Hale Makamae Bed and Breakfast Big Island Activities

Lava Viewing

From the end of Hwy 130, only minutes away from our house, hot lava plunges into the ocean. It is very spectacular and especially at night you can see glowing streams following down the mountain towards the water. The area is well marked with safety signs and reflectors on the ground showing you the easiest path to walk. Restrooms are available before, you cross the lava field  towards the steam plume. In the dark you should be prepared to take a flashlight along with you, always wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water.

Pahoa

Pahoa is the closest town (5 minutes) and offers besides an alternative flair, several excellent restaurants, a grocery stores, a natural food store, health clinics, doctor’s offices, pharmacies, three banks, interesting arts & crafts shops and an open market on weekend mornings. Pahoa is a historic town, built between 1909 and 1919. It began as a mill town, shaping railway ties for the great western railways. In sugar cane days Pahoa became the crossroads for the railway. Today’s industry is the diversified agriculture and tropical flower business.

Hilo

Hilo Bay Front with canoes

As the seat of the Big Island government (30 minutes) it has kept the atmosphere of the former capital of the sugar industry. Beautiful old buildings along “Bayfront” with interesting little shops and the “Farmer’s Market” give you an idea of the historic peak time of Hilo. Life moves at a slow, friendly pace and shopping in downtown Hilo is an experience, free from “tourist traps”. The city has several museums, including the Tsunami and Lyman Museum, movie theaters, shopping centers, restaurants, banks, doctor’s offices, Hilo Medical Center, the International Airport and car rental places. Several beautiful parks, such as Lili’uokalani and Wailoa Park can introduce you to exotic flowers and vegetation. Hilo is also the home of the famous Merrie Monarch Hula Festival, which is usually held in April and many other annual events. In March 2006 the Imiloa – one of the world's leading astronomy centers and planetariums opened. It expands and deepens the visitor's understanding of the sacredness of Maunakea, Hawaiian cultural traditions and modern astronomy.

Volcanoes National Park

30 minutes away from Hale Makamae Bed & Breakfast is Volcanoes National Park with one of the worlds most active volcanoes. The park is open 24 hours a day all year. The Crater Rim Drive is a good way to see some of the most spectacular sites and craters. Many hiking trails from easy to very difficult are offered in the park. The Chain of Crater Road allows you incredible coastal views and at the end you can hike to the most recent lava flow area. At the park’s visitor center you will get current information about the location of the lava stream and precautions one needs to take when hiking. Detailed information is available on the Park’s web-page. www.nps.gov/havo/

Lava Tree State Park

Located on highway 132, east of Pahoa (3 minutes) this park was formed 200 years ago. The lava flow left a thick coating around ohia trees and as they died free standing tubes were created. Huge albizia trees are building a shading canopy over many tropical gingers, haleconias and philodendrons.

Lava Tree State Park

Kapoho Tide Pools (Wai'opae Marine
Sanctuary)

When a vent opened in the area in 1960, the village of Kapoho (10 minutes) was destroyed and covered with lava. The piling lava created formations in the shallow water forming pools now filled from the ocean’s tide. These pools contain a wide variety of tropical fish and coral, the water is crystal clear and the area is now an incredible snorkeling and diving spot.

Ahalanui

At these hot ponds fresh water springs heated from steam on the lava far below the surface bring an ocean fed pool to a temperature of up to 90 degrees. The containing walls of the pool are man-made and a life-guard is there all week. (10 minutes)

• Ahalanui Park - famous for it's volcanically heated waters
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Mackenzie State Park

Opens a view out to the ocean from steep cliffs. As you follow the coastline a few hundred yards you will get a glimpse of the ancient Kings Trail with a palm forest planted by Queen Emma when she came to the Island of Hawaii. Off the cliffs you might see whales, dolphins and turtles. (10 minutes)

Mac Kenzie State Park

Kehena Beach

This is a powerful testament to the changing nature of the Big Island. It was created by the 1955 lava flow. Kehena Beach is one of the few black sand beaches left after a lava flow destroyed the legendary Kalapana Beach and others. A small trail leads down to the beach near mile marker 19 on Hwy. 137. When the surf is high, the beach break and currents can be strong and swimming is only recommended for experienced swimmers. Clothes are optional at this beach. It is very beautiful, especially in the morning when the sun comes up over the ocean and dolphins and turtles swim near the shore. (10 minutes)

Isaac Hale Beach Park

Local fishermen launch their boats from here in the afternoon and bring in their catch in the early morning hours. The waves outside the park are also an eldorado for surfers and boogie boarders.

Issac Hale State Park

Kalapana

In 1990 the town of Kalapana and the Royal Gardens subdivision were covered by lava. Kalapana was a treasured Hawaiian fishing village with sacred heiaus (temples) and ancient ceremonial grounds. This lava flow also covered the famous black sand beach under 50 – 75 feet of lava. Where Hwy. 137 ends you will find Verna’s a small, but well-known drive-in, with “ono” local food and great ice cream. From here you can also walk to a newly forming black sand beach. At the end of Hwy. 130, it is interesting to follow parts of the old road, which is covered by lava for long stretches. You can still see houses, cars and gardens, where the former village was. Today, former owners work on their lava-covered land again and try to restore their houses, build anew and grow gardens.

Steam Vents

Along Hwy. 130, near mile marker 15 you come to a scenic point (on the ocean or “makai” side of the road) following a trail you will find steam vents. Some of the cinder cones have been turned into steam baths with wooden benches to sit on, while you enjoy the warm earth heated air. Caution is advised, you should always have somebody with you.

  Views along the "Red Road" (Hwy. 137)