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Things to See and Do at the South End of the Big Island
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As you travel down Hwy 11 toward the southern most part of the Big Island, you will find an array of interesting geological wonders on this part of the island. It is at this end of the island that you will find Hawaii Volcanoes National Park as well. Plan to spend some time in this area exploring the various interesting spots in this area during your visit. You might want to take a picnic lunch to this area as there are not a lot of places to buy snacks or meals in this area. There are a few but they are not plentiful. We also suggest that you gas up before heading to south from Kailua-Kona as there is also a lack of service stations in this area as well. The areas is well worth the visit and we guarantee it will be like nothing you have ever seen before. Here are 5 sights and not to be missed things to do in the southern part of the Big Island |
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The southern part of the island is where the most unique types of sand beaches are found. Not only does the island have white, tan and grey sand beaches, it also has black and green sand beaches. By far, the most interesting of these natural phenomena are the green and black sand beaches. To see a green sand beach, take the turn-off between mile marker 70 and 69 that heads 12 miles to South point, the most southerly point in the United States. Spend a few minutes gazing at the ocean at this location. During the winter months, you may be lucky enough to spot a pod of whales playing in the warm tropical waters. If you have sturdy shoes and plenty of water, you can hike the 2 and one quarter miles down to the green sand beach, known as Papakolea, found in this area. |
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| Just past mile marker 56 is another interesting beach. This is an unusual and easily accessible black sand beach known as Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. It is also a good place to see sea turtles lounging on the warm sand beach. This is a good spot to enjoy a picnic lunch if you brought one. |
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| If you enjoy wines, be sure to stop by the Volcano Winery at mile marker 30 off of Hwy 11. You can enjoy the taste of several varieties of wine including the unique taste of Macadamia Nut Honey wine. While airport rules don’t allow you to take wine on-board the plane any more, the winery will be happy to ship your purchases directly to your home. |
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| Of course the highlight of any trip to the southern part of the island is a visit to Hawai’I Volcanoes National Park. The park is located 96 miles from Kailua-Kona and 30 miles south of Hilo. Extending over 333,000 acres, the park hosts over 2.5 million visitors each year. Admission to the park is $10 for a 7 day pass. The park contains an 11 mile Crater Rim drive (part now currently closed due to lava flow), the Kilauea summit caldera, the Jagger Museum, the Volcano House lodge and restaurant, a visitor center with knowledgeable guides and the not to be missed Thurston Lava tubes. Temperatures in the park, particularly during winter nights, can be biting so be sure to have sturdy shoes, long pants and a light jacket in summer months and a warm jacket in winter months. The park is not for people who have respiratory problems as the air contains noxious gasses and particles of ash that can worsen breathing problems. Remember too that this can be a dangerous and unpredictable area. Pay close attention to signs and the instructions of Park Rangers and do not venture into restricted areas. They are restricted for your own safety as volcanic land can be dangerous and unstable. Also, do not expect to see huge plumes of lava shooting dramatically into the air like you see on pictures. While that does rarely happen, most lava flows like a slow-moving, red amoeba. |
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| If you want to get the best view of the current lava flow, consider taking a boat ride or a helicopter ride. The best view of the current lava flowing into the sea can be seen from either from the water or from the air. Be warned as well that what you see even from these vantage points may be masked by huge plumes of steam generated by the hot lava hitting the cool waters of the ocean. Even so, the view from these vantage points may well be something you will remember for the rest of your life. |
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