Big Island return: 3/13-3/15

 

Papakolea Green Sand beach

3/13

Return to Kona. Well, sorta.

South Point (Ka Lae)

There is a spot where you can jump into this cave (hole) and then it brings you out to the ocean. There is a ladder to climb back up for those wondering.

Papakolea Beach (Green Sand Beach)

Perhaps, this is what South Point is famous for: The Green sand beach. One of four green sand beaches in the entire world located here in the Big Island of Hawaii. For those learning and tuning in for the first time on this beach, there are three ways to get here: First, you can park your car in the parking area and hike about 40mins to 1 hour here (return trip about the same). 2nd, you can pay a local $20 per person and you can share a ride in the back of their truck (4x4 capabilities) with a few others (I've seen as much as 10+ in one bed). This also includes return trip. They give you about an hour. 3rd and last, you bring your own 4x4 which my buddy David did. Some folks brought their jeeps which works wonders as well.

Do not attempt to drive past the parking lot. By doing so, you nullify your contract and your rental car company will not cover the damages. The road to Papakolea starts off very treacherous, and it smooth sails intermittently with some pretty scary areas every now and then. For hikers, just hug the coast line and you will be fine.

As for the beach, it was nice. It wasn't too green imo but my only regret is that I didn't take a dip in the water; I did put my feet in the water though. Save next time. 

Pizza time (Black Rock Pizza)

Pineapple Cider

Dessert: Swirl Tea

Yep, I drove nearly 30 mins for this. Most bubble tea dessert places are located in North Kona. 

3/14

Kealakekua Bay

The Monument 

This is the bay where Captain Cook frequented and died. Last time I was here there wasn't much trees by the black rocks. If you look across from the bay, you will see the monument placed near the area Captain cook died. In order to get there, you need to hike somewhere in the beginning of Napoopoo rd. Next time perhaps. 

Breakfast (The Coffee Shack)

Good food. You also get to see nice ocean views of the Kealakekua bay area. 

Kohala adventures (Town of Hawi)

One hr and a half drive to here. This is the original statue of Kamehameha. The others are located in Hilo and in Oahu. This is pretty much the North shore of Hawaii though much smaller than Oahu's. 

Pololu Valley lookout

You can hike down to the black sand beach but maybe a story waiting to be created in the near future.

Going to Waimea

Lots of livestock and scenic views going down the mountain. 

Waimea

Parker Ranch

Roughly another 30 min drive to here. This is a shopping complex. I ate at village burger but they no longer have the Wagyu burger. I ate the Big Island burger which was good and smooth but they need to take down the sign outside that still promotes their Wagyu. If possible, take down all the old menus online. 

Waimea Nature Park

Google photos showcased waterfalls and streams but it was bone dry. You see the canal and such but no flow was going on that day. It did start to rain but I doubt it was enough to start something. Still, it was good to burn off what I ate.

Mauna Lani (Waikoloa)

Holoholokai beach park

Came for the Petroglyphs but this beach was right in front of me so why not.

Puako Petroglyph park and 49 black sand beach

The Petroglyph in Puako is another hike. A short one about 20-30 mins if anything. It starts off with some artifacts but soon enough you will see yourself engaged in a brief hike. There are some rocks in between but you will reach the open, but hot area towards the end where the Petroglyph fields lie. 49 black sand beach is a few minute drive from here but located within the hotels but just ask the attendant for beach access. Not much of a black sand beach honestly. Maybe it faded overtime.

Dinner back in South Kona: Teshima's. 

Must have Japanese food if you are in this area. 

Transformers Special: Blaster in Papakolea and Kealakekua Bay

3/15

Breakfast at Kaya's Kawanui. 

Good Coffee and good Avocado toast.

The car that brought me places

Thank you David C. for the hospitality and thank you Danie for coming with us to the Green sand beach and dinner that day of 3/13. As you can see my base of operations was in Kona, but I barely did much in Kona. I was in the South one day and then North in another. I guess this calls for another visit soon. Big Island is just huge! Laters and thank you Jesus for a safe trip.