Recent Pahoa Volcanic Activity
The news/media seem to be overstating the impact of recent Hawaii volcanic activity.  I thought I would write this post to un-dramatize the recent volcanic activity and its impending impact.  While it is true the current lava flow is moving towards the village of Pahoa, located to the southeast of Hilo, and […]

Mauna Kea Onizuka Visitor Center
Located at the 9200′ point on the slopes of 13,803′ Mauna Kea, the Onizuka Visitor Information Station makes for a great spot to acclimate to the altitude.  Altitude sickness is a real possibility for those who continue on to the summit and it is suggested that anyone planning on doing so, […]

While Mauna Kea tends to get all the headlines and notoriety as the tallest and most observatory riddled mountain in Hawaii (and the world), its sister peak across the valley should not be overlooked.  Mauna Loa is a scant 117′ shorter, but because of its long, gently sloping sides, is deceptive in its appearance.

And, while […]

In 2010, during one of the cold and snowy stretches that hit the US, 49 out of 50 states had snow on the ground…Hawaii was the exception.  During the winter of 2009-10, Hawaii had virtually no snow to speak of.   With yet another cold and snowy winter on hand, on January 11/12, once again […]

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens
If you are a flower lover and especially if you are an orchid lover, you will want to plan a stop at the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens in Volcano, Hawaii…that’s the Big Island of Hawaii.  And, yes, there is a town called Volcano, which as the name implies is situated adjacent to the Hawaii […]

Looking at a map, its easy to think that you can make a leisurely day trip, driving around the Big Island of Hawaii, on Hwy’s 11 and 19 that circles the island. You would be badly mistaken in attempting to do so, unless simply driving is your goal.

Akaka Falls Entry Fee
The latest fee resulting from the economic hard times is the Department of Natural Resources’ new $5 per car entry fee at Akaka Falls State Park on the Big Island (higher rates apply to commercial tours and buses).  So, yet another free attraction will now generate some badly needed revenue from visitors […]

Planning a Hawaiian vacation? Make sure to include a helicopter flight to your list of things to do. Only from the air will you be able to thoroughly see and experience such things as fiery volcanoes, plunging waterfalls, sheer sea cliffs, spouting whales, and lush rainforests. And you’ll do it in less than 60 minutes.