Punaluu

In an earlier post, I talked about my favorite place on the Big Island, South Point.  In it, I mentioned Papakolea, the green-sand beach.  I thought I should probably make you aware of a much more  accessible black-sand beach.  (If you remember, reaching Papakolea required a 2.5 mile hike each way or a 4-wheel drive vehicle to get there.)

Punaluu Beach State Park is located about 20 miles from South Point, toward Hilo.   You simply take a short drive off of Mamalahoa Highway, between the towns of Naalehu and Pahala, and you can just about drive onto the beach.  Do not attempt to do so, as this is also a favorite resting spot of the Hawaiian green sea turtle, a protected species.

Punaluu is a great spot to take a break from the long drive between Hilo and Kailua-Kona.  There is a protected inlet located behind the picnic pavilions that usually provides a calm, shallow, sandy bottomed area that’s just great for the little ones.  (My granddaughter was a year old when we took her there and she was as happy as can be walking around this safe haven.)

There are other black sand beaches on the Big Island, specifically on the eastern shores, south of Hilo.  This is a very lightly visited area of the Big Island, simply because it requires veering off of Mamalahoa Highway on the around-the-island drive that many undertake to make in a day…a big mistake.  (See Drive Around the Big Island posts #2 of 3.)

You take Highway 130 South at Kea’au, go down to the town of Pahoa and can take Highway 130 to the beach or take one of the many side roads that all end up at the water’s edge.  Be sure to pick up a map.

Punaluu remains my favorite black sand beach, although except for the kiddie area, its really not the best swimming beach.  But, it is a great spot to observe the many sea turtles that frequent the area, except for mating season when they head to the islands of the French Frigate Shoals, part of the Hawaiian Island Archipelago, where 90% of the green sea turtles lay their eggs.

If you are a regular follower of my blog, you know that as a general rule, Hawaii resorts reviews are not my thing.   However, I must admit, I just came across an article in WestsideToday.com, a California e-magazine, that I thought I would refer people to who might be interested in some of the resorts on Maui.

Maui Resorts Review

In this resorts review, the author, Pearson Brown, stayed at and gives his reactions to:

• Fairmont Kea Lani, in south Maui
• Makena Beach and Golf Resort (formerly the Maui Prince), also in south Maui
• Napili Kai Beach Resort, in west Maui

Although more noted for its golf and tennis packages, Mr. Brown manages to not focus his review of the Makena Beach and Golf Resort on these athletic endeavors, but rather on those amenities that everyone in the family could enjoy.  He traveled with a close friend and his pre-school aged son, so does take the time to mention some kid-focused activities available at these resorts, as well.

Beyond the resorts review…

More than just a resorts review, this article also reviews a handful of attractions that anyone who visits Maui might enjoy visiting as well.  Links to previous blog posts here have been given for further information, and links are also provided for those I haven’t.

Mixed in with the resorts review are some observations about the Maui Theatre’s Ulalena  and the Grand Luau at Honua’ula (www.honuaula-luau.com) at the Grand Wailea resort.  He makes stops at Surfing Goat Dairy (www.surfinggoatdairy.com), Ali’i Kula Lavender Gardens, and the Maui Ocean Center, the Hawaiian Aquarium, (www.mauioceancenter.com), making this more than your typical resorts review, and reminding you that even in Hawaii, its more than just the beaches.

So, if your travel plans involve finding a nice resort on Maui, I think you will find the resorts review provided in  “A Near Escape To Maui” (WestsideToday.com) of  interest.  But, even if you don’t plan on staying at a resort, you may still find the author’s take on some of the activities worth your read.

Ka Lae…South Point

I’m sure everyone who ever spent any time at all in Hawaii has a special place that they remember with fond memories.  Maybe its because I have strong memories of time spent fishing with my grandfathers, uncles, dad and sister, as well as with my two daughters…or maybe its just because it has such a raw beauty all its own, but my favorite spot is South Point, aka Ka Lae, on the Big Island.

For most, its nothing more than a blip on a map or in a travel brochure/guide that simply makes note of the fact that it is the southernmost point of the US.   (Key West is the southernmost of the contiguous 48 states, but South Point, is further south.)

The contrasting sight of the calm waters of Kona on one side and the turbulent, wind-whipped waters on the other, makes it an interesting place to visit.  Almost always windy, South Point has been the site of a World War II outpost, a former U.S. Army- then U.S. Air Force satellite-tracking station, and an abandoned wind-turbine farm, the Kamaoa Wind Farm.

Update:  As of March 29. 2012, Apollo Energy Corp., owners of the Kamaoa Wind Farm, announced that the dismantling of all 37 of the rusted remains of the Mitsubishi turbines will be completed by the end of the week.  The pieces will be stored on-site until a buyer for the scrap can be found.  Apollo Energy Corp. is also joint-owners of the Pakini Nui Wind Farm, which can be seen from South Point as you look back to the northwest.

Left: South Point

Right: Mahana Bay

View along the way to Mahana Bay

Mahana Bay and Papakolea (Green Sand Beach)

It is also your gateway to the famous green sand beach.  “Back in the day”, before someone decided to add it to the tourists brochures, locals referred to it as Mahana Bay, or simply as Mahana.  Once it was “put on the map”, it now goes by its much longer Hawaiian-name Papakolea Beach.  (I admit, the first time I heard it called that was only a few years ago.)

Regardless of how you come to call it, it is the only green sand beach that I am aware of and even though it requires an hour to hour-fifteen minute hike to get to it, there are a surprising number of people who visit this once desolate beach.  (Once a favorite fishing spot of mine.)

Note:  If you decide to take the hike, please make sure you wear a hat, sunscreen, and a pair of sunglasses wouldn’t hurt either.  Just as, if not more, important is to remember to bring your own refreshments as there are no services in the area.  As a matter of fact, South Point is about 12-15 miles away from the nearest eatery in either Ocean View Estates or Naalehu.

On a visit, it during February 2010,  we had a sideshow of whale’s breaching off the coast as we made the trek there and back.   I remember making a plea for one of them to display a full breach as opposed to just the spray we were witnessing everywhere.

And, about half way back from our visit to Mahana Bay, we were not only treated to a full breach, but mom was followed seconds later by junior!  It was an awesome site that just made my day complete!

I hope you will find the time to visit South Point, rather than just drive-by the turn off.

Merrie Monarch Festival – Hilo

Didn’t get your tickets to attend the Merrie Monarch Hula Competition?  Don’t feel bad, thousands of others also missed out as this venue usually sells out before the first of the year.  The good news is, there are a lot of activities that you can attend, many of which are free, during this week long celebration hosted by the town of Hilo.

To quote their website, ” the major purpose of the festival is the perpetuation, preservation, and promotion of the art of hula and the Hawaiian culture through education.”  The Merrie Monarch Festival had its beginning in 1964, sponsored by the Hawaii Island Chamber of Commerce and continued by the private Merrie Monarch Festival community organization, a non-profit organization.

King Kalakaua…The Merrie Monarch

The Merrie Monarch Festival is dedicated to the memory of King David Kalakaua, aka the Merrie Monarch.  King Kalakaua reigned from 1874-1891 and was responsible for the resurrection of Hawaiian cultural traditions that had been all but eradicated by the missionaries.   He encouraged the re-birth of Hawaiian mythology, medicine, chant, and hula.

Merrie Monarch Festival Is Born

The original program for the first few years included a King Kalakaua look-alike contest, barber shop quartet entertainment, a relay race, and a Holuku Ball.  A far cry from the festival being held today.

It changed direction to include the hula competition in 1971, which was perfectly timed for the renewed interest in Hawaiian culture throughout Hawaii to launch its popularity.  What may have surprised everyone was how its popularity spread world-wide!

The World’s Premiere Hula Competition

From its humble beginnings with nine female hula dancers entered in that initial contest in 1971, male competition was added in 1976, and the groundwork was laid for the prestigious world-wide competition it has become.  The hula competition now takes place over 3-days as entrants from around the world vie for the coveted title of Winner of the Merrie Monarch Festival.

There are now 8 awards that are given for top performers and top hula halaus (schools).  The prestige of winning this annual competition cannot be over-stated.  You can view a listing of all the winners since 1998 at www.kalena.com.  Here are performances by some of the 2011 Merrie Monarch Festival Hula Competition winners.

MERRIE MONARCH FESTIVAL 2011 Hâlau Ke’alaokamaile

MISS ALOHA HULA WINNER 2011 Tori Hulali Canha

Ke Kai O Kahiki – 1st Kāne Overall, 1st Kāne Kahiko

The festivities have expanded to cover a full-week and include hula demonstrations, exhibits, arts & crafts, and food vendors to make sure that there is a little something for everyone.  It includes a crowd favorite, the Merrie Monarch Royal Parade, held on Saturday morning and winds its way through downtown Hilo.

So, as you can see, Hawaiian culture, song, and dance are all being safely preserved and shared for generations to come, just as the Merrie Monarch himself, King David Kalakaua wanted. If you’re going to be on the Big Island during the second week of April, I strongly encourage you to take the time to experience at least a part of the Merrie Monarch Festival, enjoy the entertainment, experience the love, and savor the foods!

Last year, I wrote a couple of posts on the brewers, distillers, wineries, and meaderies in Hawaii.  As usual, I do my best to keep my information current and up to date and while I may occasionally overlook something, I will always be quick to admit so and update my information as I become aware.

Big Island Brewhaus…Waimea

Located in Waimea, this micro-brewery is owned and operated by Master-brewer Thomas Kern and his wife, Jayne.  Thomas Kern won over 30 national and international awards in just 3 years while brew-master with the Maui Brewing Co.

The brewpub business began with the purchase of Tako Taco Tacqueria, a successful Mexican restaurant in the heart of Waimea. Operating the restaurant since August 16, 2008, they currently bill the Big Island Brewhaus as Hawaii’s highest brewery at 2,812′.  Live Beer, Live Food, & Live Music- is the venue that they provide.

Since late 2010, they have been brewing their own beers, served in their Bamboo Beer Garden.  Currently, there are 13 different beers brewed by Mr. Kern and available by sampler sized 3.5 oz, half-pint and pint sizes.  You can even order their 5-beer sampler for just $6.00.  If you want to get some to go, they come in quart, half-gallon and a 2-liter growler…with the purchase of the containers.

Big Island Brewhaus is more than just a micro-brewer

In addition to their beers, you’ll also find a selection of southwestern fare, after all the original restaurant was Tako Taco, which is still in operation…with an island twist, such as their fish burrito.  They use island grown beef and produce.  They also make their own all-natural sodas, including Big Island Rootbeer and Lilikoi Cream soda.

They also have live entertainment with Open Mic nights on Tuesdays and Thursdays and live entertainment on Friday nights.  So, if you happen to be in the Kona area, find your way up to Tako Tacos and enjoy a relaxed evening out with the Kerns at the Big Island Brewhaus.

Hawaii seems to be stuck in a rainy weather pattern and has seen more than its fair share of flood warnings issued over the past couple of weeks.  Unfortunately, it has not been an even amount of rain falling throughout the state.  Parts of the Big Island, for example, is still suffering a severe drought going back to 2011.

My sister forwarded me the following pic, which I just HAD to post here to share with my readers!  An awesome sight of multiple waterfalls in the Koolau mountains on Oahu.  The most I had ever personally seen might equal half of what this pic has captured.

Tornado

According to the latest news, there was also a tornado that did property damage on the windward side of Oahu, in the Lanikai, Enchanted Lake subdivision area.  The tornado was rated a EF0 with winds of 75 mph, but still managed to do some severe damage to a few homes.

And, an accompaniment that only car body shops could love,  this weather event came with golf ball size hail!  While there have been over 40 tornadoes in Hawaii since 1950, hail is a very rare occurrence, especially hail of this size.  As a matter of fact, the weather service says to find hail this size, you’d have to go back to pre-1950’s.  Actually, hail falling in the state is more common than we think, but the majority of that hail falls over the ocean.

Go to: http://www.kitv.com/video/30650020/detail.html for a video covering the damage.

Another video of damage and reactions.

Meanwhile, on Kauai, the Napali Coast State Wilderness park is closed following rain-related damage to the Kalalau trail.

West Maui also got hit with golf ball size hail on Friday morning!   Add to that the torrential rains and heavy lightning storms and its been a pretty miserable week.   The good news is that the worse residual effect were around 70 people losing phone service and 400 losing power around the Hana area.  Roads were closed, debris blocking many others, and just a lot of cleanup ahead for the weekend.

Maui’s Polipoli Spring State Park and Waianapanapa State Park were also closed due to severe weather.

Snow Blankets Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa

Over the last 48-hours, snow has blanketed the slopes of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa.  The road up to the Mauna Kea Visitors Center was closed for part of this weekend due to the snow.

Here is a slide-show capturing the snow from both the mountain tops, as well as from Hilo:

Snow covered Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea

High Wind and Surf Advisories

While most of the country, with the exception of Alaska, is experiencing a fairly mild winter, Hawaii seems to be seeing a lot of wind and rain, as well as a lot of rough ocean conditions this year.  Note the number of high wind and surf advisories that the NOAA has issued this year.  It seems that not a week has gone by that someone has not drowned or been swept out to sea and required rescue.

Visitors and residents alike should be cautious of surf conditions and use caution, especially when in unfamiliar areas.   Tourists are simply not aware that Hawaii’s beautiful beaches can be deceiving.  Respect must be given to the ocean and the power of waves and current or the consequences can be severe.

Safety Tips

Locals grow up in and around the ocean and constant reminders to watch out.  Here are a few pointers that newbies should be mindful of when venturing near or in the waters of Hawaii (or anywhere else, for that matter):

• NEVER turn your back to the ocean!  You can’t take protective measures if you don’t see the wave that’s about to hit you.
• IF you are going to be hit by a large wave, your best bet is to lay flat and grab hold!  Running when a wave hits is about the worse thing that you can do as you have no way to stop being knocked down and sucked out.  Lying down maximizes the surface area between you and solid ground.
• This tip has no scientific support nor is it 100% accurate, but we were always told when you’re hit by one large wave, be especially cautious because they often come in SETS OF THREE!  In other words, don’t let you guard down too soon.
• If you are caught in a rip-tide or out-going current while snorkeling or swimming, DO NOT PANIC!  Do NOT try to fight the current and swim back to shore!  Go with the flow until you feel it lessen…swim diagonally back towards shore.

When I was in my teens, a couple friends and I had gone snorkeling just north of Diamond Head and while I was intent on following a school of fish, I got caught in an outgoing flow, running about 3-4 mph.  That doesn’t sound like much, but trust me, you can’t swim against that!

For about 5 seconds…I tried to do just that, as I panicked!  (Yes, I violated two of my own rules stated above.)  Then, I just relaxed and floated as I watched the bottom slide by below me (that’s when I estimated the speed)…and by now, I was in water over 40′ deep.  I looked up, sized up my situation, then cut a course of about a 30 degree angle toward shore.   Once I was clear of the out-going flow, progress became much easier and I headed straight for shore, but I still ended up about 50 yards down from where I started my swim in.

I can tell you that I was one tired puppy when I finally dragged myself up on the rocks and sprawled out exhausted!  However, the alternatives were that I would a) continued to fight the current and probably drowned from exhaustion, or b) been swept out and hopefully come near shore somewhere around Sand Island (about 5 miles down the coast for those not familiar with Oahu), thru some very shark infested waters I might add.

Likewise, there have been a few times where I have thrown myself down to get a hold when I’ve been caught unawares by a rogue wave.  More than a few locals have drowned while picking opihi (limpets) and got caught while there heads were down and picking.  So, not only was I brought up hearing these warnings, I have been the beneficiary of having heeded them.

Let Common Sense Rule!

I wish each and everyone a safe and happy outing each time you venture to the coast, whether you’re swimming, snorkeling, fishing or whatever your pursuit of happiness involves.  I hope you never have need of any of these warnings, but should the need arise, I hope that they will serve you well, as they have me.  Remember, your first course of action is to observe the ocean and allow your common sense to dictate whether its safe to walk out, swim out, or simply stay away.