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The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii |
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10Best Great Views |
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Pololu Valley Lookout |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Hwy 270 Mile Marker 28 96719
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Distance:
~8.68 mi * |
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Description:
KOHALA COAST. Make it to the end of scenic Highway 270 and experience the majesty of the Big Island's dramatic Kohala coastline. High above waves that crash onto jagged rocks are several lookout areas that offer sweeping vistas of verdant cliffs and sliver-like waterfalls cascading over them. Folks wanting a touch of adventure can make the strenuous hike down to the black-sand beach at the base of the cliffs. Have care, though: the waters are not good for swimming, and no lifeguards are on duty. |
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User Rating: 10
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Kailua Pier |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Ali`i Dr Honokohau Harbor, Kailua-Kona 96740
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Distance:
~24.98 mi * |
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Description:
KONA COAST. A great launching point for sightseeing and fishing excursions, this pier is always a-bustle. On one day, an excited crowd may gather to see the weigh-in for a lucky angler's enormous marlin. On another, folks may witness the frenzy that takes place as more than 1500 world-class competitors await the sounding of the gun for the first leg of the Ironman Triathlon. Of course, there's much more to do. Fishing tackle can be rented by landlubbers wary of getting too far from terra firma. Plus, sunsets are nothing short of spectacular – rumor has it that the end of the pier has heard more than its share of marriage proposals. |
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Laupahoehoe Beach Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Laupahoehoe Point off Hwy 19 N, Laupahoehoe 96764
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Distance:
~39.67 mi * |
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Description:
LAUPAHOEHOE. Easily offering one of the best vistas on the island, this leaf-like peninsula extends far into the Pacific. In the mid-'40s, tragedy struck the village located here when a tsunami swept across the peninsula and claimed the lives of 24 people. A memorial in the park remembers that dreadful incident. Today, Laupahoehoe Point is a terrific place to spend the afternoon, whether your aim is to explore surrounding waterfalls or do some fishing. (Have care: the undertow can be deadly during winter months.) Camping is permitted at the park, and facilities include a pavilion area, restrooms, showers, and camping sites with drinking water and electrical outlets. |
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'Akaka Falls State Park |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Akaka Falls Rd off Hwy 19, Honomu 96728 • 808-974-6200
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Distance:
~48.50 mi * |
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Description:
HAMAKUA COAST. This state park, hidden away in a dense forested area just northwest of Hilo, features two of the Big Island's most majestic scenes: Kahuna Falls and 'Akaka Falls. The former, easily the smaller of the two, cascades over a tree-lined cliff into the canopy below. Meanwhile, the latter tumbles more than 440 feet into a lush gorge, creating a spectacular scene that's been photographed countless times over the years. The trail leading to the waterfalls is moderately strenuous, and the entire walk takes less than an hour. |
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Rainbow Falls |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Rainbow Dr off W Waianuenue Ave, Hilo 96720
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Distance:
~51.29 mi * |
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Description:
HILO. Just a short drive outside of downtown Hilo, the Wailuku River penetrates dense tropical undergrowth and cascades more than 80 feet into a picturesque gorge. The emerald green pool at the base of the falls used to be a popular swimming hole, especially with daredevils who wanted to explore the cave behind the falls; however, that's now against the law. Instead, visitors must make their way down the slick, stone walkway to the overlook, from which they have a terrific vantage point of this magnificent scene. |
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Banyan Drive |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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93 Banyan Dr Hawai'i Naniloa Resort, Hilo 96720
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Distance:
~53.88 mi * |
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Description:
HILO. Scenic Banyan Drive, which loops around Hilo Bay's Waiakea Peninsula, is named for the 50-plus trees that line it. The ground roots of these eerie hardwood trees extend like gothic snakes across the sand, and long, spindly aerial roots dangle from overhead, giving the banyans a cage-like appearance. The trees were planted by celebrities like Amelia Earhart, F.D.R., and Fannie Hurst, and most of them date to the 1930s. |
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Waipi'o Valley |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Hwy 240, Waipio 96782
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Distance:
~167.53 mi * |
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Description:
WAIPIO. The Big Island version of the Valley of the Kings, Waipi'o has long maintained a special place in the hearts of locals. Steeped in legend, the deep, narrow valley stretches some 5-plus miles, flanked on either side by towering rock walls. The valley floor is a lush tapestry of tropical flora, and guava, red banana, and taro hide a multitude of natural treasures, like tranquil freshwater streams and waterfalls. Tourists are discouraged from taking cars into the valley. A good alternative, though, is Waipi'o Valley Shuttle (808-775-7121), which offers narrated, 4-wheel drive tours. Visitors not wanting to take the 90-minute trip can experience the valley's beauty from the overlook. |
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Kawaihae Harbor |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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N Kohala Mountain Rd, Kawaihae
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Description:
KOHALA COAST. Historically, Kawaihae Harbor is significant because from here King Kamehameha the Great and his followers set out to conquer other civilizations on the archipelago. Years later, ships dropped anchor with the first horses and cattle to set foot on the Big Island. In more recent times, the bay served as the setting for portions of Kevin Costner's film, Waterworld. Visitors may take in a stunning view of the bay from the Pu'ukohola Heiau National Historic Site, a structure built in the late 18th century to honor the god of war, Kuka'ilimoku. Towering Mauna Kea is visible from the bay on clear days. |
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Mauna Kea Summit & Onizuka Visitor Center |
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(Attractions & Activities - Great Views) |
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Mauna Kea Access Rd, Mauna Kea • 808-961-2180
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Description:
MAUNA KEA STATE RECREATION AREA. From the ocean floor to Mauna Kea's 14,000 foot summit, this majestic mountain is the world's tallest. Its elevation, combined with its relative isolation from air pollution, also makes it one of the world's foremost locations for stargazing, a fact not lost on astronomers. Indeed, 11 countries, including Japan, France, and scores of American universities, have set up ultra-modern telescopes to peer into the vastness of space. Be sure to stop by the Onizuka Visitor Center, which offers lecture series and nighttime stargazing programs. Dress warmly – at 9500 feet, temperatures tend to drop quickly at sundown, no matter what time of year it is. Most car rental companies prohibit customers from taking cars – even 4X4s – to the summit, so it's best to make alternate arrangements if that's your intention. And make sure to take a full tank of gas. |
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* All distances are
approximate "straight-line" distances.
See Directions for actual "travel distances."
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