Waimea

From the parking area, walk down the narrow, crazy steep four-wheel drive road for 0.75 mile until the road levels. A few 4WD vehicles, either foolhardy (tourist) or knowledgable (local) may be inching up and down. Head to the right toward the beach for 0.45 mile and arrive on the black sand beach. ...

People have accessed the falls directly from the Canyon Trail, which begins between mile marker 14 & 15. You'll follow a dirt road for a bit, leading to a 3.2 mile hike (not my recommendation). The hike is more enjoyable via the recently opened spur trail, which starts at the Pu'u Hinahina lookout a...

This 6-mile hike leads you through a forest reserve filled with native dryland plants and ends abruptly above the sheer cliffs of Awa‘awapuhi and Nualolo Valley. You will often hike in clouds and mist through the forest, but the clouds tend to part near the ocean, giving you spectacular views of the...

Take Hwy. 270 along the northern Kohala Coast and all the way to the end at the Pololū Valley overlook. You can park almost anywhere along the road there (besides the private homes), but spots fill up so get there early. Start at the Pololū Valley overlook. If you are not fond of hiking, you can sto...

Prep: Before you go, you must book purchase a permit/campsite for the number of nights that you wish spend. You can get the permits online from the State of Hawaii Department of Natural Resources Website. There are 9 sites located within the valley and some are most definitely better than others. I ...

Polihale Beach is at the western most point of Kauai and it's perfect white sand shore stretches for over 15 miles. Come here to avoid the notorious Kauai rain, as Polihale is typically sunny and cloudless throughout the year. The sunsets here are some of the best around and the island of Ni'ihau ca...

Iliau, an endemic plant to Kaua'i's westside, grows along the path -- hence the name: Iliau Nature Loop -- is located in Waimea Canyon State Park. Not far after mile marker 8. It has the same trailhead as Kukui Trail. Native vegetation are identified in signs along the path. There are excellent view...

Among all of the places in the Hawaiian islands, Kauai is my favorite. It's what you imagine when you think of Hawaii. It's still relatively undeveloped and there are no freeways on the island. Waimea Pier, which is located at Waimea Beach, epitomizes the old feel of Kauai. Located on the west side ...

Located near the northern tip of the Big Island, Waipi'o Valley is one of the most beautiful views that you can experience in all of Hawaii. Waipi'o Valley is an hour and 30 minute drive from Kona and an hour and 10 minutes from Hilo. To access the lookout, take HI-19 west to HI-240. Make sure to dr...

Drive north along the Akoni Pule Highway for approximately 45 miles. When you reach Lapakahi State Historical Park, turn left of of the highway and find a parking spot. The fishing village itself consists of several volcanic rock walls along the shore. It is a great stop while exploring the northwes...

Enjoy a 2 hour horseback ride on Kohala Mountain in Waimea on the north side of the Big Island! There are several ranches in the area through which you can take a guided tour - I would recommend Paniolo Adventures , but you can look up the ranches in the Waimea / Kohala Mountain area. The ranches ty...