Frank's Big Island Travel Hints: Waimea and the Hamakua Coast

For a third day of driving, it’s time to explore the east side of the Big Island. Hilo is known to be one of the wettest cities in the U.S and tropical rainforest extends from the Puna district, south of Hilo, all the way to the northern tip of the island. Here, Tour Guide will show you the favorite sights and the out-of-the-way places as well.

Super tip: For this leg of your tour you should bring some rain gear. Umbrellas or panchos are the easiest ways to get a little protection. It tends to rain off and on throughout to day on the east side.

Leaving Kona, take Hwy 190 up the mountain for some panoramic views of the Kohala Coast. It’s about a 45 minute drive to Waimea, which is a good place to stop for breakfast or at the grocery store if you haven’t stocked your cooler already. Tour Guide will have all the info on museums, an arboretum as well as shopping and up-country activities in Waimea. Here you’ll also connect to Hwy 19.

Continue on Hwy 19 north and view the scenic rolling pasturelands of the Parker Ranch, one of the largest privately owned ranches in the U.S. About 20 minutes drive brings you to the town of Honoka’a. Turning left, and going through town, you’ll find more great shops, antique stores and restaurants. Nine miles on Hwy 240 brings you to Waipi’o Valley. This is one of the most photographed areas in the state. This 20 mile stretch between Waipi’o and Pololu is often called “Hawaii untouched”, boasting the largest waterfalls in the state, but can only be viewed by air tours or multi-day hikes. Tour Guide will tell you why this area was sacred to the ancient Hawaiians. You can also find out about air tours in Tour Guide’s activities section.

Head back toward Honoka'a Hwy 19 and turn southbound toward Hilo along the Hamakua Coast. This area was once all sugar cane fields but now many diversified agricultural crops are grown here. The first crop you will see is eucalyptus. Acres and acres of this fragrant tree yield sap for medicines and perfumeries all around the world. There is a rainforest preserve, Kalopa Park, just 3 miles upslope from the hwy. It’s tricky to find, but Tour Guide will show you the way to this peaceful cabin camp spot with horseback riding and bird watching.

As you continue driving south, you cross many bridges over gorges and valleys, many of which have viewable waterfalls and rivers that empty into the ocean. Don’t forget to stop and get some pictures this unique scenery. The terrain is lush and green with a huge variety of tropical flowers. Other crops also come into view such as mangoes, papayas, ginger and bananas. Tour Guide will tell you about the trains that used to transport sugar cane to the mills near Hilo and you can stop and see the train museum along the way.

Next up is one of the most famous and beautiful waterfalls in Hawaii, Akaka Falls, a 420 ft. fall, which is just 3 miles off the hwy, but worlds away. The one mile hike on a paved trail through the rainforest will pass two smaller waterfalls as well as orchid, heleconia, plumeria and other tropical plants. Tour Guide will tell the history of this area as well.

U*TOP*IT Crepes, Kailua Kona, Big Island, Hawaii

Here's our favorite breakfast spot on The Big Island!

Great crepes, local favorites and a stunning location..what more could you ask for? OH! Great prices and great service with much Aloha, of course!

For more information, see www.tourguidehawaii.com.

Koloko-Honokahau National Historic Park, Big Island, Hawaii

A thriving Hawai'ian community out here in the middle of the desert? At Honokohau, ancient Hawai'ians took advantage of abundant freshwater springs to site a large community centered around fishing, fishponds and taro fields. The National Historic Park preserves a vast complex of important archeological sites, including heiaus, fishponds, a fishtrap, house sites, burials, a holua (sledding track), a Queen's Bath and abundant petroglyphs. An information center and bookshop is located between the two access roads off the highway and the best place to start any exploration of the National Park. As a beach, Ai'iopio Beach is one of Kona s finest, most protected and fun places to swim. Abundant shade along a long wide beach and a protected reach make this is perfect to take children though the water is a little murky for ideal snorkeling.

Located along the scenic Kona coast, Koloko-Honokohau National Park has wonderfully secluded and remote beaches, great hiking, offers opportunities for dolphin and whale watching, wild-life viewing and cultural and historical immersion.

For more information, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com.

Kona Joe Coffee

Kona Coffee has been long considered one of the world's finest coffees. Grown in the mountainous region above Kailua Kona, Kona Joe took the idea from wine growers in Napa and Sonoma and developed the only "trellis grown" coffee in the world. This idea has produced award winning quality and flavor.

Just a few minutes from Kona Town, you can experience the breathtaking views and exquisite taste of Kona Joe's Coffee. Free tours of this immaculately maintained farm are offered several times daily. Give Kona Joe a call at 808-322-2100 for tour times.

For further information, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com.

Frank's Big Island Travel Hints # 5: Hawi to Kona, via Kohala Mountain road, Waimea and Waikoloa

Driving south on Hwy 270, just past the town of Hawi, you will see the turn off for Hwy 250 on the mountain side of the road. This hwy will take you over Kohala Mountain to the town of Waimea. This hwy is rated by AAA Travel as one of the top 10 most scenic highways in the U.S. Along the way you will pass through beautiful pasture lands, areas for horseback riding, ranch style dinners, ATV tours and Hummer tours. Tour Guide will give the history of this area as well as activities offered here.

At the other end of Hwy 250 is Waimea. This town is known for the paniolo, the Hawaiian word for cowboy, and the Parker Ranch. At 3500 ft elevation, the cooler climate is perfect for growing all sorts of fruits and vegetables as well as a variety of livestock. There are also some fabulous restaurants featuring some of the best chefs in the world. Tour Guide will tell you about the storied history, museums, tours, shopping and dining. For such a small town there is a lot to do here.

From Waimea, it’s time to head south on Hwy 190 on our way back to Kona. Along the way is Waikoloa Village. This is mostly a residential town but is built around the Waikoloa Village Golf Course. This Robert Trent Jones Jr. designed course has some stunning views from the 2000 ft elevation. Tour Guide will show you where there is a shopping center with grocery, restrooms, restaurants and a gas station.

Super Tip: Finding restrooms on the road can be difficult when you are driving in unfamiliar territory. Tour Guide has a special feature that helps you to find the nearest public restroom anywhere you are on the island. This is super handy when touring with the family.

Along the way back to Kona, you will pass some of the finest beaches and most interesting historical and cultural spots on the Kona-Kohala Coast. Tour Guide can tell you all about these fascinating places, as well as opportunities here for whale watching, wild-life viewing, hiking and sight-seeing.

From Waikoloa Village, continue driving south on Hwy 190, about 30 minutes, until you arrive back in Kona. Tour Guide will give you turn-by-turn directions to your resort to end you’re second day of touring by car.

Today's Weather Brought to You by www.tourguidehawaii.com

Point Forecast: Kailua Kona HI 19.63N -156W (Elev. 0 ft) Last Update: 2:43 pm HST Feb 24, 2008 Forecast Valid: 5pm HST Feb 24, 2008-6pm HST Mar 2, 2008

Tonight Isolated Showers Lo 70°F Monday Isolated Showers Hi 73°F Monday Night Chance Showers Lo 71°F Tuesday Isolated Showers Hi 74°F Tuesday Night Isolated Showers Lo 72°F Wednesday Sunny Hi 74°F Wednesday Night Isolated Showers Lo 70°F Thursday Slight Chc Showers Hi 73°F Thursday Night Slight Chc Showers Lo 71°F Hazardous weather condition(s): High Surf Advisory Tonight: Isolated showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. South wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Monday: Isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 73. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Monday Night: Scattered showers, mainly before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. Light east wind. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Tuesday: Isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 74. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Tuesday Night: Isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 74. Calm wind. Wednesday Night: Isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. West wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 73. West wind around 10 mph. Thursday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 71. East wind around 8 mph. Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 75. West wind around 9 mph. Friday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 70. East wind around 8 mph. Saturday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 76. Northwest wind around 9 mph. Saturday Night: Scattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 72. East wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Sunday: Scattered showers. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 75. West wind around 8 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%. For more information, go here.

Tour Guide--Your Key to Island Secrets

Coming to Hawaii?

Tour Guide is the most innovative and unique product ever offered to the Big Island visitor. Not just a simple navigational GPS, Tour Guide is jammed-packed with over 600 sites of cultural, historical, recreational and commercial interest, and lots and lots of fun! Many sites in Tour Guide are not presented in any guide book, shown on any map or included in any tour itinerary--it's like having a friend in Paradise show you the their favorite, secret places. And of course, we include beaches, restaurants, shops and all the public restrooms!

Tour Guide offers interactive video presentations on all these sites so you can plan your trip the in advance, know what's around you as you travel the Big Island and help you more efficiently decide what YOU really want to do and see.

And of course, because it's also a GPS, it'll take you right to those special places, saving you time and hassles!



Check out Tour Guide today!

Honu: Green Sea Turtles of the Big Island by Donald B. MacGowan, PhD.

Called Honu by Hawaii's natives, the Hawaiian Green Sea turtle is beautiful, serene and seeming wise. Though they have swum the oceans for over 200 million years peacefully feeding on algae and invertebrates and living the turtle dream, this highly successful product of amphibian evolution is in grave danger. Loss of habitat, hunting and molestation by humans has conspired to push the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle to the very verge of extinction.

Protected now by state and federal law, the population of once millions of individuals has been decimated to just a few hundred thousand; although they are making a comeback Hawaii's honu are still very much endangered.

Honu may grow up to 45 inches and weigh as much as 400 pounds at maturity, reached at 25 years of age. Hawaiian Green sea turtles can easily be differentiated from the other near shore sea turtle in Hawaii, the much less common Hawksbill turtle, by counting the scales between the eyes. Hawksbills have four scales between the eyes and Hawaiian Green Sea turtles have two.

Lady honu crawl on shore to lay their eggs, generally after migration to the quieter shores of the French Frigate Shoals, 800 miles northwest of Hawaii, or the black sand beaches on the south end of the Big Island of Hawaii.

Danger to the turtles comes from a myriad of directions; toxic waste, floating balloons and plastic bags, Styrofoam, plastic six-pack rings, abandoned fish nets and line, not to mention getting caught in active fishing operations. As if this weren't bad enough, new and debilitating diseases are afflicting the Hawaiian green sea turtle. Near public beaches, resorts and other areas heavily impacted by human activity as many as 90% of the turtles are dying slow, painful deaths from tumors, infections and other diseases as well as parasites which attack the diseased flesh.

Humans have caused this misery and the decline in these magnificent creatures lives...visitors who wish to see the turtles must take care not to further stress them. Do not approach basking turtles closely, never touch or pick them up. Harassing turtles carries a stiff fine and in any case, touching the turtle is a good way to get a raging salmonella infection. If honu are swimming near where you are, do not approach or chase them; always swim to the side of them, never above (as a predatory shark would) nor below them (so they won't feel that their soft belly is at risk).

Anyone who observes their beauty and grace underwater easily understands how the Hawai'ians base their word for "peace", "honua" on their name for the green sea turtle, "honu".

It is within our grasp, this generation, to save or destroy forever these ancient animals; treat them gently and with respect.

More information is available by visiting www.tourguidehawaii.com.

Frank's Big Island Travel Hints #4: Waikoloa to Pololu Valley

Driving north past the Waikoloa Beach resorts, the next turn off will take you to the Mauna Lani Resorts. This area has 5 Star to 5 Diamond resorts. It also has some great petroglyph fields near the Orchid at Mauna Lani Resort and some relaxing beaches which are open to the public. Tour Guide gives you turn-be-turn directions to find these wonders easily. The Shops at Mauna Lani offers high end shopping and fine dining.

Another 10 minutes north, on Hwy 19, brings us to a three-way intersection where you’ll make a left turn (north) onto hwy 270 and drive along the Kohala Coast. This northern tip of the island is less populated and less traveled. The first left turn takes you to Pu’ukohola Heiau and Spencer Beach Park.

Pu’ukohola National Historic Park is a large reconstructed heiau (a Hawaiian temple site) with a visitor center and self-guided tour. Your Tour Guide will have all the history and stories about this legendary spot.

Spencer Beach Park is a favorite family beach with lots of facilities. Camping is available, by permit only, and the “no wave” sandy beach is great for young children. It is also a fabulous snorkel spot if you have your own equipment. Tour Guide will tell you about where to get camping permits, snorkel rentals and all the facilities that are available here.

As we continue driving north on Hwy 270, there are several smaller parks along the way. Tour Guide will tell you about all of them and their facilities. For history buffs, Lapakahi State Park is a must stop. This re-creation of an ancient Hawaiian village is fascinating and free. Here you can see how a typical village was laid out and the huts that were used for housing. Whale watching from shore, during the winter months, is also very popular.

Super Tip: When driving in less populated areas, where there are less stores and restaurants, you will save money and frustration by bringing your own food and water. In these locations, even when you do find a store or diner, the items may cost much more. In addition, hours at gas stations vary by day of the week and time of year. It is wise to never let your gas tank get under half-full here. It is also wise to avail yourself of Public restrooms where you find them. Many of the restrooms in the smaller parks have been closed since the earthquake of 2006 and there are none available past the King Kamehameha Statue in the little town of Kapa'au.

Driving just a few minutes farther north, you’ll come to the town of Hawi (pronounced Haw VEE). A cute town with art galleries, souvenir stores, snacks shops and restaurants
(but not much more), Hawi is old Hawaii personified. Just a few minutes northbound brings you to the famous King Kamehameha statue in the small town of Kapa'au (kah pah OW). This is the birthplace of the storied first king to unite all the Hawaiian Islands under one rule. Tour Guide will present tons of info about the shops and restaurants in Hawi and Kapa'au, as well as about King Kamehameha himself.

Drive about 10 more minutes, to the end of the road, to view the Pololu Valley, one of Hawaii's great scenic wonders. From the parking lot at the end of the road you can get some gorgeous photos. If you’re up for some hiking, the trail down to the valley floor is about a 20 minute hike. Bring plenty of water because the hike back up is a hot 45 minutes. Tour Guide will give you more info about what to bring, what to wear and what to expect in the valley itself.

White, Black and Green Sand Beaches, Big Island, Hawaii

My name is Donnie and I live in Hawaii...I wanted to tell you a little bit about our beautiful colored sand beaches here on the Big Island. Going to the beach is a big thing in Hawaii, because we are blessed with not only weather consistently gorgeous year round, but also with numerous beautiful beaches on which to enjoy our golden days.

Because our Big Island is geologically quite young and the landscape is immature, our beaches tend to be smaller than those on the older islands, and are therefore all the more precious. What the Big Island has that some of the other islands lack, though, are beaches with spectacularly colored sand...white sand, black sand, green sand and even grey sand.

For more information, go to www.tourguidehawaii.com.

This Week On The Big Island Magazine

Big Island guide and discount coupon book, This Week on the Big Island is your premiere source of information on everything from recreation to activities to shopping to dining.

For more information, go to www.tourguidehawaii.com.

Today's Weather

Point Forecast: Kailua Kona HI 19.63N -156W (Elev. 0 ft) Last Update: 4:15 am HST Feb 19, 2008 Forecast Valid: 6am HST Feb 19, 2008-6pm HST Feb 25, 2008

Today Sunny Hi 78°F Tonight Isolated Showers Lo 68°F Wednesday Sunny Hi 78°F Wednesday Night Isolated Showers Lo 69°F Thursday Isolated Showers Hi 78°F Thursday Night Isolated Showers Lo 68°F Friday Isolated Showers Hi 78°F Friday Night Mostly Clear Lo 68°F Saturday Chance Showers Hi 78°F Today: Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind. Tonight: Isolated showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind. Wednesday Night: Isolated showers after midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 69. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday: Isolated showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming northwest between 4 and 7 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Thursday Night: Isolated showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Light south wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday: Isolated showers after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78. South wind at 7 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 20%. Friday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. East wind around 8 mph. Saturday: Scattered showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78. East wind 6 to 8 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 30%. Saturday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. South wind around 8 mph. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind around 11 mph. Sunday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Light west wind. Monday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78. West wind around 6 mph. For more information, go here.

Frank's Big Island Travel Hints #3: Kona North to Waikoloa and the Kohala Coast

For an interesting day of driving, head north out of Kona on Hwy. 19. About 4 miles out of town we come across the Kaloko-Honokohau Historic Park. There is a new visitor center giving info on the significance of this area to ancient Hawaiians. Tour Guide has an extensive narration about this area. The adjacent Honokohau small boat harbor is an excellent spot to find hiking trails, beaches, snorkeling, whale watching and deep sea fishing.

Continue driving north past the Kona International Airport, you will be viewing lava fields dating back to 1802. Another 10 minutes brings you to the turn off for the Hualalai resorts. The Kona Village and Four Seasons resorts are surrounded by the beautiful Hualalai Golf Course, home of the PGA MasterCard Championship. Tour Guide lists every golf course on the Big Island. This whole resort area was built to be nearly invisible from the hwy.

After the Hualali Resorts, there is about 20 minutes of driving to reach the Waikoloa resorts. Tour Guide will you give info on some secluded beaches along the way. For most of these you will have to park on the hwy and hike to the shore. Since these beaches are so secluded, there will be no facilities. My favorite of these is Kua Bay. Here there is parking near the beach, restrooms and water available, but no shade. Since there is no sign on the hwy, Tour Guide will tell you where to turn to find this family friendly beach park.

Super tip: Hawaii is much closer to the equator than you may be used to. Even when it’s cloudy, the sun will burn the skin quickly. Your friendly staff at Tour Guide recommends you use sunscreen liberally and re-apply often, especially after swimming, snorkeling or hiking.

Next, as we head north, is the Waikoloa Beach Resorts. This beautiful resort area is cut right out of the jagged lava rock. It boasts the Marriott and Hilton Waikoloa which have shops and fabulous dining. Many coupons and much 9information of the restaurants and shops in this are can be found in two Big Island magazines, here and here. Hilton Grand Vacations operates a huge timeshare resort here and there are numerous condos all centered around two championship golf courses. Tour Guide will give turn-by-turn directions to the resorts and golf courses in this area.

The King’s Shops and Queen’s Marketplace, on Waikoloa Beach Drive, offers mid to high end shopping with some famous brand name stores. If an ultimate dining experience is what you’re after, world famous chef’s whip up their culinary delights to tempt your palate. There is also a food court for more casual dining. Tour Guide will take you to all of this, plus family activities like sun bathing, swimming, snorkeling, wind surfing and dinner cruises, focused around the most photographed sunset spot on the island, Anaeho’omalu Bay.

Paradise Helicopter Tours on the Big Island, Hawaii

Paradise Helicopters invites you to join our experienced pilots on an incredible journey of the island of Hawai'i. Whether you choose to view Hawai'i's only erupting volcano, land in your own secluded valley, or literally feel the heat as you fly with the doors off, Paradise Helicopters will help make your vacation dreams come true.

We are the only company to offer every passenger an aviation headset with microphone that allows you to talk with your friends and the pilot.

Contact your activity agent or concierge for the best prices on all your Hawai'i activities.

Join us at Paradise Helicopters, and we will make your Dream of Paradise a reality!!

For further information, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com

Kona Weather Outlook For the Next Few Days

Point Forecast: Kailua Kona HI 19.63N -156W (Elev. 0 ft)

Last Update: 4:45 am HST Feb 16, 2008 Forecast Valid: 6am HST Feb 16, 2008-6pm HST Feb 22, 2008

Today Isolated Showers Hi 78°F

Tonight Isolated Showers Lo 68°F

Sunday Sunny Hi 78°F

Sunday Night Mostly Clear Lo 68°F

Presidents' Day Sunny Hi 78°F

Monday Night Isolated Showers Lo 68°F

Tuesday Sunny Hi 78°F

Tuesday Night Slight Chc Showers Lo 68°F

Wednesday Sunny Hi 78°F

Today: Isolated showers after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78. East wind at 5 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tonight: Isolated showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Calm wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming west around 5 mph.

Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Light east wind.

Presidents' Day: Sunny, with a high near 78. Light and variable wind.

Monday Night: Isolated showers before midnight. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Light east wind. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 78. East wind at 6 mph becoming west.

Tuesday Night: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. East wind around 5 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 78. East wind at 5 mph becoming west.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. South wind around 5 mph.

Thursday: Sunny, with a high near 78. Southwest wind around 5 mph.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 68. Calm wind.

Friday: A 20 percent chance of showers. Partly cloudy, with a high near 78. Calm wind becoming southwest around 5 mph.

For more information, go here.

Birth of a Baby Humpback Whale

Aloha…I’m Donnie MacGowan…I live on the Island of Hawaii, in the County of Hawaii in the state of Hawaii…I love living in Hawaii because it's full of wonderful, amazing and fabulous things. For instance today, I saw a Humpback whale being born.

Winter and early spring in Hawaii are especially magical times—well, more magical even than usual in Hawaii. Starting about mid-November and lasting through April, Humpback whales visit our islands. From as far as way as Alaska and as near as California, the Humpies, as we call them, arrive to breed and, cows that bred last year, give birth this year.

An adult humpback weighs approximately one ton per foot, up to 90,000 pounds and can grow over 50 feet in length. Females are slightly larger than the males. Calves range from 10-16 feet in length at birth and weigh an average of 3000 pounds. Marine biologists believe that humpbacks live between 40-60 years.

And every year they come to visit me in my home.

On the West Hawaii coastline there is a place, and no, I’m not going to tell you where, where humpies are known to go to give birth—it’s a deep, protected cove quite near the highway. My hiking buddy and I were returning from a trip into the Kohala Mountains when we noticed several cars pulled off the road at a spot overlooking this cove. And there they were…mother and baby, still attached by umbilical cord.

The video, shot hastily and without a tripod is not great, but you can see the baby playing on it’s back, nuzzling it’s mothers teats and just generally reveling at being free and in the marvelous ocean.

I love being in the ocean…it is my place of peace, calm and meditation. But just try to imagine the joy that this baby whale felt, being born into that vast, magical and beautiful realm.

Aloha baby humpy…travel safely and come back to us next year.

For complete information on where to go the Big Island for whale and dolphin watching, visit www.tourguidehawaii.com.

For more videos of whales in Hawaii, go here, here and here.

Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling

Sea Quest Rafting and Snorkeling

The Kona Coast is rugged and beautiful and no one offers a better way to see it than Sea Quest rafting and snorkeling. With 12 passenger rigid hull inflatable rafts, you will zip along this untamed region exploring sea caves and lava tubes on your way to the #1 snorkel location in the state, Kealakekua Bay. Sea Quest provides your snorkel equipment, snacks and soft drinks. Bring a towel and a smile and be ready to get wet.

4 hr morning and 3 hr afternoon tours are available everyday.

Contact your activity agent or concierge for the best prices on Hawaii activities.

For further information visit www.tourguidehawaii.com. For Big Island Snorkeling videos, go here, here and here.

Frank's Big Island Travel Hints 1: Kailua Kona South to Kealakekua

Aloha is a Hawaiian word for hello, goodbye and a word they use for love. In the literal translation, “alo” is life and “ha” is breath. So when you say “Aloha”, and someone returns the greeting, you are sharing the breath of life.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest land mass in the state. I fact, all the other Hawaiian islands will fit inside the Big Island and only take up about half of it.

Therefore realize it takes 6-7 hours to drive around this island, if you don’t stop anywhere. I always suggest if you are going to drive and see the sights yourself, split the driving into 3 days and pick up your GPS Tour Guide (808-557-0051).

The first drive day, go to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. From Kona it will take 3 hours of non-stop drive time to reach the entrance. Tour Guide has over 50 sights to see inside the park with tons of great info and photos. The park entrance fee is $10.00 per carload and is good for 7 days, so you can go back and see sights you may have missed the first time if you wish. Bring a cooler with sandwiches and lots of water as there are few places inside the park to buy food. If you prefer a hot lunch, the Volcano House is reasonably priced ($15.00 buffet) and has a spectacular view. The Volcano House is also steeped in history and is not to be missed.

I wear shorts, tee shirt and comfortable walking shoes. BUT, also bring my sweat pants and sweatshirt. At 4200 ft. elevation, temperatures can vary from 80 to 45 degrees and weather conditions can change in a matter of minutes, so BE PREPARED. My advice is leave early (7:AM) and expect to get back about dark (6-7 PM). Tour Guide will get you there and back safely and has all the info about hiking, biking, museums and much more.

There are a number of great sights between Kona and the volcano that could be a whole day of sight seeing, all found in your Tour Guide.

When leaving Kona going south, you will enter the coffee country. There are several farms that offer free coffee sampling and tours. Just look for the signs along the highway. Kona Joe’s (visit here and see video) is one of my favorites. They grow their coffee on trellises like fine wine in Napa or Sonoma. Kona Joe’s offers tours, has a coffee bar and gift shop, is immaculately maintained and has breathtaking views of the Kona Coast. For tour times, see their ad in Tour Guide.

Continuing south, brings you to the turn off for Kealakekua Bay (Napo'opo'o Road). At the bottom of this beautiful winding road, turn right to see the Capt. Cook Monument. Tour Guide will give great info about this historic area.

Stay along the coast headed south, on the single lane road for 4 miles, and you will arrive at Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, also known as the “Place of Refuge”. Tour Guide help will make this magical spot come alive.

Today Mostly Sunny Hi 79°F

Tonight Mostly Clear Lo 67°F

Wednesday Sunny Hi 79°F

Wednesday Night Mostly Clear Lo 66°F

Thursday Isolated Showers Hi 80°F

Thursday Night Mostly Clear Lo 67°F

Friday Isolated Showers Hi 79°F

Friday Night Mostly Clear Lo 66°F

Saturday Slight Chc Showers Hi 79°F

Today: Mostly sunny, with a high near 79. East wind around 9 mph.

Tonight: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. East wind around 9 mph.

Wednesday: Sunny, with a high near 79. East wind around 9 mph becoming southwest.

Wednesday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 66. East wind around 9 mph.

Thursday: Isolated showers after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 80. East wind 7 to 9 mph becoming northwest. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Thursday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 67. Southeast wind around 7 mph.

Friday: Isolated showers after noon. Partly cloudy, with a high near 79. Southeast wind at 7 mph becoming west. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

Visit forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?zoneid=HIZ023 for more details.

Tour Guide Hawaii Presents: Hike to the Golden Ponds of the Big Island of Hawaii and Snorkel the Black Sand Beach of Ke-awa-iki

Want to hike to a deserted black sand beach just half an hour from the Kohala and Kona Resorts? Ke-awa-iki Beach is gorgeous, seldom visited, is protected from big waves and offers superb snorkeling. Near the beach in the middle of the a'a lava flows are the amazing and beautiful Ke-awa-iki Golden Ponds; a unique ecosystem of golden algae in freshwater ponds---until you've been here, you have never seen anything like them.

This video is presented by Your Friends in Paradise, www.tourguidehawaii.com; our GPS-guided tours make YOU the guide! To see a video about another fabulous Big Island hike, go here.

Tour Guide Shows You Beaches, The Volcano, Snorkeling, Hiking, Whales, Dolphins, Golf on the Big Island of Hawaii

Here's a quick video showing how incredibly easy Tour Guide is to use. Quickly find beaches, the volcano, snorkeling, golf, hiking, mountain biking, points of historical and cultural interest and beautiful scenery. Tour Guide makes independence, solitude and adventure a part of your Big Island Experience.

For more information, visit www.touguidehawaii.com.

Weather Forecast, 10 Feb 2008

Here's the weather forecast for Kona, Hawaii for the next several days...brought to you by www.tourguidehawaii.com--you friends in Paradise. Enjoy!

Overnight Mostly Clear Lo 70°F

Monday Isolated Showers Hi 80°F

Monday Night Partly Cloudy Lo 67°F

Tuesday Isolated Showers Hi 79°F

Tuesday Night Partly Cloudy Lo 67°F

Wednesday Sunny Hi 79°F

Wednesday Night Mostly Clear Lo 66°F

Thursday Slight Chc Showers Hi 80°F

Thursday Night Mostly Clear Lo 67°F