekua, Keauhou, kilauea eruption, kilaueau volcano, koahla coast, kohala, kohala mounain, kona, lava fossils, lava trees state maunment, lava viewing, mauna kea, mauna loa, pahoa, paniolo, photography, place of refuge, Pohoiki bay, pu'u honua o hounaunau national historic park, Puna, Punalu'u, rainbow falls, road trip, see flowing lava, snorkeling, snorkeling two step beach, South Point, thurston lava tube, tourguidehawaii.com, touring puna, two step beach, video, waikupanaha lava flow, waimea, waipio valley, what do to in hawaii, what to see in hawaii, where to go in hawaii
Lava flowing into the ocean at La'epuki in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Hawaii Whirlwind Road Trip: I have to see the whole Big Island all in one day!
Beautiful Waialea Beach, Kohala Coast Hawaii Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Approximate minimum time start to finish (to see every site): 14 hours.
We do not generally recommend trying to see the Big Island all in one day…there is a good reason it is called "The Big Island". However, vacation schedules and group interests vary and a surprising number of visitors evince a keen desire to tour the entire island in a single day. *sigh*. They rarely attempt it twice. However, if we were to recommend a day trip round the island, commencing at Kailua Kona, the itinerary below would probably be your best bet at hitting the greatest number of highlights in the shortest possible time.
At 14 hours driving and touring time, there is little time for dilly-dally and the unhurried visitor will of necessity trim this ambitious schedule. Easy ways to shorten the itinerary if you find yourself falling behind include skipping legs 5-7 (i.e., follow Hwy 11 all the way from Hawaii Volcanoes National Park into Hilo; time savings of about 2 1/2 hours) or skipping legs 12-13 (i.e., traveling along Hwy 19 from Hilo through Honoka'a directly to Waimea; time savings about 2 1/2 hours). You may also choose simply to skip any individual site anywhere along this route; for instance, Leg 1, Upcountry Kona, can easily be done on another morning from Kailua Kona and can be omitted from this trip simply by driving Hwy 11 straight to Punalu'u, saving you perhaps an hour.
The famous Kona Sunset fades behind Ku'emanu Heiau, Kona Hawaii Photo by Donald B MacGowan
However ambitious, this schedule will allow you, if you start out about 6 in the morning and proceed apace, to circumnavigate the island seeing everything and arrive at Hapuna Beach in time for a delightful picnic dinner (no food available at beach, so stop and buy take-away in Waimea) and an absolutely unforgettable sunset.
If you are serious about undertaking this one-day, whirl-wind tour, we highly recommend you purchase AND USE Tour Guide Hawaii's newly released iPhone/iPod App…it uses GPS, Google Maps with driving directions and has onboard maps and driving directions where cell phone service and internet are not available. It plays a video presentation with all kinds of information about history, culture, safety and the natural history about all the most fascinating sites on the island, including the whereabouts of all the public restrooms! The iPhone App gives you detailed, accurate information on where to go, what to bring, what to expect when you get there and what to do next. Available here, the App will give you much, much more detailed information than this blog post.
So what are you doing waiting around reading this for? It's a BIG ISLAND you are trying to explore and you've got to hustle! Even though you are the one who decided to try it all in one day, remember that we warned you it would be a long, long day!
Ke'eku Heiau Before Reconstruction, Kona Hawaii Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Leg 1) Start at north end of Keauhou Historic District on Ali'i Drive, head south on Ali'i Drive to jct with Kamehameha II Hwy; east on Kamehameha III to Hwy 11. Take Hwy 11 south to jct with Hwy 160, just south of the town of Captain Cook. Head downhill on Hwy 160 to Napo'opo'o Village, turn north on Pu'uhonua Beach Road to Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park at end of road; this is where you view the Captain Cook Monument.
Keauhou Historic District and Kona Coffee
For almost 400 years, temples and palaces along the Kona coastline served as a kind of "Rome of the Pacific", a great political, religious and cultural center in Polynesia, until the capital was moved to Honolulu in 1850 by Kamehameha III. The most important, interesting and best preserved historical and cultural sites lie within the Keauhou Historic District, between Kahalu'u Beach Park in Kailua running south 6 miles to Kuamo'o Bay in Keauhou. The District contains perhaps a dozen fascinating sites that are easy to walk to, well maintained and quite interesting.
To see the numerous fascinating and important archaeological sites in the Keauhou Historic District, it is necessary to park your car in the free parking at either Kahalu'u Beach Park or the Keauhou Beach Resort and explore on foot. More details about seeing the many fascinating sites at the Keauhou Historic District may be found here.
Just uphill from the Historic District is the Kona Coffee District. Hawaii is the only state in the union which produces coffee, and Kona coffee is perhaps the finest in the world. Over 2 millions pounds of coffee a year are produced on about 600, 2-3 acre farms; tours of coffee farms and roasteries are available. More about justly famous Kona coffee can be found here.
Kealakekua Bay Historical District and Captain Cook Monument
Kealekekua Bay and Cook Monument, Kona Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
A place of both dramatic historic events and unparalleled scenery, beautiful and now peaceful Kealakekua Bay (Pathway of the Gods) opens beneath steep, beetling cliffs on the ancient surfing beach along the shoreline of Napo'opo'o Village. The site of arguably the most important event in the history of Polynesia, home to pods of frolicking dolphins, providing some truly breathtaking snorkeling, Kealakekua Bay is one of the most magical spots in the State of Hawai'i.
Across the bay from Napo'opo'o stands the solitary white obelisk that marks the lonely Captain Cook Monument. It was in this broad bay that Captain James Cook made his deepest impression on, and longest visit with, native Hawai'ians when he first arrived late in November of 1778; and it was here where he met his tragic end in February 1779 during his second visit. At the State Park at the end of the road in Napo'opo'o are picnic facilities, pavilions and restrooms.
More information on the Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park, the Cook Monument and Captain James Cook's encounters with the Hawaiians can be found here. Although far too long and demanding to be contained in this whirlwind tour, many visitors enjoy the hike to the Captain Cook Monument, perhaps the finest hike on the island. Details of this undertaking can be found here.
Leg 2) Return south on Pu'uhonua Beach Road to jct with Hwy 160; Hwy 160 south to Pu'u Honua O Hounaunau National Historical Park-this is the Place of Refuge.
Pu'u Honua O Hounaunau National Historical Park; The Place of Refuge
Looking toward Pu'u Honua O Honasunau from Two Step Beach, Kona Hawaii Photo by Donald B MacGowan
A beautiful, peaceful, restful piece of Old Hawai'i, Pu'u Honua O Honaunau is a place of ease and regeneration for weary and jaded souls. Of enormous historical and cultural significance, the sacred grounds at Honaunau are the best-preserved remaining Pu'u Honua, or Place of Refuge, complex in Hawai'i. It is also a wonderful area to wander, snorkel, relax and picnic. For anyone who had any doubts about what Old Hawai'i was like, a trip to Honaunau will fill your imagination, your camera and your spirit.
A complex and strict order of law, known as the kapu system, controlled and governed everything in ancient Hawai'i. Under this system, judgment was death, immediate and final, unless the accused could escape to one of the designated places of refuge. There the accused would undergo a cleansing ceremony, be absolved of all crimes, and allowed to return to his family free of onus. The National Park has a Visitor's Center and bookshop, full picnic and restroom facilities. Although no swimming or snorkeling is allowed within the Park, adjacent is Two-Step Beach on Hounaunau Bay, one of the premiere snorkeling spots on the Island. A full description of the Pu'u Honua O Honaunau National Historic Park can be found here; details of snorkeling at 2-Step Beach can be found here.
Leg 3) Return to Hwy 11 via Hwy 160; continue south on Hwy 11 to Punalu'u Road; Punalu'u Road to Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach Park
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, Ka'u Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
A truly remarkable place of great peace, beauty and spiritual healing, Punalu'u's black sand beach is world-renowned. Endangered Hawai'ian Green Sea Turtles swim the waters here and bask on the beach. The wildness of the ocean and the serenity of the freshwater fishpond and coconut palm-shaded beaches make this an ideal place to spend some soul-recharge time. The ocean here can be rough, so use caution when swimming.
Available services include water, picnic tables, restrooms, electrical outlets, and pavilions, parking; camping is by permit only. During peak tourist time, there is a souvenir stand with some packaged food items and canned drinks for sale, otherwise the nearest food, gasoline and other services are in either Pahala or Na'alehu. More about Punalu'u Black Sand Beach, the turtles and the archeological sites in the park can be found here. More about the endangered Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle can be found here.
Leg 4) Return to Hwy 11 on Punalu'u road; continue east on Hwy 11 to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Entrance and jct with Crater Rim Drive; take Crater Rim Drive west to Kilauea Visitor's Center to Jagger Museum.
Lava flowing into ocean at La'epuki in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park is a magical, spiritual, wondrous, strange and beautiful place comprised of great contrasts and contradictions: dry as dust desert to teeming tropical jungle; frigid sub-arctic wasteland to steaming black sand beaches to rivers of flowing lava.
The star attractions in the Park are a pair of active volcanoes; Mauna Loa is the largest mountain on earth and Kilauea is most active volcano on earth. However, there are numerous other wonders from lava tubes to crawl down, black sand beaches with sea turtles to watch, mysterious petroglyph fields to explore, tropical jungles to hike through, endangered bird species to find, happy-face spiders to amuse and an otherworldly volcanic landscape so fresh it's still steaming.
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. During daylight hours, an access fee is charged. The Visitor Center has a 24-hour information line at 808.985.7017 and there is a 24-hour eruption hotline at 808.985.6000. Within the Park tune to A.M. radio 530 for continuous information broadcast. There tourist items available for sale and one restaurant and in the park, however generally shopping, restaurants and gasoline are only available in the nearby village of Volcano.
Nieces Entering Thurston Lava Tube, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Although a full exploration of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is not possible on this whirlwind tour, a thorough road trip description of the whole park can be found here. Many decide that the Park is just too interesting to leave and decide to curtail their full-day island adventure in favor of a more thorough investigation of this area. A wonderful way to complete your day with an exploration of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, a delving quickly into Puna and finishing with lava viewing can be found here.
Kilauea Visitor Center
Newly remodeled and updated, the Kilauea Visitor's Center is an outstanding resource of information on Hawaii's volcanoes and the National Park; the not-to-be-missed first stop in the park you must make. The Center is run by enthusiastic and knowledgeable staff that has the most up-to-date information on viewing the eruption, hiking and camping, bird watching, stargazing and just about any other topic of interest to Park visitors. Available for sale in the Center are maps, guidebooks, books and videos about the volcanoes, Hawai'iana, history, plants and every topic you can imagine pertinent to the Park, even souvenirs. There are free brochures and pamphlets on various trails, attractions, hiking safety and lava viewing hazards and precautions.
The Visitor Center is open daily from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.; there are public restrooms, water and pay phones available. Starting at 9 a.m. and showing every hour on the hour is a 20 minute informative movie about the Park; the film changes from time to time, but always contains spectacular footage of eruptions, information on volcanology and the natural and human history of the Park. A brief video highlighting the Visitor's Center can be seen here.
Jagger Museum and Hawai'i Volcano Observatory
Halema'uma'u eruption at nght from the Jagger Museum, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Famed for its fabulous views of Mauna Loa and Kilauea as much as for its interesting exhibits, The Jagger Museum (named for geologist Thomas A. Jagger) is open daily from 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Exhibits include murals by Herb Kawainui Kane, seismograph charts of eruptions and earthquakes, geological displays and display about the natural and human history of the Park.
When entering the parking lot of the Museum/Observatory, be especially careful of the Federally-protected Hawaii Goose, the Nene, who seem to congregate here. The Nene is the State Bird of Hawai'i, and this parking lot and its surrounding area constitute one of the best places for viewing them. A brief video highlighting the Jagger Museum can be seen here.
Leg 5) Follow Crater Rim Drive back to Park Entrance and then to Hwy 11. Go east on Hwy 11 to jct with Hwy 130 at Kea'au; take Hwy 130 south to Pahoa.
Puna District and Pahoa Town
Morning reflection in a hot spring near Pu'ala'a County Park, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Uncrowded, off the beaten track and largely undiscovered by tourists, Puna District is a magnificent wonderland; from incredible tree-tunneled roads, geothermal fields of steam vents, lovely beach parks, hot ponds, hikes on raw lava flows and jungle trails, and unequaled snorkeling, the land cries out for the visitor to explore a little bit. More about Puna District can be found here.
At the center of Puna is Pahoa Town; wild, untamed and even a bit unruly, with its false-front, western-style buildings and raised wooden sidewalks, Pahoa looks more like it belongs in Wyoming. But Wild West isn't the only subculture evident here…tie-dye banners and the general "flower-power" ambience some businesses and citizens lend Pahoa give it a decidedly "'60's" feel. It has been said of Pahoa that if it weren't for counter-cultural influences, it would have no cultural influences at all.
The charm and allure of this way of living is evident when you consider that the region around Pahoa is the fastest growing portion of the island. Pahoa has some of the best restaurants on the island, THE best natural foods store and a great public pool. You can learn more about Pahoa Town here.
Leg 6) At Pahoa, get on Hwy 130 to Kalapana.
Kalapana Disaster of 1990/Kaimu Black Sand Beach
Kaimu Black Sand Beach, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
In 1990 the volcano goddess Pele determined it was time for some serious housecleaning in Puna. Lava flows from Kilauea's East Rift engulfed the villages of Royal Gardens, Kaimu and Kalapana, destroying virtually everything. Buried were a centuries old fishing village and a world famous black sand beach. When the lava came, it wiped out not just material possessions; it wiped out a way of life and a landscape cherished by generations. For more about the disaster of 1990 and the rebirth of Kalapana, please go here.
The Big Island's newest black sand beach, Kaimu Beach, is a lovely, if barren, crescent of sand at the end of an unforgiving expanse of lava from the 1990 flows. The trail to the new black sand beach is marked with hundreds of young palms, numerous lava casts which include palms, pandanus fruit and even some fish that were caught in tide pools.
From the lava hillocks along the trail you can get nice views of the eruption plume at Pu'u O'o, up on the flank of Kilauea, as well as the steam clouds down a few miles along the coast where the lava enters the sea. Restrooms and fast food are available at the end of the road. Although for reasons of time it is not part of this tour, near here is the County of Hawaii Lava Viewing Area at Waikupanaha, from which it is sometimes possible to see flowing lava. You can read about it here. Between Kalapana and Lava Trees State Monument, you will pass through some other interesting parts of Puna that are not included on the current tour. You can read about Isaac Hale Beach Park at Pohoiki Bay here and Ahalanui Hot Pond here.
Leg 7) From Kalapana take Hwy 137 to jct with Hwy 132 at Kapoho; take Hwy 132 northward to Lava Trees State Monument.
Lava Trees State Monument
Looking at a single lava tree cast, Lava Trees State Monument, Puna Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Under a lacy canopy of monkeypod trees, casts of ohi'a trees stand as monuments to a fast-moving pahoehoe lava flow that passed through here in 1790. When the lava hit the water-saturated ohi'a trees, it cooled and began to congeal around them. The original ohi'a trees burned away but the quickly cooled lava around them stands here today, hollow, with imprints of the tree bark inside.
Lava Trees Park offers trails to hike and a restful, bird-filled jungle to sit and listen to. You can spend between 20 minutes to an hour wandering the trails, here, exploring and discovering. Be careful, however, the area is riddled with hidden cracks in the ground which can make exploring hazardous.
You may wish to avail yourself of the restrooms here; they are the last public facilities for some distance. More about Lava Trees State Monument can be found here. Surrounding the Lava Trees State Monument are the famous Puna Tree Tunnels, which you can read
about here.
Leg 8) Return to Hwy 130; Hwy 130 north through Pahoa to Kea'au and jct with Hwy 11. Hwy 11 North to Hilo.
The shoreline of East Hilo is punctuated with small, but gorgeous beach parks: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Beautiful but wet, metropolitan but decrepit, bustling but laid back, Hilo is a lovely, maddening, heartbreaking, addictive study in contrasts. In can rain all day long for 50 days in a row, yet when the sun does shine, the views of Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea from the Liliuokalani Gardens, or of Hilo Bay as you drive down from the mountains, or the rain-forest and waterfall choked gulches with lovely beaches along the highway north of town, make Hilo one of the most truly, achingly-lovely spots on earth.
More laid back and sleepier than bustling Kailua Kona, Hilo is the largest town on the island, and the county seat. The Imiloa Astronomy Center of Hawaii, Tsunami Museum, Lyman House Missionary Museum and the Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo are all wonderful places to learn about various aspects of Hawaii. There are numerous shopping districts, two large malls and the Historic Old Hilo downtown shops to browse through, a variety of sprawling green parks, a fabulous tropical arboretum right downtown and a mile-long black-sand beach fronting the bay to explore. Hilo's Farmer's Market is a "must see" for any visitor who is spending time on this side of the island. More about touring Hilo can be found here; a personal, darker vision of Hilo can be found here.
Leg 9) In Hilo, go north on Hwy 11 to jct with Hwy 19; take Hwy 19 to jct with Waianuenue Ave; head southwestward on Waianuenue Ave (Hwy 200) to Rainbow Falls.
Rainbow Falls and Wailuku River Park
Swimming and diving are favorite activities at Boiling Pots on the Wailuku River in Hilo, Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
The subject of recent and ancient legend, Rainbow Falls is the lovely emblem of Hilo town. The characteristic wishbone shape of Rainbow Falls is best seen at moderate river flows…too little water and only a single drizzle remains, too much runoff and the falls merge into a single, roaring flume. At any time, however, it's a beautiful place and worthwhile to visit. The rainbows within the falls are best seen in the mid to late morning. Follow the trail to the left along the river bank to delightful swimming and wandering; please note, however, that swimming in rivers and near falling water is dangerous. Don't go in if the current is swift or if recent rains have swollen the river.
Restrooms are by the parking lot and a souvenir shop is located across the street. More about Rainbow Falls can be found here.
Leg 10) Return on Hwy 200 to Hwy 19, head north on Hwy 19 to Hwy 220 at Honomu; continue through Honomu to Akaka Falls.
Akaka Falls
Akaka Falls, Hamakua Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
There is a reason that Akaka Falls rates as the most visited tourist site on the Island of Hawai'i. Simply put, the 420 foot, free falling plunge of clear water down a fern festooned cliff is an amazing and beautiful site. Leaving the parking lot, the paved loop trail of about one mile, winds through a wonderful jungle of exotic flowers, ferns, orchids, ginger and bamboo. Two smaller falls are also seen along the way to the stellar Akaka Falls. Akaka Falls has restrooms but no other facilities.
When visiting Akaka Falls, be sure to save some time to explore the shops, galleries and cafes of Honomu on the way back to the highway; it's unlike anywhere you've ever been before…guaranteed.
Leg 11) Return Hwy 220 through Honomu to Hwy 19, then north on Hwy 19 to Honoka'a. More about Akaka Falls can be found here.
Honoka'a Town
Hamakua Sugar cane outside Honoka'a, Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Built in the era of sugar great plantations and left culturally and economically isolated after the industry collapse, until recently Honoka'a was content to drowse along through the decades. A boom in real estate and return of vital human energy to the area has made a literal renaissance of the town. It boasts numerous wonderful restaurants, gift and boutique shops and the highest density of antique shops on the island. Be sure to stop to explore a little on your way to or from Waipi'o Valley…it's a fun, happening kind of place and always steeped with aloha. More about the town of Honoka'a can be found here.
Driving north or south out of Honoka'a, remnants of old sugar mills, fields and wild cane can still be seen. When Captain Cook arrived in 1778, only wild sugar cane was growing; at its height in the mid-1960's one in 12 people were employed in the sugar industry which produced in excess of a million tons of sugar annually. Though the business is gone, what is left are the people who once worked the fields and mills. The melding of the rich cultures of Japanese, Chinese, Filipinos, Portuguese, and others is what gives today's unique Hawaii lifestyle its sweet flavor. More about the Hawaii sugar industry can be found here. A personal story about the impact on the people of Hawaii of the death of the Hawaii sugar industry can be found here.
Leg 12) At Honoka'a, turn north on Hwy 240 to Waipi'o Valley.
Waipi'o Valley
Waipi'o Valley, just outside Honoka'a Town on the Hamakua Coast Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Waipi'o Valley is arguably the most magical place on the Big Island. The steep canyon walls and verdant fields of the valley floor, the mile long black sand beach and numerous immense waterfalls that line the valley walls all call out to the visitor for exploration.
Always listed among the most beautiful spots in the State of Hawai'i, this valley is as hauntingly lovely as it is difficult to see in its entirety.
Tours down into the valley in vans, on horse drawn wagons and ATVs can be booked in Honoka'a.
Over-flights in fixed wing aircraft and helicopters also offer fine venues from which to see this amazing piece of Hawai'i. Hiking down and wandering the immense black sand beach, exploring the ironwood copses and sand dunes and discovering the hidden waterfalls is also a popular way to see the canyon. Although the hike down is only a little over 1 mile and a thousand feet elevation loss, the climb back up is sweltering in the ferocious sun and heat. Think twice before hiking down. Facilities at the Scenic Overlook include a pavilion and restrooms; there no facilities beyond port-a-potties within the valley itself. More about Waipi'o Valley, especially the hike down in, can be found here.
Leg 13: Return to Honoka'a on HWY 240; at Honoka'a take HWY 19 to Waimea.
Waimea Town and Cowboy Country
Bull rider at Hawaii Rodeo: Photo by Carol Gilliland
Snuggled between Mauna Kea and Kohala Volcano in Hawaii's scenic mountain heart, seemingly always shrouded in mist and chilly, Waimea is definitely Hawai'ian cowboy country. Although jeans and flannel shirts appear to be the town uniform, Waimea is very sophisticated, boasting some of the finest shopping and restaurants and the most modern hospital on the island. More about Waimea Town can be found, here.
Additionally, the cattle industry centers in Waimea. In 1793 British Navigator George Vancouver presented cows to King Kamehameha which were allowed to roam free and soon became a problem. Shortly after horses were brought to Hawaii in 1804, Kamehameha recruited California vaqueros, whom Hawai'ians called "paniolo"–a corruption of the word "Espańol"–to control the wild herds, and the generations-old ranching lifestyle here was born.
The vaqueros also brought their guitars and their love of music. A deeply musical people, the Hawaiians were intensely interested in these, the first stringed instruments they had seen. They quickly learned to work-out their own tunings, called "slack key guitar", which more suited the style of their indigenous music. More about the history of ranching and Hawaii music can be found here.
Leg 14) At Waimea, continue on Hwy 19 (also called Kawaihae Road) to Kawaihae; at Kawaihae, turn south on Hwy 19 to Hapuna Beach. If you have timed your trip right, you will arrive at Hapuna Beach before sunset. This is a most amazing place to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean with Haleakala on Maui looming on the horizon. If it is already dark, proceed on Hwy 19 south to Kailua Kona.
Hapuna is Hawaii's Most Popular Beach, Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Always rated in the Top 10 of American beaches, Hapuna Beach is the premiere beach destination on the Island of Hawai'i. Long, wide and phenomenally sandy, it has everything one dreams of in a Hawai'ian beach: abundant sun, surf, clean, clear and quiet snorkeling water, shade and well-maintained facilities.
There are generally lifeguards, several pavilions, barbecues, picnic tables, restrooms, showers and a small café. The center of the beach is for wave play and boogie boarding, the north and south coves are quieter, for snorkeling or gentle floating. Although most patrons must walk about 100 yards down a path from the parking lot, Handicapped Parking exists right on the beach. More about Hapuna Beach can be found here.
Leg 15) Proceed on Hwy 19 south to Kailua Kona.
Although not intended as part of this particular day trip, a walking tour of Kailua Kona can be found here.
This whirlwind tour was designed to give you a taste of the Big Island Experience in a single day—not an easy task. For more detailed day trips, designed to focus on specific areas of Hawaii Island, please see the following:
Best Scenic Drives on Hawaii #1: The Saddle Road…Kona to the Summit of Mauna Kea, Kaumana Cave and Hilo: http://lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com/2010/02/12/best-scenic-drives-on-hawaii-1-the-saddle-road-kona-to-the-summit-of-mauna-kea-kaumana-cave-and-hilo-2/
Oneoneo Bay Sunset in Kailua Kona, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Best Scenic Drives in Hawaii #4: Kona Coast to South Point and Ka'u https://lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com/2010/02/25/best-scenic-drives-in-hawaii-4-kona-coast-to-south-point-and-kau-2/
Kona Heritage Corridor Scenic Drive: An Exceptional Day Trip Exploration of Historical, Lovely, Up-Country Kona!: https://lovingthebigisland.wordpress.com/2009/06/14/kona-heritage-corridor-scenic-drive-an-exceptional-day-trip-exploration-of-historical-lovely-up-country-kona/
A complete, regularly updated, index to our blog posts about exploring and enjoying The Big Island of Hawaii, including how to plan your trip to Hawaii, what to expect when you get here, what to do and how to do it, can be found here.
Amanda at Kahalu'u Beach, Kailua Kona Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Faded sunset over Hapaiali'i Heiau from Mo'o Twins Homesite, Kona Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Exploring the Incredible Kohala Coast: Samuel Spencer Beach County Park and Mau'umae Beach
Tagged 'ohai 'ula beach, app, app for hawaii, best hikes on hawaii, best swimming in hawaii, bigi island, camping, clothing optional beaches, donald macgowan, donnie macgowan, GPS, gps guide hawaii, hapuna beach, Hawaii, hawaii camping, hawaii nude beaches, hike to hapuna beach, hike to mau'ume beach, hike to Mauna Kea resort, hiking, iphone, iphone guide hawaii, ipod guide hawaii, ipod touch, itunes, kohala, kohala coast, mau'umae beach, nude beaches, pu'ukohola national historic park, Samuel M Spencer Beach Park, snorkeling, tourguidehawaii.com
Camping at Spencer Beach Park, Kohala Hawaii: Graphic Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Samuel Spencer Beach County Park and Mau'umae Beach
Spencer Beach Park has a lovely, fine sand beach, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Camping, picnicking, snorkeling and hiking, Samuel Spencer Beach Park is the perfect headquarters for exploring the Kohala Coast. It is also a great place to take children, or those who are not used to swimming in the open ocean, swimming.
Although a tad murky for ideal snorkeling, Spencer Beach Park is a wonderful beach for playing on and swimming, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
The swimming is very protected and calm, even in the highest of surf, although the water is a little murky for snorkeling. The famous, storied Pu'ukohola Heiau, the largest stone structure in Polynesia, is within walking distance of the park. For more information about Pu'ukohola National Historic Park, please go here.
Pu'ukohola in the sunset, Kohala Coast Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
The Hawaiian name for the beach is ʻŌhai ʻula, but it was renamed to honor Samuel M. Spencer, a Hawaii County Judge, postmaster and one time Director of the Hawaii County. Board of Supervisors. Of interest, the beach is the terminus of one section of the Southern Cross Submarine Communications cable that links the Big Island with the rest of the world.
The campground at Spencer Beach Park has room for literally dozens of tents, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Entrance to Spencer Beach Park is at the same turn-off from the Akoni Pule Highway (Highway 270) as Pu'ukohola National Historic Park, between the 2 and 3 mile marker.
Children play along the shoreline at Spencer Beach Park, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Facilities at Spencer Beach Park include a large pavilion (with electrical outlets), restrooms, drinking water, picnic tables, barbecues, beach volleyball, basketball and camping (by permit). Lifeguards are present everyday except state holidays.
Mau'umae Beach near Spencer Beach Park, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
The Ala Kahakai Trail goes about 3 miles south from Spencer to Hapuna Beach and makes a lovely hike. About 10 minutes along the trail from Spencer Beach Park, it passes across Mau'umae Beach. If you are looking to tan-in those pesky bikini lines, Mau'umae Beach is a little known gem that is secluded and private and sometimes frequented by the "clothing optional crowd". The swimming is great, but the water is a little cloudy for snorkeling.
The Ala Kahakai Trail to Mau'umae Beach from Spencer Beach Park, Kohala, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
You can also reach Mau'umae Beach by stopping at the entrance to the Mauna Kea Resort to obtain a pass to drive across resort property and follow the Mauna Kea Resort Road through the entrance. At the third intersection turn right on Kamahoi Road, cross 2 wooden bridges and park at pole # 22. Walk 5 minutes (turn left at the water) to the beach. There are no facilities at Mau'umae, but it is immediately adjacent to the Mauna Kea Resort and only a 10 minute walk from the facilities at Spencer Beach State Park.
Mauna Kea Rises over Spencer Beach Park, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Tangled dryland jungle at Spencer Beach Park: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Pu'ukohola Sunset: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Dreamy, laid back Hawi and Kapa'au: The Joys of North Kohala
Tagged app, best hikes hawaii, Big Island, donald macgowan, donnie macgowan, GPS, gps guide hawaii, Hawaii, hawaii podcast, hawaii tour app, hawi, iphone, iphone hawaii guide, ipod guide hawaii, ipod touch, itunes, kapaau, keokea beach, keokea park, king kamehameha, king kamehameha rock, king kamehameha stone, kingkamehameha statue, kohala, kohala bookshop, kohala volcano, kohola mountain, pictures of hawi, pictures of kapa'au, pictures of kohala, Pololu Valley, Pu'u Kohola, surfing keokea, tourguidehawaii.com
Driving to Kohala, Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan.jpg
Polulu Valley and the cliffs of the north end of Hawaii Island: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
The green and lush north end of Hawaii Island contains a treasure trove of interesting small towns, important historic sights and incredible scenery.
Kohala Mountain from the South, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Kohala Mountain: At 5480 feet, the mountain that is all that remains of Kohala Volcano is the northernmost and oldest volcano comprising the Island of Hawai'i still above sea level. The summit crater, Kaleiho'ohei last erupted some 60,000 years ago. Perhaps the most ecologically diverse area on the island, Kohala Mountain is dissected by deep, lush tropical valleys, and the slopes are covered by dryland forest, lava deserts, lonely windswept steppes and end in some truly wild beaches. This is a wonderful playground for hiking, for 4-wheeling, mountain-biking, bird watching and kayaking.
Kohala Mountain from Honoka'ope Beach, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Views from the north and west flanks of Kohala Mountain across the Alenuihaha Channel of Haleakala Volcano on Maui offer some of the best sunsets on the island. On a very clear day, and typically closer to dawn than dusk, one can also see Lana'i, Kaho'olawe and Moloka'i from the Highway 270.
Downtown Hawi, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Hawi: The dreamy mountain town of Hawi is one of the few remaining outposts of what locals call "old Hawai'i". A once booming sugar mill town and center of plantation activity, sugar operations died here in the 1970s. The center of town (and that's about all there is) is located under the ancient banyan tree. Several small shops, galleries and restaurants make this a pleasant place to visit on the way to or from Pololu Valley.
Timeworn in Hawi, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
The famous Kalahikiola Church, a favorite of tourists due to its unique square bell tower, was severely damaged in the earthquake of 2006. Plaster-work inside the church is currently being restored by the international Restore Plaster Project, led by Sarel Venter. Basic shopping, gasoline and public restrooms are available.
World Famous Kohala Bookshop, Kapa'au Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Kapa'au and the King Kamehameha Statue: There are a few charming restaurants, shops and galleries in Kapa'au, including the justly famous Kohala Book Shop—definitely worth spending some time poking around.
King Kamehameha Statue in Kapa'au, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
In the center of the tiny town of Kapa'au on the mauka side of the highway, stands a storied statue of King Kamehameha the Great. Originally commissioned for the Judiciary Building in Honolulu, this statue was lost at sea when it was shipped from the Paris foundry where it was cast to Hawai'i. The twist in this story is that after the statue had been recast and placed in Honolulu, the captain of the ship which was lost with the original statue was wandering about the market in Port Stanley and found the original for sale–he purchased it for $500, had the broken arm fixed and it was erected on this spot in Kapa'au to commemorate the birthplace of King Kamehameha the Great.
The famous Kauhola Lighthouse, about 3 miles north of Kapa'au, was demolished on 19 December 2009 because the foundation had become unstable.
Hawi and Kapa'au have the only food and gas available north of Kawaihae Town and the junction with Highway 19.
King Kamehameha Stone in North Kohala, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Kamehameha Rock: 4.3 miles east of the town center of Hawi, and marked with a Hawai'i Visitor's Bureau sign, lies the Kamehameha Rock, said to have come by double-hull canoe all the way from the Waialua district on Kaua'i. It is said that only high ranking Ali'i were able to move the rock and that Kamehameha carried this stone all the way from the sea at Pololu Valley to it's present location, to display his strength to the men transporting stones by hand to build Pu'u Kohola (for more information on Pu'u Kohola and this engineering feat of building, please go here).
Surfer braves an intense but short break with a rocky closeout at Keokea Park, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Keokea Beach Park: A lovely small park, ideal for a picnic, located a short drive just off the road on the way to Pololu Valley from Kapa'au. The turn off is near mile marker 27 on Highway 270. The short, viscous break here is infamous among local surfers as being a difficult test. Due to heavy seas, there is no real snorkeling here, however, one can get safely in the water in the region of the boat launch. Perhaps Keokea Park's greatest allure to the visitor is the clean restrooms; they are the only bathroom facilities open to the public in this area.
The red, sedimentary rock cliffs of Keokea Beach Park, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Picnic tables, boat launch, pavilion, barbecue grills, shower, water and restrooms round out the facilities.
The majesty of Pololu Valley, just east of Hawi, Kohala Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Pololu Valley: One of the major valleys dissecting Kohala Mountain, Pololu Valley, is a must-see stop for visitors to North Kohala and lies at the very end of Highway 270, about 7 miles from Hawi. For information about Pololu Valley, please go here.
Windfarm at Upolu Point, Kohala Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donnie MacGowan
King Kamehameha Statue in Kapa'au, Kohala Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Hawaii's Most Famous Beach: Anaeho'omalu Bay on the Incomparable Kohala Coast
Tagged a-bay, ancient hawaiian fish ponds, app, beach app for hawaii, beest snorkeling in hawaii, best beaches in hawaii, best hikes on hawaii, best sunset in hawaii, Big Island, bird watching, donald macgowan, donnie macgowan, download hawaii guide, GPS, gps beach guide, gps guide hawaii, Hawaii, hawaii iphone app, hiking, iphone, ipod touch, itunes, itunes app for hawaii, kahapapa fishpond, kapalao beach, king's shops, kohala coast, ku'u ali'i fish pond, sailing, scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, tourguidehawaii.com, waikoloa, Waikoloa petroglphs, waikoloa resot, wind surfing
Sunset on Anaeho'omalu Bay, Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Anaeho'omalu Bay, Waikoloa Petroglyphs and Kapalaoa Beach
Anaeho'omalu Bay, Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
The most photographed sunset view on the Island of Hawai'i, Anaeho'omalu Bay is the icon of what most visitors envision Hawai'i to be like before they get here…swaying palm trees, a clean beach fronting warm, safe, swimmable ocean and hordes of eager beach boys bearing large, tropical drinks with comical names like "Malahini Wahine Wahoo". Here at the bay, one can rent snorkel or surfing gear, sign-up for sailing trips, snorkel tours, windsurfing lessons or scuba dives, order food and drinks, or just lounge pleasantly in the niumalu (shade of the coconut palms).
Early Morning on the Anaeho'omalu Beach isthmus, Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Named for the ancient fishponds behind the beach from the words anae ("mullet") and ho'omalu ("to protect"), Anaeho'omalu Bay is known as "A"-Bay by locals. In addition to swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing and just plain hanging-out, the area around A-Bay is also rich with archeological sites, including section of the Ala Ali'i (King's Trail), fish ponds, heiau and petroglyphs.
The Ku'u ali'i Fishpond from the south, Kohala Coast Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
Ku'u ali'i (the southern fishpond) and Kahapapa (just to the north) fishponds are actively maintained and there are informational signs all along the paved walkways and trails. Ku'ula pohaku (sacred standing stones honoring Ku'ulakai, god of fishponds, and his wife, Hinapukui'a) and a coral pile made for offerings form the temple area where the kia'i loko, the keepers of the royal fishpond, performed their sacred rituals. There are numerous other archeological sites in the A-Bay vicinity, including a hale noa (dwelling place for a man and his wife) and a mua, or men's eating-house.
South of Anaeho'omalu Bay looking North, Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Walking the trail south from A-Bay to Kapalaoa Beach will take one along not only shoreline vistas of incomparable beauty and wildness, but also reveal numerous rarely-visited petroglyphs. There is good snorkeling along the farthest south pocket of sand on Kapalaoa Beach. One can follow this trail several miles all the way south to Pueo Bay and Ke-awa-iki Beach along lava flows and shoreline, but it is a long, hot hike with no water for drinking available. For more about Ke-awa-iki Golden Ponds and Pueo Bay, look here.
Visitor's enjoy the deep shade of the coconut palms, Anaeho'omalu Beach, Kohala Coast Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Walking north along the beach trail (shoes required) over sand, lava and coral, to the Hilton Waikoloa Resort is an unforgettable sunset stroll, and a good introduction to the wild beauty of the Kohala Coast. There are numerous tidepools, a couple with resident Honu, Hawai'ian Green Sea Turtles.
The Waikoloa Petroglyph Field is just one of many areas rich in Hawaiian Rock Art, Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
The immense Waikoloa Petroglyph Field lies in the center of the golf course; follow the signs through the King's Shops. The best time to view the petroglyphs is just after dawn or just before dusk, because the angle of the sunlight accentuates the carvings. Due to their fragility and antiquity, rubbings and casting of the petroglyphs are forbidden. A self-guided tour brochure is available from many locations in the Kings Shops. More information about Hawaiian petroglyphs can be found here.
The wide arc of Anaeho'omalu Bay from the south, Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donald B MacGowan
At the 79 mile marker, turn toward the ocean and follow the Waikoloa Resort road to the intersection just opposite the Kings Shops and before the Hilton Waikoloa; the left turn is clearly marked "Anaeho'omalu Bay". Turn and proceed to the parking near the restrooms at the end of the road. Restrooms, showers, drinking water, picnic and other facilities and services are available at A-Bay and on the Resort Grounds. There are no lifeguards are on duty.
Pedal Boats await the arrival of beachgoers at Anaeho'omalu Bay, Kohala Coast, Hawaii: Photo by Donnie MacGowan
Canoeists haul out of Anaeho'omalu Bay, Kohala Coast Hawaii: Graphic from Photo by Donald B MacGowan


text:
Nick Pahl
Nick Pahl is CEO of The Society of Occupational Medicine. Nick has a background in Public Health, with an MSc from the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine in 1998, and joined the Register of Public Health in 2011. He has held a number of NHS posts, including as an Assistant Director at a London PCT and has held posts as a Director of a national hospice charity and technical adviser to Marie Stopes International. He was previously CEO of The British Acupuncture Council (BAcC), which is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority for Health and Social Care.See all posts by Nick Pahl
Examining the Work, Health and Disability Green Paper
Nick Pahl | January 16, 2017 | Blog
The government's Green Paper on work, health and disability proposes a plan for helping disabled people into employment, an ambition that initially appeared in the Conservative Party manifesto in 2015.
Plugging the leaks in the UK care home industry – Strategies for resolving the financial crisis in the residential and nursing home sector
Unconstitutional governance of the NHS in England – a symptom of the UK's political malaise
NHS England Freedom of Information Response re: the legal status of Sustainability and Transformation Plans and the appointments process for the Leads and Chairs of STPs
Choose to receive email alerts for new publications and/or our quarterly supporter newsletter:
CHPI is currently seeking funds to expand our work promoting independent and evidence-based health policy:
Follow CHPI on Twitter
View @CHPIthinktank's profile on Twitter
CHPI © 2020 | Registered Charity No 1157077 | Company No 8047440
For all enquiries please contact info@chpi.org.uk

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Home > Business
Tech startups Pinterest, Zoom soar in Wall Street debut
Ali Bekhtaoui, Agence France-Presse
Posted at Apr 19 2019 08:26 AM
Pinterest got off to a flying start on Wall Street Thursday in the market debut for the San Francisco-based visual discovery service, a positive sign for the wave of Silicon Valley firms planning stock listings.
Pinterest shares leapt 28 percent to close at $24.40 after its initial public offering (IPO), which raised some $1.4 billion.
The jump was a positive sign for other venture-backed Silicon Valley firms after a stumble for ride-hailing firm Lyft, which has lost some 20 percent since its market debut last month.
Separately, the videoconferencing startup Zoom surged 72 percent in its market debut after an IPO which raised more than $350 million.
Zoom's market value at the opening was estimated at some $16.6 billion and Pinterest's at $12.5 billion.
The market action comes amid an expect wave of "unicorns," or startups valued at over $1 billion, hitting the public markets.
The biggest of the group, Uber, is expected to make its debut next month with a valuation of close to $100 billion.
Some analysts have expressed skepticism about the ability of Uber and Lyft to reach profitability soon, raising concerns about their valuation.
Pinterest, launched in 2010, is a virtual bulletin board platform, with users decorating their boards with pictures showcasing interests including food, fashion, travel and lifestyle.
It claims some 250 million users, although it does not call itself a social network. It also enables users to link to online shopping and other services to find items they have "pinned."
Pinterest said it had a turnover of $755.9 million in 2018, and a net loss of almost $68 million.
Pinterest, Zoom, Wall Street, business, Silicon Valley, stocks
Read More: Pinterest Zoom Wall Street business Silicon Valley stocks
PH to import 60,000 metric tons of fish
Ben&Ben to perform in Dubai with live audience
Pagpapalawig ng Alert Level 3, mas magaan vs lockdowns - NEDA
Tennis: US Open finalist Fernandez stunned in Melbourne
Tennis: Murray roars into Melbourne round two
Crude hits 7-year high on recovery hope
Workers exempted from 'no vaxx, no ride' rule
NEA: Power restored to 2.7 million Odette-hit houses
1Sambayan concerned with junking of petition vs. Marcos Jr.
Getting the COVID-19 vaccine in QC
Why is electricity in PH expensive and unreliable?
Strengthening internet connection this Christmas season


text:
Home › Catalogue › 37 Stories About Leaving Home
37 Stories About Leaving Home
Shelly Silver. 1996. United States of America. vo English, Japanese. 52'
v English
Stories of dreams and memories of Japanese women.
http://www.5lessonsmovie.com/blog/ In this award winning documentary, Shelly Silver presents an intimate portrait of a group of Japanese women ranging in age from 15 to 82, talking about their lives, families and society. In these stories one can begin to see, from very personal and individual perspectives, the societal changes that have occurred over the last three generations for women in Japan, bringing an exciting and often conflicting array of choices and positions. Many of the stories revolve around the relationships these grandmothers, mothers and daughters have with each other, filled with respect, rebellion, loss and love. Mixing childhood memories, frank statements, epic events and quotidian details; the film bears witness to the strength of these women and the difficulty of their choices, as they navigate between personal needs and familial and societal pressures. The interviews are framed by a traditional Japanese folktale; a magical and somewhat shocking narrative of a mother's search for her abducted daughter, kidnapped by a monster on the eve of her wedding.
http://www.shellysilver.com/


text:
Q: Google JavaScript CAPTCHA handling I am using Google API's to provide maps on a web page, however, Google frequently prompts for a CAPTCHA (I only know this from going into Firebug, users just get a JavaScript error) for requests for its javascript API's (e.g. http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?file=api&v=2&key=xxxx). However, this prevents visitors from our network (a very large (UK wide) WAN) using Google Maps etc from using these sites with it on. This is likely due to the fact the IP is shared by many people, so Google sees it as spam.
I don't see any way of contacting Google about this, so was wondering if there is any way of intercepting these failing JavaScript requests since they return a 403 status code? Perhaps by opening a new window, although that would not be user friendly (they will see the JavaScript after the CAPTCHA, so would be a cause of confusion and would need to refresh the page in question).

A: Make sure that you're using the right format in your request:
http://maps.google.com/maps?file=api&v=2&sensor=false&key=YOUR_KEY

I don't know if it matters whether you're linking to google.com or google.co.uk.
Update: You could try contacting Google here.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Q: Paypal payments for digital goods Hi I have some questions for paypal digital goods express checkout
I am following paypal tutorial on integrating payments for digital goods and using merchant sdk for same.But I want some suggestion  and have some questions

*

*Is there some other better alternative to integrate payment for digital goods ?

*Should I configure IPN or can I rely on return url to save data on backend?

*How can I make sure that data is from paypal both on return url and IPN .
As read I need to make request to https://www[.sandbox].paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr/ with command cmd => _notify-validate  [reference]
Is there any inbuilt function in sdk I am using or should I make manual call ?

A: re: #1, EC for Digital Goods is a solid choice for digital goods sales. If you don't need the digital-goods specific features you can also use PayPal's regular/plain EC or the newer RESTful products.
re: #2, EC doesn't do the payment until you make an API call (well, unless you explicitly ask it to with an added parameter). So you can use either the response from the DoEC API call or set up IPN. If you do choose to actually have the payment take place on PayPal's site you have some small chance of the user paying and not redirecting back successfully (e.g. they close the browser window, or the network hiccups). This should be very rare & you can probably handle it manually or with some other mechanism, but this is one reason people like IPNs: PayPal will try repeatedly to push you the info, so it requires more than a transient failure to not get the word (eventually).
re #3, it sounds like you know to validate the IPNs. And if you use GetExpressCheckout API calls you are hitting PP so again you can be certain of the source of the reply. This is one advantage the API integration model has over the redirection-based mechanisms in Website Payments Standard (although if you were using WPS you could use a feature called PDT to ask it to send you the same signature block as is used in IPN so you could post back to PP to validate the redirection contents).


Looking forward to a meal on your outdoor square table?
But worried about it being damp or dirty? With our waterproof and dustproof covers, you never have to miss out on a meal in the open, on a gorgeous day. Such impromptu cravings can now be hassle-free with our easy-on/easy-off UV resistant covers. At Covers and All, we offer high-quality, extremely durable, puncture and tear resistant covers which help keep your outdoor square tables looking great round the year!
For your unique tables...we have the perfect solution!
We cover everything! Just follow our easy four-step process: measure, choose fabric, personalise (optional) and place order. We ship right to your doorstep! Great fit and excellent protection guaranteed.


text:
FCA-Renault merger could hinge on jobs in Europe, experts say
Despite Fiat Chrysler assurances that no plants would be closed, concerns about job security in Europe remain for a potential FCA-Renault merger.
FCA-Renault merger could hinge on jobs in Europe, experts say Despite Fiat Chrysler assurances that no plants would be closed, concerns about job security in Europe remain for a potential FCA-Renault merger. Check out this story on Freep.com: https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2019/05/29/fiat-chrysler-renault-merger-jobs-europe/1262206001/
Eric D. Lawrence, Detroit Free Press Published 6:00 a.m. ET May 29, 2019
A strong wind fills the sails of a potential Fiat Chrysler-Renault merger, but rocky shoals lie ahead.
The lure of massive savings — FCA estimated $5.6 billion annually — is one key reason many experts say the idea has merit.
Those savings will be needed as the automakers navigate a future that demands more expensive technology. Savings would come, FCA said, from common vehicle platforms, powertrains and technologies.
"I think it's a good deal for both of them. The auto industry is going through such an incredibly stressful period," said Maryann Keller, of the New York-area consulting firm Maryann Keller & Associates. "I don't think it's a heavy lift. I think both parties want it and both parties need it."
The biggest challenge to securing approval for the 50-50 merger proposal FCA announced Monday will be concerns about job losses in Europe, several experts said. Those concerns would remain despite FCA's assurance that no plants would be closed as a result of the deal.
"Workers at both companies belong to strong, combative unions that will kill a deal that doesn't guarantee jobs," said Erik Gordon, a law professor at the University of Michigan's Ross School of Business. "The French and Italian governments also will insist on job guarantees. If either country suffers job losses, the government will be run out of power."
More: Fiat Chrysler seeks 50-50 merger with Renault, whose board will study deal 'with interest'
More: Merger with Renault has potential to make Fiat Chrysler a heavyweight
Union officials in France have already weighed in and they are not pleased, according to the New York Times.
"Nothing would prevent the Italian shareholder from favoring its national base. The C.G.T. considers that there is nothing good to expect from a Renault-F.C.A. merger," according to the Times, quoting a statement from France's C.G.T. labor union.
'Every single job'
In Italy, Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini struck a positive tone about the proposal during a press conference, but he also emphasized jobs, according to Reuters.
"Fiat Chrysler expanding is good news for Italy ... I count on it being a brilliant operation that preserves every single job while creating a European car industry giant," Salvini said, according to the news service.
So job protections are key, but the way to achieve real economies of scale is to streamline, which is certain to affect someone, according to David Kudla. CEO and chief investment strategist for Mainstay Capital Management.
"That cost saving has to come from somewhere. That's less plant equipment and manpower," he said. "What workers, what unions, what plants, what countries does that affect?"
Kudla noted that if an automaker begins sharing, say, powertrains, then that would affect a plant that produces the powertrains that are no longer needed.
"The positive thing is there's real efficiency in that," Kudla said.
Bloated hippopotamus
Gordon, the U-M professor, noted what would appear to be a clear dilemma.
"The problem is that a merger makes little sense without job cuts. Without cuts, the resulting company would be an inefficient, bloated hippopotamus of a company," Gordon said.
These issues are what could scuttle a deal, according to Keller.
"There are powerful unions throughout Europe, especially in France and Italy, and both of them are going to want assurances that this merger is not going to impact them," Keller said.
The French government, which owns 15% of Renault, will also want some say in the jobs issue, Keller said.
Worries about job security for FCA's U.S. workforce do not appear to be a huge issue, according to the experts. FCA is planning a multibillion-dollar expansion on Detroit's east side to retool Jefferson North Assembly and turn the idled Mack Engine complex into an assembly plant.
More: Fiat Chrysler wins final city, state approvals for its Jeep plant and related projects
More: Morouns, speculators look like winners in Detroit land swap to ensure FCA factory jobs
Noting the profitability of FCA's North American operations, particularly with its Jeep and Ram brands, Keller said she sees no reason why the new entity would shift jobs out of the United States.
"They're going to depend on this money machine," Keller said.
Kristin Dzizcek, vice president of the Industry, Labor & Economics Group at the Center for Automotive Research in Ann Arbor, said the UAW will monitor the process, as a union representative indicated to the Free Press Monday, but pushback from the UAW might not be an issue.
"The UAW will probably be happy to see the commitment that they're not going to close plants," Dzizcek said.
Nissan-UAW bad blood
One of the concerns the UAW might have is how tightly the proposal ties it to Nissan, which is in an alliance with Renault, It would have a seat on the board and would then have a role overseeing UAW-represented plants. The UAW has battled against Nissan, such as at the automaker's plant in Canton, Mississippi.
"It would be an unusual situation," Dzizcek said.
For Michelle Krebs, executive analyst with Cox Automotive's Autotrader, the prospect of Nissan in the fold would add significant complications. However, Renault's alliance with Nissan and Mitsubishi has been under strain because of the drama involving Carlos Ghosn, the former head of the companies now facing criminal charges, and tension for Nissan over how much it contributes toward the value of the alliance.
"The first question that has to be answered (is) are Nissan and Mitsubishi in or out, because that changes the complexion of the situation," Krebs said. "If it's just Renault and FCA, North America doesn't change much, but bringing Nissan in, that changes things."
Krebs said FCA and Nissan compete here. If they eventually become part of the same group, that competition would be self-defeating. FCA's merger proposal was limited to Renault, whose board is studying it, but as noted before, FCA highlighted the "synergies" possible in the broader alliance.
Krebs also raised doubts about the savings that FCA says would arise from a merger.
"I'm always skeptical of those savings because they typically don't materialize," Krebs said.
Ultimately, there are many details to work out, she said.
"What we saw was a six-page document," Krebs said, referencing the news release announcing that FCA had proposed the merger.
Kudla, of Mainstay Capital Management, said he does not believe the issues, whatever they are, are insurmountable.
"I think it can happen. I don't think we know enough yet about what the hurdles might be. We know there are people who want to see it happen," Kudla said.
Contact Eric D. Lawrence: elawrence@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter: @_ericdlawrence.
Read or Share this story: https://www.freep.com/story/money/cars/chrysler/2019/05/29/fiat-chrysler-renault-merger-jobs-europe/1262206001/
Largely unknown Michigan company could steal No. 1 ranking from Quicken Loans
He worked the assembly line at 20, says new gig is beyond his 'wildest dreams'
Want a tax freebie? Here's an idea that only 2% use