Travel

Finding Adventure in Hawaii

The Big Island is packed with sights to see and adventures to go on; it’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream!

By 
Finding Adventure in Hawaii

Green Sand

Take a Little Drive

Navigating Hawaii’s endless roads can be quite daunting at times, but driving offers some spectacular views that might otherwise be missed. Take Pu’u Mahana, for instance. Also known as the “Green Sand Beach,” it’s got a beach full of emerald sand. Yes, you read that right. Green. It’s probably the only time you’ll ever see signs urging you not to steal sand. Accessible from Highway 11, it’s a moderate 6-mile hike down to the beach area.

If for some reason you hate the color green, don’t sweat it. Instead check out one of the many black sand beaches around the island. Particularly famous is Kehena Beach, formed virtually overnight some time long ago when hot lava met sea water. Here you can explore the lava inlets, where sea turtles sometimes visit, and relax in lava-lined pools, heated by a volcanic stream to 95 °F.

Finding Adventure in Hawaii

In addition to gorgeous beaches, the Kona area is also known for its coffee farms. You’ll find a bunch just off Road 11, and more on the way to the green and black sand beaches. On one of these farms you can find Margaret McGuire in a makeshift tent, selling her specialized coffee from the mountains of Waialua Valley. Purchase a cup of coffee, a bag of roasted beans, or, for those not into the caffeine scene, some white chocolate and macadamia nut spread. McGuire’s coffee is called Kilauea Kofe, and is some of the best I’ve ever tasted. I recommend the Pahoehoe, a delicious dark blend.

Finding Adventure in Hawaii

Kilauea Lodge

There are some great restaurants to check out on the Big Island. Try the Kilauea Lodge, which won the Aina Award for being one of the best restaurants on the island. If you’re looking for a luau, head over to the Kona Village Resort for an evening to remember!

Pages: 1 2 3 4

Stefanie is a professional travel writer and self described “Adventure Girl”. Based in LA, and charged by the smell of jet fuel, our travel expert continues to travel the world seeking out unique and interesting adventures to share with viewers for such shows as CNN, UPN, ABC and NBC. Her writings have appeared in newspapers and magazines such as Razor, FW, and The New York Times. Her quote to live by comes from Amelia Earhart, “If someone asks you on an adventure, don’t refuse it!”

Reader Discussion: 134 Comments

  1. Beverly Walton

    If someone wanted to surprise me with a trip to Hawaii, that would be awesome. I will marry the man who will be with me in Hawaii. I AM NOT KIDDING HERE.

  2. Sandra Santiago

    Do people not realize the library is where you will be quiet not to discuss your whole trip to Hawaii with your boyfriend who cheated on you.

  3. Silvia Grant

    I and my family are planning to take a trip to Hawaii ON MY BIRTHDAY, AND I NEVER BEEN MORE EXCITED BECAUSE THIS WOULD BE OUR FIRST FAMILY VACATION EVERRRRR !!!!!

  4. Ashley Abbott

    rip to Hawaii after graduation is on the move woof*ckinghoo!!! I can’t wait to see Hawaii with my naked eyes!!!

  5. Abraham Watson

    I had to cancel my Hawaii trip a couple years back, but it was my goal for the trip to stay away from the overly tourist spots! Hawaii is crowded during the peak season. You will not enjoy the place.

    • Matt Harper

      It’s true! I went there last year, and I did not know that there’s an event ongoing. My whole vacation was ruined.

  6. Juana Fox

    My friends from college planned a trip to Hawaii. I still don’t know if I will come, or not. It’s too much expensive, and I have no boyfriend with me.

  7. Jean Perry

    Man, some people in my office are leaving to go to Hawaii for three weeks for a work trip. I got the best company, but still hoping that I belong to that group of people.

    • Darrel Lynch

      For real?! That’s your company’s expenses! Oh, boy. Those are very lucky people.

  8. Kara Mccormick

    I think I’m going to plan a trip to Hawaii. why not? I deserve a vacation like that. I work too much, and a little pleasure is not bad.

  9. David Ramirez

    There’s a night dive? Then how can you see the creatures underwater during the night? Isn’t it too dark under the water?

    • Antonio Day

      I thought I’m the only one who thinks that way. Besides, I think they are also sleeping during that time? Animals sleep too, right?

  10. Angela Sharp

    I can imagine myself stargazing at Hawaii with my special someone. That would be a great way to celebrate an anniversary.

Load 10 more comments

Join in the Conversation! Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Urbanette moderates and edits comments for grammar and to facilitate an informed, substantive, civil conversation. Abusive, profane, promotional, misleading, incoherent or off-topic comments will be rejected. Please use your full name. Moderators can only approve comments written in English.

All content is strictly copyright. Contact us for permission.