Franko's Hawai'i (Big Island) Guide Map
Printed on waterproof, rip-proof plastic. Available folded or flat laminated (like a placemat)
Map size: 14" x 21"
FM-HGF (Folded $6.00) ISBN 1-931494-77-0
FM-HGL (Laminated $10.00) ISBN 1-931494-78-9
Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii, The Big Island
Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii, The Big Island, With Things to See and Do is exactly as the name implies - a guide and a map of the island all in one! The beautiful 3D island, with green shaded relief of Hawaii's massive volcanoes sloping down into Hawaii's turquoise waters, which is characteristic of Franko's Maps. The descending hues of ocean blues around the island provide space for description of everything you need to know to get the most out of a trip (or a lifetime) on the Big Island of Hawaii. There is no paid advertising on this map, but it still tells you where to go, what to do, and who can help you by providing a service or adventure.
The map has been in the works for a very long time, and it is the fourth in a series of Franko guide maps for the Hawaiian Islands. Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii adds to the ever-growing list of Franko products for the Hawaiian islands. The Big Island of Hawaii now has Franko's Dive Map of Hawaii in both the folded form (printed on durable, waterproof synthetic paper), and the flat laminated form (perfect for a countertop or wall); Franko's Hawaii Fish Card, which features a mini-map of the Big Island, plus over 80 of Hawaii's beautiful and exciting reef creatures; and now Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii, which features the island on side one and then close-ups of Volcanoes National Park, Hilo Town, Kailua-Kona Town, and the Kohala to Kona Coast detail. The Dive Map, which features the same basic map, is in its fifth edition by the time the Guide Map has at last been finished and produced in July, 2006. Therefore, the details and techniques of this Hawaii map are quite advanced, even on the premier edition. Having traveled extensively and experienced so much that Hawaii has to offer, Franko and friends have compiled over 9000 words for this one map! In fact, it suffices as a guide book! I like to tell people that if they study this map (especially a laminated map on the dining room table), it will somehow magically cause them to go there. Many people have tried this, and it works! So, you should study every word that is on this map. Learn all about the Big Island and you will invariably find yourself making some kind of plans to get there. It is just too attractive!
I've compiled the wording of all of the captions for things to see and do on Hawaii, The Big Island below. Of course, there is nothing like seeing the picture so you can better understand the wording, so it is recommended that you skip over these paragraphs and just get one of the maps in your hands and then read it. However, if the magnificent Big Island is calling out to you right now to read and learn all that you can, then be my guest and read on. I've come to know Hawaii quite well, and so these details are rather good, if I do say so myself. I hope you enjoy them too, and most of all, enjoy Hawaii, The Big Island. There is no substitute for just going there. So go! GO!
SIDE ONE of Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii
Side one of Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii shows entire island in beautiful shades of Hawaiian green, as it sits in the middle of the vast North Pacific Ocean. The island looks like an emerald piercing through the ocean blues, which descend with depth, out to 18,000+ feet deep around the island. The Big Island's giant volcanoes, some still bursting with lava is so high that snow often caps the tallest peaks, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. The island is so big and so diverse, and this guide map of Hawaii helps you to understand that magnitude. Franko's descriptions appear in captions all around the island, capturing the essence of what Hawaii is all about. The many things to see and do on the Big Island are described in detail, and are highlighted with pictures and icons to give you a feel of what the real Hawaii is all about. One of my favorite details is on the green map itself. You can look at the map and see the volcanic lava flows that have occurred over the last 200 years. When you drive around the island with this map in your hands, you can look to see just when that huge lava flow you are driving past came in molten form down the slopes of the Hawaii's volcanoes. This map has the main roads and highways all around the Island of Hawaii, so you won't get lost or confused. For closer details when you are in Kailua-Kona, Hilo, the Kona Coast or Volcanoes National Park, you will need to refer to side 2 of Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii. But meanwhile, the following paragraphs are taken from the map. These are the words of the sites that are shown on the map itself:
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK Encompassing 333,000 acres from sea level to the 13,679-foot summit of Mauna Loa, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park has the world's largest and most active volcanoes. Kilauea is an erupting volcano with glowing molten lava flowing to the sea, where steam has exploded out of the crashing waves continuously since 1983. The grayish shading on side 1 of this map shows the extent of lava flows from Mauna Loa and Kiluaea over the last 200 years, and the yellow and orange shadings on the Kilauea detail on side 2 indicate the eruptions of just the last few years. You can drive through the park and get a glimpse of the fresh, black lava fields, fuming steam, scenic crater vistas, and short hikes. However, it really takes days to explore the park well. Seeing a real lava flow may be a hike of several hours, safe conditions permitting. The shortest, easiest and safest exploration begins at the Kilauea Visitor Center at Park Headquarters. Then tour the Volcano Art Center & Museum, the Hawaiian Volcano Observatrory, the Jaggar Museum, and the world famous Volcano House. Refer to details of Kilauea Volcano with its trails and sights on side 2 of this map.
BLACK SANDS BEACH Next to the fine volcanic sand at Black Sands Beach (Punalu'u Beach Park), there are tall, graceful coconut palms, a freshwater estuary, and hawksbill turtles grazing on the algae along the offshore rocks. This protected habitat for the hawksbill turtles is also a snorkeling and scuba diving spot full of colorful corals and reef fish. Surfing is good on summer's south swells, but the current can be very strong. Don't join the food chain!
MAUNA LOA TRAIL Extremely challenging 7.5-mile hike from the lookout to a cabin at Red Hill, 10,035 feet high, and then 12 miles more to the primitive Mauna Loa summit cabin, where the sub-arctic climate can make you freeze, and snowy whiteouts happen all year. The round trip is a 4-day ordeal with registration at the visitor center required.
The trail begins where Mauna Loa Road ends. (808) 985-6000.
POHO'IKI BAY For all divers, from beginner to advanced, as well as for snorkelers, this is the best shore dive on this side of the Big Island. It boasts an incredible variety of
fish and invertebrates, plus both green and hawksbill sea turtles. It is also a favorite surf spot for the locals, especially when summer south swells kick up.
LAVA TREES In 1790 a lava flow rolled through the forest here leaving some strange tree molds.
ONIZUKA CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL ASTRONOMY Mid-level observatory and Visitor Information Station is located at El. 9200' (2803m)
SKI HAWAII By organizing rides to the summit, Big Island skiers and snowboarders
enjoy four to six feet of "pineapple powder" sporadically from Dec. to May. The view is
unbelievable!
LAUPAHOEHOE POINT BEACH PARK A 1946 tidal wave took the lives of 20 kids and 4 teachers here. It is now a beautiful memorial park.
OBSERVATORIES 11 nations have super telescopes to peer into space on Mauna Kea. The world's largest is the Keck Telescope. Also at the 13,796 ft. (4205 m) summit is the “Cairn of Rocks” footpath from which you have a 360 degree view. At 13,200 ft. you may hike 1/2 mile off the road to Lake Waiau, one of the world's highest lakes. The altitude makes Mauna Kea's summit approximately 42 degrees F (23C) cooler than sea level. It freezes at night, and often snows. This area is remote, rugged and dangerous for novice hikers. For a tour call Mauna Kea Summit Adventures. (808) 322-2366
THE HAMAKUA COAST The sugar industry history here dates from the late 1880's. For a Hilo to Hamakua Heritage Coast Drive Guide, call (808) 966-5416
WAIPI'O VALLEY Was once a valley of Hawaiian kings. The mouth of the valley is a black sand bay. The valley sweeps 6 miles inland between near-vertical cliffs. Enjoy the incredible view of this lush, sacred valley from the Waipio Valley Lookout at the end of a road beginning in Honoka'a. Once the home of thousands, now only a few dozen inhabitants tend their gardens, fish the bay and live in the old Hawaiian way. You can hike in, or call the Waipio Valley Shuttle at (808) 775-7121 for a 4-wheel drive tour, take the Waipio Valley Wagon Tour (808) 775-0958, a mule-drawn surrey, or ride horseback to Waipio waterfalls with Waipi'o Ridge Stables, LLC. (808) 775-1007.
WAIMANU VALLEY'S MULIWAI TRAIL This is a backpacking adventure into a huge, hidden valley, which could be mistaken for Eden, were it not for the mosquitoes. If it is raining, forget it, because of flash flooding. Permission and campsites are managed by the Division of Forestry and Wildlife. (808) 974-4221
KOHALA MOUNTAIN SAFARI The same Hawi company that does the Flumin' Da Ditch tours will also take you on a trip into remote, wild Kohala in a Hummer. (808) 889-6922
FLUMIN' DA DITCH North Kohala has irrigation ditches from the sugar cane industry days upon which you can take a tame float on an inflatable kayak. (808) 889-6922
POLOLU VALLEY LOOKOUT Jaw-dropping, spectacular viewpoint at the end of the road past Hawi.
BIRD WATCHING Although Hawaii is the endangered bird capital of the world there are extraordinary birding opportunities on The Big Island, including Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and Mauna Kea's Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge, the first such refuge for forest bird management, plus the Hilo Ponds by the airport.
KOHALA COFFEE MILL & TROPICAL DREAMS ICE CREAM First rate ice cream (like Tahitian vanilla), 100% Kona coffee, plus macadamia-nut tortes, lilikoi bars, Hawaiian honey and Hawaiian gifts are for sale. It is all good! In Hawi, off Hwy. 270.
ATV TOURS Take a ride to some of Hawaii's out-of-the-way places, from mountains to sea. For North Kohala tours contact either Kuku'i ATV and Adventures at (808) 775-1701, or ATV Outfitters Kohala at (808) 889-6000. Cowboys of Hawaii at Parker Ranch will take you out onto the range on motorized ATVs, or on hooved ATVs. (808) 885-6755
PARKER RANCH Once the world's largest cattle ranch, is where the paniolo (cowboy) tradition began in 1809. Enjoy the Parker Ranch Museum and Visitor Center, ATV and equestrian tours, plus big game hunting excursions on the open range of the vast Parker Ranch. (808)885-7311
PU'UKOHOLA HEIAU This sacred temple was built by King Kamehameha I in 1791, after a priest predicted the king would unify the islands. The phophecy was finally fulfilled in 1810. Pu'ukohola means "whale hill". This is a National Historic Site with a visitors center. (808) 882-7218
HAPUNA BEACH Locals and tourists alike regard this as the best beach on the Big Island. It offers great swimming, superb bodyboarding when the surf is up,
and spectacular sunsets. Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area has parking and facilities.
MAUNA LOA'S MOST SPECTACULAR ERUPTION The 1950 eruption of Mauna Loa's
Southwest Rift blasted lava out of a 12-mile long fissure all at once. The lava roared to
the sea in just 4 hours. This is the most powerful eruption ever witnessed on Hawaii. Mauna Loa has been erupting and building for over 700,000 years, and it reached the ocean surface 400,000 years ago. It is by far the world's biggest mountain, rising 32,000 feet from the sea floor.
MILOLI'I BAY Great diving to 65' depth (20m). Tide pools to explore, plus wharf or sand and rubble beach entry for great snorkeling over shallow pahoehoe lava. Small coral outcropping are full of tropical fishes in this Marine Life Conservation District. Caution: Boat traffic, currents and surf.
BIG GAME FISHING The largest charter boat fishing fleet in Hawaii is located in Kailua-Kona at Honokohau Harbor. Hawaii's massive volcanoes block the northeast
tradewinds to provide year-round fishing in calm blue seas with deep ocean waters
located close to the shoreline. Fishing begins just moments after leaving the harbor.
Kona is the one place in the world where novice to expert anglers are most likely to
catch the fish of a lifetime. Exclusive or share boat charters are available for half-
day to full-day trips. The following charter boat operators will provide a safe high quality fishing experience:
Capt. Pete Hoogs or Capt. Teddy Hoogs on the 38-foot "Pamela" (808) 936-4970
Capt. Kevin Nakamaru on the 37-foot "Northern Lights" (808) 960-1549
Capt. Scott Fuller on the 50-foot "Tara" (808) 960-5000
Capt. Tim Hicks on the 39-foot "Illusions" (808) 960-7371
Capt. Gene Vanderhock on the 39 foot "Sea Genie II" (808) 325-5355
Capt. Jeff Fay on the 37-foot "Humdinger" (808) 936-3034
Capt. Marlin Parker on the 43-foot "Marlin Magic",
or the 54-foot "Marlin Magic II" (808) 960-1713
Note: You may be calling the skipper at sea on a cell phone. If the boat is hooked up
he will call you back.
BIG GAME HUNTING The Big Island has some of the best big game hunting grounds
in the world. To hunt for Hawaiian boar, goats and sheep or for the 14 game birds
found on the 175,000 acre Parker Ranch from sea level to 8000 feet, contact Patrick
Fisher of Parker Ranch Hunt Club at cell (808) 960-4148. For world record class Kona
turkey, pheasant or quail, plus goat, pig or sheep, contact big game hunter Eugene Yap
at South Point Safari (808) 322-3201. A certificate of completion of a Hunter Safety
Course, and a Hawaii hunting license is required. Dogs, vehicles and firearms are provided.
HAWAII DIVING There are famous dive sites with boat moorings, as well as beautiful
shore entries for scuba and snorkeling all along the Kona, Kohala and Kawaihae Coasts. The leeward side of the Big Island has great diving all year. Hawaii has fabulous, colorful rocky reefs full of corals and over 400 species of fish. Over 100 of these species are endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, and some occur only in Big Island waters. The visibility is usually excellent, and the water is generally warm enough all year for only a light wetsuit. There are many dive operators to take you diving. One of the best scuba diving experiences in the world is night diving to see manta rays on the Kona Coast. There is also good diving on the Hilo, or windward side of Hawaii. There a diver can find dozens of green sea turtles and a myriad of fish in relatively untouched reefs. Highlights of the Big Island's extraordinary dive sites are shown on this map. However, details of all of the Big Island's great diving and snorkeling locations can be found on Franko's Dive Map of Hawaii.
SNORKELING / SAILING TRIPS Most visitors to Hawaii do not leave the island before seeing the underwater world. Aa great example would be taking a snorkeling trip to the Marine Life Preserve at Kealakekua Bay. Mornings are usually better as the trade winds pick up all day. Tour operators and dive shops take snorkeling groups to the bay and other spots via catamaran, zodiac, and power boats. See a dive shop or activity center to sign up.
GUIDED NATURE ADVENTURES Hawaii Forest & Trail has eight different Nature Adventures to remote and pristine natural areas. They include Kohala mule trail rides, Mauna Kea summit & star watching, Kilauea volcano hikes, birdwatching, and spectacular waterfall hikes. (800) 464-1993 or (808) 331-8505 Hawaiian Walkways has guided hiking tours to amazing places that include Waipi'o waterfalls, Kilauea Volcano, Saddle Road and their Kona Cloud Forest Botanical Walk. (808) 775-0372
OCEAN KAYAKING Almost anyone can get into an ocean kayak and enjoy a paddle on The Big Island's leeward side. Kayaks can be rented at Kailua or Kealakekua, or in front of the King Kamehameha Kona Beach Hotel. A beautiful eight-mile intermediate paddle goes from Honokohau Harbor to Kekaha Kai Beach Park. Hilo Bay is also a great place to paddle. Serious paddlers enjoy the challenge of the Hamakua Coast on the windward side of Hawaii.
WINDSURFING Anaehoomalu Bay (“A-Bay”) on the Kohala Coast has a trade wind which curls around the island and blows you toward shore, rather than taking you out to sea. This is ideal for learning to windsurf. Ocean Sports at the Marriott Waikoloa Beach Hotel will get you started. (808) 885-5555 Experienced windsurfers can go to Hilo Bay and Puako.
WHALE WATCHING In Hawaii, the best whale watching is from December through April, when the migrating humpback whales spend their time frolicking and rearing calves in Hawaiian waters. However, from Kona you can go whale watching at any time with Captain Dan McSweeny's Year-Round Whale Watching Adventures. Captain Dan finds pilot, sperm, false killer, melon-headed, pygmy killer, and beaked whales, plus spinner dolphins. Departures from Honokohau Harbor. (808) 322-0028 www.ilovewhales.com
BIG ISLAND MOUNTAIN BIKING According to the Big Island Mountain Biking Association in Hilo (www.interpac.net/~mtbike), Hawaii has world-class mountain biking, and that alone is worth a trip to the Big Island. Several bike shops rent bikes. Good rides include:
Volcanoes Ride only on paved roads within the National Park. No offroading allowed!
Kilohana Trail Begins between mile markers 44 and 45 on the Saddle Road and ascends 6.6 miles to a lookout point at 7446 feet, where the view is endless.
Kulani Trails Eucalyptus and fern grove at the Waiakea Arboretum south of Hilo.
Mana Road From the Mauna Kea access road, you can ride around Mauna Kea and down to Waimea, on 45 miles of mostly downhill dirt road.
Old Puna Trail (Beach Road) Ride 5 miles along 1830's coastal Beach Road from Kaloli Point to Haena Beach. Nene's nest at Haena, and Monk Seals sometimes haul out.
Pine Trees Just south of the Kona Airport.
Walua Road 3-mile paved trail south of Kailua-Kona with ocean views.
HORSEBACK RIDING and PANIOLO ADVENTURES TOURS The Big Island has a long equestrian history with its vast ranchland. The horses live in paradise! Visitors can enjoy being cowboys and ride with the Paniolos in the Waimea countryside at:
Parker Ranch, The Cowboys of Hawaii will give you a ride back in time on the largest ranch in Hawaii (808) 885-7311
Paniolo Adventures (808) 889-5354, Ride the rolling green patures of North Kohala.
Kahua Ranch (808) 882-4646, An evening of paniolo “talk story” and barbeque dinner, music, dancing, roping, stargazing and more, plus ATV tours.
Kohala Na'alapa Stables (808) 889-0022, Ride Kahua Ranch land in fabulous North Kohala..
Waipio Na'alapa Trail Rides Two hours of gorgeous tropical valley scenery with guides well versed in Hawaiian history. (808) 775-0419
DaHana Ranch (808) 885-0057 Open range rides on American quarterhorses. Four rides daily, seven days per week.
King's Trail Rides, Tack & Gift Shop 4-hour trips, with an hour of snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay at the Captain Cook Monument. (808) 323-2388
BIG ISLAND HIKING Hiking opportunities, as well as CAMPING on Hawaii are numerous. For Hawaii Volcanoes National Park contact (808) 985-6000, and refer to the Kilauea Detail on side 2 of this map. For information on Pu'uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park, contact (808) 328-2288. For permits & information from the State Division of Forestry and Wildlife, call (808) 947-4221. Or call the Sierra Club at (808) 959-0452.
BIG ISLAND GOLF COURSES AVAILABLE FOR VISITORS TO PLAY
WITH TEE TIME NUMBERS:
Big Island Country Club Mamalahoa Hwy., Kailua-Kona (808) 325-5044
Discovery Harbour Golf & Country Club Naalehu (808) 929-7353
Francis H. Brown Golf Courses Mauna Lani Resort, Kohala Coast (808) 885-6655
North Course & South Course
Hamakua Golf Course (9 holes) Honokoa (808) 775-7244
Hapuna Golf Course Mauna Kea Resort, Kohala Coast (808) 880-3000
Hilo Municipal Golf Course Haihai St., Hilo (808) 959-9601
Kona Country Club Kailua-Kona (808) 322-2595
Ocean Course & Mountain Course
Makalei Hawaii Country Club Hawaii Belt Dr., Kailua-Kona (808) 325-6625
Mauna Kea Golf Course Mauna Kea Beach Dr., Kohala Coast (808) 880-5400
Naniloa Country Club (9 holes) Hilo (808) 935-3000
Seamountain Golf Course Punaluu (808) 928-6222
Volcano Golf & Country Club Volcanoes National Park (808) 967-7331
Waikoloa Resort Courses Waikoloa Resort, Waikoloa
Beach Course (808) 886-6060 King's Course (808) 886-4647
Waimea Country Club Kamuela (808) 885-8053
Waikoloa Village Golf Club Melia St., Waikoloa (808) 883-9621
SIDE TWO of Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii
Side two of Franko's Map of Hawaii, the Big Island shows close-ups of Kona & Kohala Coast, including a zoom-in on Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park (otherwise known as “City of Refuge”); Kailua-Kona to Keauhou, plus Kailua Kona Town; the Hilo Area plus downtown Hilo; and Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Starting with the left side of the map and working around the details, the following words appear on the face of Franko's Guide Map of Hawaii.
KONA & KOHALA COAST
As can be seen on side one of Franko's Map of Hawaii, the Big Island, the western coast of the Big Island is called the Kona Coast, and the Kohala Coast is to the north of the Kona Coast. Many things to see and do are detailed along these coasts one side two.
TWILIGHT AT KALAHUIPUA'A At 5:30pm on every Saturday before the full moon at the Mauna Lani Resort, the family-style Hawaiian culture of a previous era is celebrated with song, dance and “talk story”. (808) 885-6622
ANCIENT HAWAIIAN FISH PONDS Polynesian aquaculturists built shoreline ponds to harvest fish. Excellent examples are at the Marriott Waikoloa Hotel.
DOLPHIN ENCOUNTER Dolphins are everywhere in Hawaiian waters. An up-close encounter can be enjoyed at Dolphin Quest (808) 886-2875, a marine research and education center at the Hilton Waikoloa Village.
KOHALA COAST PETROGLYPHS Hawaii's petroglyphs are messages from antiquity. They appear at 135 sites on six islands, but most are on the Big Island. The 233-acre
Puako Petroglyph Archaeological District, above the Mauna Lani Resort, has the largest concentration of these stone etchings. Along the 1.5-mile Malama Trail you'll find 3000 designs, including dogs, turtles, chickens, families, paddlers, marchers and dancers. The King's Shop at the Waikoloa Beach Resort, gives a free petroglyphs tour. (808) 886-8811 At the Kona Village Resort visitors, including those in wheelchairs, can explore the Kaupulehu Petroglyphs, and have a guided tour to the finest images in Hawaii. (808) 325-5555. Please, do not touch!
KOHALA COAST GRAFFITI (shown with photograph) Visitors use sun-bleached white
coral to create messages that reflect the "Aloha Spirit" on the black lava along the roadside north of the airport.
CIRCLE ISLAND TOUR All-day guided tours in luxury motorcoaches and mini buses are available in both English and Japanese. Contact Jack's Tours (808) 961-6666.
OCEAN SPORTS ADVENTURES Catamaran tours, snorkeling adventures, whale watching, kayak excursions, scuba dive trips and sunset sails are available. Contact a local activity center or any ocean sports center or dive shop for reservations.
ATLANTIS SUBMARINE TOUR (shown with photograph) View coral reefs and marine life aboard a real submarine that descends to a depth of 100 feet (30m) right in Kailua Bay. For reservations call (808) 329-6626.
ELLISON S. ONIZUKA SPACE CENTER This museum at Kona International Airport is named for the Hawaii-born astronaut who perished with 6 others aboard the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984.
NATURAL ENERGY LAB The Hawaii Ocean Science & Technology Center utilizes Ocean
Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) to generate electricity and fresh water from the sea. Franko worked on the original OTEC project here in 1980.
MANTA RAYS NIGHT DIVE This is one of the best diving experiences in the world. Kona Coast divers shine bright underwater flashlights, which attract plankton which in turn attracts giant manta rays, weighing up to half-a-ton with a 14' wing span. However, they are gentle and graceful, and a thrill to watch. Contact a scuba shop or activity center to find out if the manta rays are around.
KOLOKO-HONOKOHAU PARK This National Historical Park has ancient shelters, heiaus, petroglyphs, a fishpond, burial grounds and a spring-fed pool, and covers 1200 acres. (808) 329-6881
HULIHE'E PALACE The Daughters of Hawaii invite you to a historical Hawaiian palace. This former summer retreat for island royalty is now is home to the personal possessions of Hawaiian monarchs. It was built in 1838 and remodeled in the 1890's by King Kalakaua.
KAILUA-KONA LUAUS:
Island Breeze Luau A popular Big Island luau is on the historical Ahu Ena Heiau grounds at Kamakahonu Bay. The "Royal Court" arrives by canoe. Performances include a Fireknife Dance. (808) 326-4969
Kona Village Luau The ceremony begins with the unearthing of the pig after cooking all day in the heated rocks of an underground imu. The Polynesian buffet and a cultural revue are in the Hale Ho'okipa Place - a Polynesian village. (808) 325-5555.
Drums Of Polynesia Fast-paced musical journey through Polynesia and her islands. Includes lei greetings, Imu ceremony, and a huge Polynesian buffet in an oceanfront location, where the sunsets are amazing. (800) 919-8333
MAGIC SANDS Kona's best bodyboarding is at White Sands Beach, the site of the annual Magic Sands Bodysurfing Contest. Find good surfing at "The Banyan" just north of the beach, where the ancient Hawaiians surfed.
BIG GAME FISHING Internationally known as the “Marlin Capital of the World”, the Kona Coast has big game fishing at its finest. Here you can catch Pacific blue, black and striped marlin, tuna, mahimahi, sailfish, swordfish, ono (wahoo), ulua (giant trevally), barracuda and kahala (amberjack). Anglers sometimes catch “granders”, a marlin that weighs over 1000 pounds! On Kailua-Kona's Waterfront Row there is a fisherman's “Wall of Fame” with photos honoring anglers who've hauled in some of the largest fish in the world.
KONA COFFEE Hawaii is the only state in the U.S.A. that commercially grows coffee. Coffee lovers claim that there is nothing quite like freshly roasted 100% Kona Coffee. Tour the Kona Coffee Belt along Hwy. 180 and Hwy. 11 between Holualoa and Honaunau. Coffee makes a wonderful souvenir from your Big Island visit.
KEALAKEKUA BAY UNDERWATER PARK This is one of the favorite spots to visit on the Island of Hawaii. Kealakekua Bay is a common site for boatlaods of tourists to swim and snorkel in pristine waters. Kayakers enter the bay at the Old Wharf on the south side and paddle to the Captain Cook Monument at the north end of the bay. There they park their kayaks and hike, swim and snorkel. This monument commemorates the site where Capt. Cook was killed by Hawaiians in 1779. The entire bay provides good snorkeling for visitors of all ages.
PLACE OF REFUGE Historically, Pu'uhonua o Honaunau was a place of refuge for defeated warriors or people accused of breaking a Kapu (Hawaiian law). It is one of The Big Island's favorite visitor sites. It is a wonderful spot for a picnic and to reflect on Hawaii's history. When visiting, please do so with respect, because this extraordinary site is sacred.
HONAUNAU BAY Right next to Place of Refuge is Hawaii's most diverse, accessible, and excellent shore dive site. The array of fish is just astounding! Snorkelers and scuba divers enter the water on a convenient lava rock feature called "Two Step". Dolphins are common in the morning, and turtles are there all of the time.
KAILUA-KONA to KEAUHOU
This map on side two of Franko's Map of Hawaii, the Big Island shows a close-up of the area between Kailua Kona and Keauhou, and another inset shows a close-up of Kailua-Kona Town.
KAILUA-KONA TOWN This is not only the major tourist center for the Big Island, with the Kona Airport just up the highway, but it is also the major cruise ship destination. People love Kailua-Kona because it is blessed with warm and dry weather, thanks to towering volcanoes holding back the moisture-laden tradewinds. Kailua-Kona has great shopping, wonderful luaus, restaurants, world-class resorts, hotels, plus Hawaiian history and culture. Numerous tours and activities are based here, and the town is a good point from which to explore and experience Hawaii, The Big Island.
HILO AREA
This map on side two of Franko's Map of Hawaii, the Big Island shows a close-up of the area around the city of Hilo, and another inset shows a close-up of downtown Hilo.
HILO Hawaii's second largest city is said to be "The Soul of the Big Island." Hilo is a major cruiseship port of entry, and boasts an international airport. There are great hotels, shopping and restaurants on Banyan Drive fronting Hilo Bay. Tall mountains and tradewinds create lush, green tropical rainforest weather, also making Hilo the rainiest city in the United States. Hilo's paradise has historically been interrupted by natural disasters including tsunamis, volcanic earthquakes, and near-miss lava flows.
ONOMEA SCENIC DRIVE Four miles of the “old road” shows you lovely Onomea Bay, and some of Hawaii's most lush valleys.
HAWAII TROPICAL BOTANICAL GARDEN If you've visited Eden you would have an idea of how beautiful this garden is. Between the crashing surf and the thundering waterfalls, these 40 acres have the world's largest collection of tropical plants.
LELEIWI BEACH Hilo's best shore dive has six lava arches, large coral heads, green sea turtles and dolphins. Good for snorkeling or scuba.
MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA NUT ORCHARD & FACTORY Visitor Center - Home of the original Hawaiian Macadamia Nuts. Free admission and samples.
PANAEWA RAINFOREST ZOO The only outdoor rainforest zoo in the U.S.A., featuring rainforest creatures from around the world.
IMILOA ASTRONOMY CENTER OF HAWAII Extraordinary,modern new planetarium for visitors and locals to enjoy one of The Big Island's greatest assets - a look at our Universe. Hawaii boasts the world's greatest astronomical observatories. This center brings the view and a wealth of knowledge right to you.
LYMAN MISSION HOUSE & MUSEUM Missionaries from New England came in 1832 and built this house in 1839. It is the oldest wooden house on the Big Island. Upstairs is the Island Heritage Gallery. Next door is the Earth Heritage Gallery with its mineral
collection. The Lyman Museum is located at 276 Halai St. (808) 935-5021
RAINBOW FALLS This 80 ft. (24m) falls spills into a natural pool surrounded with wild ginger. Morning sunshine makes beautiful rainbows in the mist. Legend is that Hina, the mother of Maui, lives in the cave behind the falls. Upstream is BOILING POTS, which
are bubbling rapids as the river races toward the falls.
AKAKA FALLS One of Hawaii's most scenic waterfalls is seen via an easy paved path through the rain forest and down to an observation point. The view of the 442 ft. (135m) Akaka Falls is gorgeous, especially after a heavy rain. Nearby Kahuna Falls cascades 400' (124m), but it is a more difficult walk with many stair steps.
BANYAN DRIVE Huge banyans thrive in Hilo's rain. Planted in the 1930's by celebrities, such as Amelia Earhart & Babe Ruth.
LILIUOKALANI GARDENS The largest formal Japanese garden outside of Tokyo has bonsai, carp ponds, and pagodas. Coconut Island has a palm that measures recent tsunamis.
NAHA STONE 14 year-old King Kamehameha moved this 2.5-ton stone, and later fulfilled the destiny of he who moved the stone as the one to conquer and
unite the Hawaiian Islands.
PACIFIC TSUNAMI MUSEUM Experience Hawaiian hospitality as docents take you thru exhibits with dramatic pictures, videos and amazing survivor accounts of Hawaii's devastating tsunamis. 130 Kamehameha Ave. (808) 935-0926
HILO FARMERS MARKET This is the best farmers market in Hawaii, right downtown on Wed. and Sat. only!
KILAUEA VOLCANO, HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
This map on side two of Franko's Map of Hawaii, the Big Island shows a close-up of Kilauea Volcano in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The artwork on this detail is rather stunning! Not only is there green shaded relief showing the downslope of the volcano as it extends to the ocean, but the undersea itself has blue shaded relief, indicating the lava shelf and undersea cliffs as they actually are. The most recent few years of lava flows are shown in ever hotter colors (reds, yellows and oranges) accurately showing the flow of lava down the flank of Kilauea from the Pu'u O'o vent, which has spewed out lava continuously since 1983. This extraordinary detail of Kilauea as depicted by yours truly (Franko) is a work of scientific art. Having personally explored Kilauea Volcano at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and having gathered every kind of information about Kilauea, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and so forth, I can attest that this is easily the coolest representation I've ever seen of this park, and maybe any National Park. I love it! Thank goodness for super cool computer technology to help me “paint” my maps! Last February I and my wife ventured to the very end of Chain of Craters Road. After a considerable hike at sunset, from a distance we were able to watch the lava flow down the huge slope, glowing brilliantly in the dark. Wow! Before dark the huge steam plume could be seen billowing into the humid atmosphere. Across the sky at cloud level a long plume of volcanic smog, or “VOG” extended from Pu'u O'o across the lava fields toward the sea. In had heard that this plume represented some 2000 tons of sulfur dioxide and other noxious gasses every single day. Now I understood what the distant colorful sky that I have sometimes seen while on the island of Oahu must have been. I thought
I was in L.A. smog, but instead it was Kilauea VOG! This map detail is a summary of what is in and around Volcanoes National Park, particularly around the Kilauea Caldera. The details are as follows:
HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK, HOME OF PELE Since ancient times Kilauea has been revered as the home of Pele, the sacred fire goddess who is the living deity of
Hawaii's volcanoes. Pele controls the limitless powers of creation with her molten strength and unearthly beauty. Since 1983 Pele has continuously created new land, pouring lava from Kilauea's Pu'u O'o vent, which has formed more than one square mile of new land along the shore. Visitors often witness lava flowing down toward the sea from the vantage at the end of Chain Of Craters Road. At times the view is close, at other times it is from afar. The view just after sunset may be spectacular as the lava glows brilliantly. Steam explodes from the sea where the molten lava hits the crashing waves. In the Kilauea Caldera steam rises and sometimes sputters out of hundreds of vents in a still-cooling lava field. The sights and sounds are awesome.
HAWAIIAN AIR POLLUTION Volcanic Smog, or "VOG", is formed by gasses spewing out of Kilauea's Pu'u O'o vent. 2000 tons of sulfur dioxide and other noxious fumes rise into the atmosphere every day. Hawaii's trade winds diminish the effect, but the absence of typical trades sometimes makes VOG a health hazard, even on the lovely Kona Coast. The steam plume rising at the sea cliffs where lava pours into the ocean is also laden with hazardous gasses, referred to as "LAZE". When ever the winds take the VOG or LAZE over vegetated areas the rains become acidic and damage plants.
PRE-1983 SHORELINE Hawaii's new land is prone to catastrophic collapse down the sea cliff and into the ocean depths. Observe all warning signs. Lives have been lost!
LAVA FLOW Kilauea's dynamic lava flow has covered thousands of acres of lush landscape and neighborhoods, and has added over 1000 acres of new land to the Big Island since 1983. For eruption information call (808) 985-6000 or see http:\\hvo.wr.usgs.gov
CAMPING The Park has first-come-first-served, free drive-in campgrounds at Namakani Paio and Kulanaokuaiki. Primitive hike-in campgrounds are shown on the map. Water must be carried with you or treated.
KA'U DESERT This area appears to be a desert even though it receives substantial rainfall. However, fuming gasses from Kilauea Caldera cause the rain to become acidic and thus lethal to plant life.
HALEMA'UMA'U TRAIL Moderate 3.5-mile hike from the Visitor Center, 500 feet down into the Kilauea Crater, and across to the other-worldly Halema'uma'u Overlook. The Overlook is more easily approached from the parking turnout on Crater Rim Drive.
DEVASTATION TRAIL 1/2 mile path where the forest was destroyed by the volcano in 1959. The earth is scorched and the trees are torched.
THURSTON (NAHAKU) LAVA TUBE Short hike through a lava tube in the middle of a lush fern forest. It is usually cool and damp here.
KILAUEA IKI TRAIL Moderate 4-mile trail from the Kilauea Volcano Visitor Center, down through fern forests into the fuming Kilauea Iki Crater, and then across the
crater floor, where a 1959 eruption blasted lava 1900 feet into the air for 36 days.
VOLCANO VILLAGE In the cool rainforest near the park entry is an artists' colony with numerous bed-and-breakfast cottages, including the famous Volcano House. Reservations: (808) 967-7321
AKATSUKA ORCHID GARDENS Has one of the largest orchid collections in Hawaii. Free self-guided tours reveal rare orchids as well as common species from around the world. New orchid varieties are created with cross pollination. Agriculturally inspected orchid plants and flowers can be shipped home. (808) 967-8234
MAUNA LOA LOOKOUT Spectacular view and picnic at 6662' (2031m) elevation
SCENIC DRIVES WITHIN HAWAII VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Circle Rim Drive - 11 mi (17.6 km) loop with 400' (122m) elev. change.
Hilina Pali Overlook - 18 mi (29 km) round trip with 1400' (427m) elev. change.
Summit to Sea - 40 mi (65 km) round trip with 3700' (1127m) elev. change on Chain of
Craters Road.
Mauna Loa Road - 27 mi (43 km) round trip climbs 2600' (792m) up volcano.
