Hawaii
9 Non-Touristy Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2024 | San Diego Magazine
![9 Non-Touristy Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2024 | San Diego Magazine 9 Non-Touristy Things To Do on the Big Island of Hawaii in 2024 | San Diego Magazine](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Go-Hawaii-Pololu-Valley-Hike.jpeg)
The Big Island of Hawaii is shrouded in a deep mystique and whispers a quiet foreboding to all who enter her sacred land. Boasting pristine tree-lined beaches, active volcanoes, lush rainforests, black lava fields as far as the eye can see, and an unmistakable “If You Know, You Know” factor, the captivating southernmost point of the Hawaiian archipelago is worth the trip off the beaten path.
Fiercely protective of the mostly untouched interior, locals like myself and transplants alike (Matthew McConaghey is often spotted around town in Waimea) are often hesitant to share favorite hidden gems. Respect for the ‘aina (land) is a central tenet of Hawaiian culture and Western tourists tend to take advantage of the island’s expansive beauty and sheer remoteness. The old adage “Leave it better than you found it” is forgotten, along with trash and common decency.
So, before diving into a list of the best things to do on the Big Island of Hawaii, here are a few tips to ensure you’re visiting responsibly:
Tips for Visiting Hawaii
- Pick up your trash and “take only photos, leave only footprints”
- Respect the locals, their land, and their rules
- Don’t drive like you’re in the city, most highways are 55 MPH
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen only and don’t wear any sunscreen at all in fresh water bodies of water
- Do not take anything natural off the island (shells, stones, coral, dried flowers, etc.) especially lava rocks—Pele’s Curse is very real
Now that the ground rules are out of the way, these under-the-radar activities will have you seriously considering whether you could break your lease and work remotely.
![Big Island of Hawaii things to do including the Eagles Nest (Wai’ale Falls) featuring a kid picking up rocks infront of the waterfall](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Outdoor-Project.jpeg)
Eagles Nest (Wai’ale Falls)
This swimmable, easily accessible roadside waterfall is located right outside of Hilo. It is free, which means the trails aren’t maintained, so it’s a little treacherous getting down to the waterfall to swim. Doable, and worth it, but you’ve been warned.
![Big Island of Hawaii things to do including the Pololu Valley Hike featuring the coastline and cliffs](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/South-Kohala-Management.png)
Pololu Valley Hike
This breathtaking 1.5-mile roundtrip hike drops you into a river valley complete with a sprawling black sand beach and wild cows. Be sure not to venture up the hill beyond the river mouth, as these are sacred burial grounds of the native Hawaiians who once inhabited the valley. Also note that this is not a swimming beach, rough currents and jellyfish are a regular occurrence. Make a stop at Rainbow Cafe in Kapaau on the way out for an authentic Hawaiian/Chinese plate lunch.
![Big Island of Hawaii things to do including Reed’s Bay Beach Park commonly referred to as the “Ice Ponds”](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Big-Island-Reeds-Bay-Beach-Park-aka-Ice-Ponds-1024x460.jpg)
Reed’s Bay Beach Park aka “Ice Ponds”
Swimmable, crystal clear, and, you guessed it, ice cold—these freshwater ponds in Hilo are perfect for a picnic and swim. The closer you get to the ocean, the warmer the water gets. Nene geese and sea turtles frequent the beach park, but please do not attempt to touch or get close to them.
![Big Island of Hawaii things to do including farmers markets like the Waimea Town Market featured](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Waimea-Town-Market-1024x470.jpeg)
Big Island Farmers Markets
Produce grown on the Big Island is unmatched in flavor and variety, thanks to the ultra-rich volcanic soil and generous rainfall. You can find tropical fruits, eggs, honey, huge leafy vegetables and the like at one of the many farmers markets on any given day across the island. Hilo Waterfront Market (everyday), Waimea Market (Pukalani Stables Wednesdays and Saturdays), and Volcano Village Market (Sundays) are some of the best markets in terms of variety and accessibility.
![The Roots Skatepark in Kapaau featuring a skateboarder dropping into a bowl on the Big Island of Hawaii](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Roots-Skatepark-1024x683.jpeg)
Big Island Skateparks
Love to skate? Bring your board and take an island-wide tour of the many skateparks the island has to offer. From Roots Skatepark in Kapaau to Shaka Paka in Hilo, and the legendary Kailua-Kona Skatepark, the Big Island has a booming skate community and the facilities to match. Fun fact: Roots Skatepark is completely community-funded and operated.
![The Kaloko Cloud Forest in the big island of Hawaii featuring a dense, green forest](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Hawaii-Land-Trust-1024x683.jpeg)
Kaloko Cloud Forest
High above Konatown on the dormant volcano of Hualalai lays the lush Honuaʻula Forest Reserve. The scenic seven-mile drive takes you to the trailhead where miles of forest is yours for exploring on foot or mountain bike. Be aware of weather as it changes rapidly and what once began as a pleasant, sunny afternoon can become a thick, dark fog or heavy downpour in what feels like a matter of moments.
![Things to do on the big island of Hawaii including the Kiholo Bay nature reserve](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/The-Nature-Conservancy-1024x563.jpeg)
Kiholo Bay
This brackish water bay is accessible with a short oceanfront hike. The milky turquoise water is the result of freshwater mixing with salt water and known for its bountiful sea turtle population. If you follow this hike, you will also see a black sand beach, abandoned beach shanty, and the bay itself, which is actually an ancient fishing pond used by native Hawaiians. Petroglyphs dot the lava rocks surrounding the bay, so be on the lookout.
![Things to do on the big island of Hawaii including Honaunau Bay featuring historical landmarks and snorkeling](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Britannica-Honaunau-Bay--1024x707.jpeg)
Honaunau Bay
Walk the ancient city and historical landmarks of the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park first, then cool off at Two Steps and do some snorkeling. The reef is one of the best on the island, and in the deeper waters you can often see dolphins. There is a sandy area for children, but no facilities other than a Porta-Potty.
![Things to do on the big island of Hawaii including the Honomu Goat Dairy featuring a baby goat](https://sandiegomagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Honomu-Goat-Dairy-1024x774.png)
Honomu Goat Dairy
Check out the Honomu Goat Dairy where you can frolic with baby goats and buy some handmade goat cheese, milk, fudge, caramels, soap, or lip balm. It’s free to enter, and right off the side of the road on the way to Akaka Falls (which you should also visit!)
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Hawaii
‘Bring my A game’: Hawaii surfer Carissa Moore hopes to defend her Olympic gold title
![‘Bring my A game’: Hawaii surfer Carissa Moore hopes to defend her Olympic gold title ‘Bring my A game’: Hawaii surfer Carissa Moore hopes to defend her Olympic gold title](https://gray-khnl-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/F7IGXQQ4ABFOBGXNUSS66BX4JY.jpg?auth=d7683dbd269b8c7c76e08dc1cc18cab038ea5c8f48c3516a99ab6c7a2c75f5c6&width=1200&height=600&smart=true)
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Carissa Moore is the most decorated competitive surfer in Hawaii’s history, topping former World Champs John John Florence, Andy Irons and Sunny Garcia.
And she’s the only Hawaii surfer to ever win Olympic gold in surfing.
Of course, Duke Kahanamoku won multiple medals, but those were in swimming.
“It was super, super special to you know, I felt like through the Olympic journey, last time, I felt like I got to learn a lot about Duke Kahanamoku and his legacy and feel a deeper connection and pride for where I come from, the place treally raised me, the waves, my community and being able to like, represent and surf for something bigger than myself,” Moore said.
Moore competed in the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, which was held in 2021 due to the pandemic, and became the first-ever winner of the Olympic gold medal in women’s shortboard surfing.
“Obviously getting to win in Tokyo in 2021 was so so special. But so many things had to fall into place. And so I don’t really feel too much pressure to have to back it up,” she said. “The Olympics far exceeded my expectations that I had, it was the first time so I didn’t really know what was going to happen or how it was gonna change surfing or, you know, if it was just gonna be like another CT event.”
“But it definitely did feel like a bigger stage.”
That’s in the rear view mirror now. Since the landmark victory, Moore has been able to get some me-time.
Previous Coverage: Carissa Moore is stepping away from competitive surfing, but she left a lasting impact
“So I, I’ve actually got to have a few months to just relax and go to Japan with my Nana and my sister. And, you know, I decided to step away from competing full time this year to focus on the Olympics, but also have some time to like, do other things. So it’s been a nice balance of both,” Moore explained.
In preparation for the Olympics, Moore has been logging a considerable amount of time training down in Tahiti on a wave that is not for the faint of heart.
“It’s one of the most intense, intimidating, challenging waves to surf, you really have to have a high level of skill to like read the wave and navigate the steep takeoff. And obviously, there’s a huge risk involved. There’s a shallow reef and you could get very hurt, but you could also have the ride of your life. Comfortable level is, you know, it’s getting there. I think the more than I spend time at the wave and hopefully learn and, and you know, just get the reps up, that will help me to feel more confident. But at this point, I don’t, I don’t know if you can ever feel like 100% comfortable,” Moore said.
Then there’s the competition, the best of the best will be there, including one Tahitian woman who has the luxury of a home break advantage.
“Everyone’s earned their spot and are very, very talented and experienced,” Moore said. “And I’m gonna have to bring my A game if I want to do well there and put in the work.”
Among Moore’s accolades is 11 national titles, five world titles and the Olympic gold title. While she’s a fierce competitor in the water, Moore says it takes a lot to tap into that side of her.
“It’s definitely not natural for me to like, just be super competitive, or confrontational. But like, you have to have a little bit of that like hunger and drive and fire and like get up close and personal at times,” she added.
When asked if another Olympic gold medal could a be trigger back to competing for the world championship again, she responded:
“I don’t know honestly, I haven’t really thought too much further than this summer I’m just trying to really simplify things… I will definitely give myself some space to kind of figure out what I want to do next.”
Win or lose, Moore’s next move will involve her Moore Aloha Foundation which aims to help girls and women navigate the waves of mental health and wellness, and create a life of positivity, purpose and passion.
Her message to young people?
“If I had any advice to the young ones coming up, or just anyone in general, I think just this belief that anything really is possible with hard work and dedication and a lot of love and a lot of aloha. Yeah, you can achieve your wildest dreams. I truly believe that.”
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
Big expansion of Hilo Harbor entrance still in the works – West Hawaii Today
Hawaii
On Hawaii Island, government and citizens are joining forces to better prepare for wildfires
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – In the year since the Lahaina wildfire disaster, the head of Hawaii County’s Civil Defense Agency says he’s implemented additional training for emergency management staff with a focus on messaging and the use of the public alert warning system.
Additionally, the Hawaii County Fire Department now ups its staffing during red flag warnings. And the county’s emergency operations center is also activated earlier.
Fire mitigation projects are underway, too. “The Department of Transportation has put in about 30 miles worth of fuel breaks around some high fire danger areas,” including in Kohala Ranch Estates, Kailapa, Waimea and Waikoloa, said Civil Defense Administrator Talmadge Magno.
RELATED COVERAGE:
The community is also stepping up to make a difference.
Seventy-three volunteers with Team Rubicon, a veteran-led disaster response organization, spent 4,000 hours bolstering this fuel break on the mauka side of Waikoloa Village.
And something unique: A portion of Waikoloa Village’s homeowners association fees are solely used for fire protection.
The county says it’s hardened the Hulu Street escape route, a second road out of the community, that’s utilized in emergencies.
The Roth Administration is also working with private land owners to create a third emergency road that would allow egress from Waikoloa Village to Queen Kaahumanu Highway.
HNN Investigates
Right now, the neighborhood is in the process of expanding to the north. With blustery winds and dry conditions a part of everyday life there, the head of the community’s Fire Wise Committee told us she’s against the new development saying it’s not safe.
“That’s a fire trap on the north side until another road is built,” said Firewise Committee Chair Shelly Aina. “Anyone who lives on that side is going to have to fight all the traffic to get out.”
HNN Investigates took that concern to Mayor Mitch Roth, asking if he thought it was a good idea to build more homes in the back of Waikoloa Village. “It’s kind of like a catch-22,” he said. If you don’t build those things (houses), the owners of the land won’t build it (the road).”
Roth says developers have agreed to put in the road and that ground was broken on the project in May. As for when it’s expected to be completed, Roth said, “We’re hoping the emergency access road happens within the next year. That’s their timeline that they’ve given us.”
One thing everyone agrees on: When it comes to disaster preparedness, government can’t do it alone. “Folks need to plan for themselves as well,” Magno told HNN Investigates.
“What are you going to do? Are you going to shelter in place? Can you shelter in place? Do you have defensible space that your house will be protected or do you need to leave.”
For a comprehensive list of actions you can take to ready your home for a wildfire, click here.
Copyright 2024 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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