120 Free Things to Do in

Free Things to Do on

1. LISTEN TO THE ROYAL HAWAIIAN BAND PERFORM Where: at Iolani Palace or at Kapiolani Park

2. RELAX HARBORSIDE AT ALOHA TOWER and listen to the island's most popular entertainers from the waterfront stage as boats, barges and cruise ships float past.

3. STOP BY ALA MOANA CENTER STATE ON SUNDAY to enjoy the keiki (children) hula show at 10 am.

4. TAKE UKULELE OR HULA LESSONS at the Royal Hawaiian Center

5. MARVEL AT THE CITY LIGHTS IN DECEMBER illuminating the sky from the financial district to downtown to celebrate the holidays. Then stop into Honolulu Hale to enjoy the display of Christmas trees. www.honolulucitylights.org

6. MEET HAWAII’S LOCAL FISHERMEN & CHEFS at the Honolulu fish auction at , where fresh catch is displayed and auctioned off to chefs and merchants. The auction begins at 5:30 pm. www.hawaiiseafood.org/auction

7. ENJOY 100s OF FESTIVALS AND EVENTS throughout the year that celebrate culture, community, music and art. Many are free and happen in Waikiki.

8. CHEER ON RUNNERS in the annual Honolulu Marathon, happening every December. www.honolulumarathon.org

9. WATCH LOCAL, NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ATHLETES COMPETE in dozens of sporting events throughout the year.

10. EXPERIENCE HAWAII'S MELTING POT OF CULTURES at any of the Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Portuguese and Korean festivals held throughout the year.

11. VIEW THE WORK OF LOCAL ARTISANS at the Art Mart along the fence of the Honolulu Zoo. www.artonthezoofence.com

12. ENJOY THE ARCHITECTURE of Honolulu's many spectacular churches: Kawaiaha‘o Church, St. Andrews Cathedral, Central Union Church, St. Clements and the Lutheran Church.

13. WATCH FREE FIREWORKS EVERY FRIDAY IN WAIKIKI on the beach near the Hilton Hawaiian Village starting at 7:45 pm.

14. VISIT THE HAWAII STATE ART MUSEUM (HISAM) one of the few state sponsored art museums in the country and view the finest collection of works from Hawaii's best artists. www.hawaiistateartmuseum.org

15. WALK THROUGH HONOLULU’S CHINATOWN for a fascinating look at noodle factories, herbal shops, produce markets and gift shops.

16. ATTEND ONE OF THE MANY ARTS AND CRAFT FAIRS held around Oahu.

17. WITNESS TORCH LIGHTING AND HULA on the beach of Waikiki near the Duke Kahanamoku statue at sunset every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Call for info: (808) 843-8002.

18. EXPLORE THE HISTORY OF WAIKIKI through old pictures and collectibles that line the grand staircase in the lobby of the Westin Moana Surfrider. www.moanasurfrider.com

19. TAKE A SCENIC DRIVE ON THE PALI HIGHWAY and stop at the Nuuanu Pali Lookout for stunning views of Windward Oahu. (Parking is $3).

20. VISIT THE USS ARIZONA MEMORIAL AT PEARL HARBOR a monument built to honor the men who died on the USS Arizona when Pearl Harbor was attacked on December 7, 1941.

21. HONOR SOLDIERS FROM THE SPANISH AMERICAN WAR TO VIETNAM at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. http://1.usa.gov/tVoOhN

22. WATCH HUMPBACK WHALES off Makapuu on Oahu’s south shore or Ka‘ena Point on the northwest side of the island. 10,000 whales migrate to Hawaii from November to May.

23. BODYBOARD AT A LOCAL FAVORITE SPOT in Waikiki called "The Wall" or at Waimanalo Beach on the windward side of the island.

24. HIKE TO MANOA FALLS beneath the canopy of the tropical rainforest.

25. DRIVE SCENICE INTERSTATE HIGHWAY 3 and count the waterfalls after a beautiful refreshing rain.

26. SIT UNDER A TREE AT and watch the ships and surfers go by or roll down the hill with childlike abandon. www.hcdaweb.org/kakaako

27. HIKE UP TO THE MAKAPUU LIGHTHOUSE passing Madame Pele's chair and following the dramatic cliff-lined coast.

28. HIKE THE MAUNAWILI TRAIL on the Pali trail.

29. WATCH THE FRIDAY NIGHT SAIL BOAT RACES from Magic Island at Ala Moana Beach Park

30. FEEL THE POWER OF WAIMEA BAY in the winter as you watch magnificent waves and in the summer as you swim in the calm, clear waters.

31. BUILD SAND CASTLES IN A FUN FAMILY COMPETITION or watch as the University of Hawaii at Manoa’s School of Architecture showcase their sand castle contest in February. www.arch.hawaii.edu

32. VIEW WORLD-CLASS SURFING COMPETITIONS during the winter months from November to January at Banzai Pipeline, Sunset Beach or Waimea Bay on the North Shore.

33. WATCH THE WINDSURFERS at Kailua Beach or Leahi (Diamond Head) lookout.

34. ENJOY VIEWS FROM MAGIC ISLAND of boats and outrigger canoes with Leahi (Diamond Head) and Waikiki as the backdrop.

35. FEEL THE SEA SPRAY FROM THE BLAST OF THE HALONA BLOWHOLE just around the bend from Sandy Beach.

36. TAKE A WALK ALONG THE BEACH at sunrise and see the ocean come to life with early morning surfers and swimmers.

37. SEE DAREDEVIL HANG GLIDERS at Makapuu Point.

38. KEEP YOUR EYES AND EARS OUT FOR HAWAII'S COLORFUL BIRDS in Kapiolani Park, Moanalua Gardens and other parks throughout the island of Oahu. www.honolulu.gov/parks

39. DRIVE INTO THE HEART OF MANOA VALLEY and hike along the trails of the Lyon Arboretum. www.hawaii.edu/lyonarboretum

40. HIKE ABOVE THE LEEWARD SIDE ALONG THE AIEA HEIGHTS LOOP TRAIL overlooking Pearl Harbor.

41. LEARN ABOUT THE DIFFERENT VARIETIES OF PINEAPPLE at the Pineapple Variety Garden in Dole Plantation located outside of Wahiawa.

42. VISIT THE FOUR WIZARD STONES ON WAIKIKI BEACH and learn about the legend behind them.

43. ROYAL HAWAIIAN CENTER ENTERTAINMENT at The Royal Grove, including Hawaiian music and hula.

44. VISIT THE HAWAII ARMY MUSEUM IN WAIKIKI and learn the military story of Hawaii, from ancient times to the Gulf War and the War in Iraq. www.hiarmymuseumsoc.org

45. SPEND A DAY AT OAHU’S FINEST BEACH, LANIKAI in Kailua town. Pristine sands and clear waters make this beach a favorite even for the turtles!

46. CHECK OUT THE BEACH AT TURTLE BAY RESORT and explore the rest of the North Shore while you’re there. www.turtlebayresort.com

47. SNACK ON DELICIOUS COOKIES AT HONOLULU COOKIE COMPANY with several locations in Waikiki and tons of free samples to try. www.honolulucookie.com

48. DRIVE ALONG ROUND TOP DRIVE & TANTALUS DRIVE and witness some of the most stunning views of Honolulu.

49. WALK THE GROUNDS OF IOLANI PALACE America’s only royal palace and stop by the Kamehameha Statue too.

50. DISCOVER BEAUTIFUL LAIE POINT on the North Shore for sweeping views of Oahu’s coast.

51. SEE TURTLES AT LANIAKEA BEACH on the North Shore. There’s almost always a green sea turtle basking in the sun or tumbling in the waves.

52. PEOPLE-WATCH AT ALA MOANA SHOPPING CENTER one of the world’s largest outdoors malls. www.alamoanacenter.com

53. VISIT THE HISTORIC WAIKIKI NATATORIUM and swim in the waters nearby. www.natatorium.org

54. RIDE THE HILO HATTIE TROLLEY and visit their retail shop, or stop at Aloha Tower or Ala Moana for free.

55. SHOP FOR BARGAINS AT THE ALOHA SWAP MEET at Aloha Stadium. Admission is only $1.00 and you’ll save big on souvenirs, gifts and much more. http://bit.ly/alohaswap-meet

56. Visit the Royal Mausoleum in Nuuanu, the final resting place of some of Hawaii’s kings.

Free Things to Do on

1. CAPTAIN COOK MONUMENT Waimea in Hofgaard Park - where Captain Cook first landed in the Islands in 1778. Waimea town also has a number of other historical buildings.

2. HOLOHOLO KU HEIAU Kuamoo Road, Wailua - The oldest heiau (place of worship) on Kauai. Next to the ruins stands the birthstone – the sacred site of royal births on Kauai.

3. WAIOLI MISSION HOUSE Kuhio Hwy, Hanalei - Living museum of missionary times.

4. HIKING TRAILS The Moalepe Trail: This 5-mile (roundtrip) trail drops 2,000 feet into spectacular Waimea Canyon and offers the shortest route to the canyon floor. There's a large swimming hole at the bottom. The trail begins off the Iliau Loop Trail. The Kuilau Ridge Trail: This 4.5-mile (roundtrip) hike offers dramatic views of small waterfalls and a wealth of flora. The trailhead is about a mile beyond the University of Hawaii Agricultural Experimental Station on Route 580. The Kalalau Trail: This is the original Hawaiian trail into Kalalau Valley and offers dramatic views of the Na Pali Coast and Kee Beach. It begins at Kee Beach where Highway 56 ends. Two miles inland is Hanakapiai Falls, which cascades 300 feet to a pool below. The trail travels on to Kalalau Valley, and many hikers camp overnight at Hanakapiai and before continuing on the next day. The entire trip is best made by experienced hikers.

5. WAIMEA CANYON Hike any of the dozens of trails in Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." There is a river, dozens of waterfalls, and countless unique and gorgeous attractions within this canyon.

6. SPOUTING HORN Two miles past the Hooai Heiau on Lawai Road near Poipu, just past the Allerton Garden Visitor Center. It is two holes in the lava tubes under the ground, one of which makes a low 'dragonmoan' when the water rushes in – and the other one causes the ocean spray to shoot up in the air - sometimes 30 feet high.

7. WAILUA FALLS Kapaia Valley - These twin falls were made famous by the opening credits in Fantasy Island.

8. MANINIHOLO DRY CAVE Easy to find at the side of the road in Haena. The cave is a big horizontal slit in the side of a mountain face – it is awesome to look at and wander around in a bit. The beach park past it is very nice too.

9. ALEKOKO (MENEHUNE) FISHPOND Niumalu Road - Off Route 51, near Nawiliwili (look for the green guardrail). Amazing feat of architecture, whoever built it. Legend has it the tiny mythical race of menehune built it, but the Hawaiians were also very skilled at creating fishponds for fishing. Has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1973.

10. KAUAI COFFEE COMPANY Kauai Coffee got its start in the early 1800s as the McBryde Sugar Company, one of the first sugar growers in Hawaii. The transformation from McBryde Sugar Company to Kauai Coffee in 1987 represents Hawaii’s largest diversified agricultural project in the past 50 years. Free self- guided walking tour covers who they are and what they do at the Kauai Coffee Company. Open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily. For more information: (808) 335-0813 or (800) 545-8605 or visit www.kauaicoffee.com

11. KILOHANA PLANTATION Visitor attraction featuring unique retail shops, carriage and sugarcane rides, and a fine dining restaurant. Also banquet facility for convention theme parties, weddings, luau, etc. For additional information, please call (808) 245-5608 or visit www.kilohanakauai.com

12. KOLOA RUM COMPANY Visitors are now flocking to Koloa Rum Company's beautiful plantation-style Tasting Room & Company Store located on the historic Kilohana Plantation. Taste the history of the sugar plantations and watch rum being distilled in the demonstration copper pot still on site. Authentic Hawaiian rum is legally distilled on the island for the first time in history. For more information, please call (808) 246-8900.

13. FREE MUSIC/HULA SHOWS AT COCONUT MARKETPLACE Wednesdays at 5:00 pm and Saturdays at 1:00 pm. Come enjoy the show performed by the students of Halau Hula o Leilani and kumu hula (teacher) Leilani Rivera Low.

14. KOLOA HERITAGE TRAIL Your journey will whisk you through 5 million years of exploration highlighting the natural history, archaeology, culture and history of the Koloa District of Kauai and its people. The Koloa Heritage Trail is a 10-mile walk, bike ride or drive, which includes 14 stops and monuments describing the significance of the location. For more information, please visit http://poipubeach.org/visitor_info/koloaheritagetrail.html. If you would like to receive a Koloa Heritage Trail guide, please call (888) 744-0888.

15. MAHAULEPU HERITAGE TRAIL Kauai's southern coastline, stretching from Keoneloa Bay to Kawailoa Bay, features a fascinating hike along the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail. This section of wild coastline is simply spectacular, with a treasure-trove of geological and cultural sites. For more information, please visit www.hikemahaulepu.org

16. KE ALA HELE MAKALAE ‘The Path that Goes by the Coast’. This is the name of the shared-use (bike/pedestrian) path envisioned to follow the coast from Nawiliwili to Anahola. For more information, please visit www.kauaipath.org.

Free Things to Do on

1. MAUI’S WINERY AT ULUPALAKUA RANCH – TEDESCHI VINEYARDS If you're into wine then you need to take a tour of the Tedeschi Vineyards. Tasting room open to the public daily (except for major holidays) from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tours at 10:30 am and 1:30 pm. For additional information, please call (808) 878-1266 or visit www.mauiwine.com

2. HAWAIIAN ISLANDS HUMPBACK WHALE NATIONAL MARINE SANCTUARY Brilliantly displayed with murals of undersea life, the center offers educational displays, artifacts, reading and video materials on humpback whales and their habitat. Lectures and free educational materials. Open Monday through Friday, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturday from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. For additional information, please call (808) 879-2818 or (800) 831-4888 or visit http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/about/welcome.html.

3. HALE PAAHAO Lahaina's prison from the whaling days of the 1800s. Hale Paahao was built from coral stone from a demolished waterfront fort. It was quite crowed in its time and still has the wall shackles and ball and chain restraints for you to see. Open from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Saturday. For additional information, please call (808) 667-1985 or visit www.lahainarestoration.org/paahao.html

4. HALE PAI The printing house of Lahainaluna Seminary, founded in 1831, and was restored in 1980. A free exhibit features a replica of the original rampage press and facsimiles of early printings. Open Monday through Friday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm. For additional information, please call (808) 667-1985 or visit www.lahainarestoration.org/halepai.html.

5. ART NIGHT IN LAHAINA Friday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Browse in the galleries, meet the artist and leisurely view the art. There are some world-class pieces to be seen, do some window-shopping. Only free if you don't buy anything! Many of the galleries offer light refreshment and free entertainment. Good way to see the character of Lahaina, plus it is cooler at night.

6. SNORKELING Not all snorkeling is done by boat. You can easily rent gear for next to nothing. Drive to either Honolua Bay on the upper west side or to La Perouse Bay on the south side. Please do your part to protect these precious areas. Pack all trash out with you, do not stand on the coral and never take anything out of the preserve unless you or someone else brought it in.

7. WHALE WATCHING During the humpback whale season (December through May) you can see them just about everywhere you look. Some of the better viewing locations from shore would be at either the scenic lookout along the Honoapilani Highway or up on the cliffs overlooking Honolua Bay.

8. THE ROAD TO HANA It is not so much the destination that counts on this trip as it is the scenery on the way. The east side of Maui is what you really picture Hawaii to be. Pack a big lunch and stop at as many waterfalls and pools as you can. The many flower and fruit stands, Wainapanapa State Park and Oheo gulch are only some of the many highlights.

9. MAKENA BEACH One of the largest and prettiest beaches on the island. This is the last major undeveloped beach on the south side of the island. This beach is so precious that the county of Maui has purchased the surrounding land to keep it undeveloped. Locals and visitors enjoy the soft white sand and crystal blue waters.

10. HOOKIPA BEACH If your timing is right you will get to see some the world’s top professional windsurfers in action. Considered to be the windsurfing capital of the world, Hookipa Beach Park attracts windsurfers from around the world to challenge the wind and waves. These guys and girls fly at speeds up to 30 mph and jump distances of over 30 feet.

11. MAUI ARTS AND CULTURAL CENTER Performing arts complex featuring art exhibits of various types year round. Gallery admission is free. Open Wednesday-Sunday, from 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Some exhibits or shows may have different times. For additional information, please call (808) 242-2787 or visit www.mauiarts.org

12. LAHAINA ACTIVITIES CENTER 900 Front St., Lahaina - Free hula lessons, craft making, hula shows, replica of a Hawaiian village and general cultural tours.

13. LAHAINA WHALING CENTER Lahaina, at Crazy Shirts. Lawless days and ways from the whaling era revived through artifacts.

14. HALEKII – PIHANA HEIAU In Wailuku at end of Hea Place off Kuhio Place from Waiehu Beach Road (Highway 340). 10 acres protecting the remains of two historical and cultural heiau (temples) used as war temples. Good views of central Maui.

15. BANYAN TREE PARK Lahaina at the beginning of Front Street. You've never seen a tree like this before. It is so big it shades almost an entire acre of land.

16. HAWAIIAN MUSIC Free nightly Hawaiian music and hula performance performed in the courtyard of the Kaanapali Beach Hotel.

17. WHALERS VILLAGE Free live music entertainment at Whalers Village Center Stage: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday from 7:00 to 8:00 pm. For additional information please call (808) 661-4567 or visit www.whalersvillage.com

18. LAHAINA CANNERY MALL Free hula show, Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 pm, Center Stage. Free keiki hula shows at 1:00 pm every Saturday and Sunday. Plus free ukulele lessons every Tuesday at 5:45 pm. For additional information, please call (808) 661-5304 or visit: www.lahainacannery.com

Free Things to Do on the Big Island of Hawaii

1. LAPAKAHI STATE HISTORICAL PARK In North Kohala on the coast, a preserved Hawaiian village offering self-guided walking tours to learn about history and archaeology. Open daily from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm. For more information: Please call Hawaii District Office (808) 961-9540 or visit www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=50

2. AHUENA HEIAU Fronting Courtyard King Kamehameha’s Kona Beach Hotel across the Kailua Pier. Ahuena Heiau was the court of King Kamehameha I and is well maintained today. Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

3. PUUKOHOLA HEIAU Off Highway 19 below Kawaihae. Puukohola Heiau (the temple on the hill of the whale) is an interesting National Historical Park guarding two heiau and the sight of a Hawaiian village with great whale breaching views. There is no admission to the visitor center. $2.00 per person for a guided tour. Open daily from 7:45 am to 4:45 pm. For more information or to schedule your group, contact the Park Visitor Center at (808) 882-7218 Ext. 1011 or visit www.nps.gov/puhe/index.htm

4. PUAKO PETROGLYPH TRAIL Off Highway 19 just north of the entrance to The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii. A very short hike leads to over 3000 petroglyphs that still stump the historians - not to be missed.

5. Lava Tree State Monument, off Pahoa-Pohoiki Road, is 2.7 miles southeast of Pahoa. The site is a forest of "lava trees," formed by a lava flow that swept through the area and left behind lava molds of tree trunks. For more information, call (808) 961-9540 or visit www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=51

6. QUEEN LILIUOKALANI GARDENS, HILO Located on Hilo’s Banyan Drive, this authentic, 30-acre Japanese garden was dedicated in 1917 as a tribute to Hawaii’s first Japanese immigrants who worked in the Hawaii Island sugarcane fields. This beautifully landscaped park features arching red bridges over fishponds, rock gardens, pagodas, Japanese stone lanterns and a teahouse. Views of Hilo Bay and Moku Ola (Coconut Island) enhance this peaceful setting.

7. MAUNA LOA MACADAMIA NUT VISITOR CENTER & FACTORY Just about the 5-mile marker south of Hilo on Highway 11, turn left on Macadamia Nut Road to take a 3-mile drive through macadamia nut orchards. Watch as they create a delicious array of macadamia nut products that are packaged right there at the plant. Open daily from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Factory closed Sundays & holidays. For more information, call (888) 628-6256 or visit www.maunaloa.com.

8. In Hilo, off Waianuenue Avenue below the hospital. Practically right in downtown Hilo, these falls are picture perfect.

9. WAIPIO VALLEY Past Honokaa town, at the end of Highway 240. The “Valley of the Kings” is nearly perfect with a stream running through it, a stretch of black sand beach and wild horses. To access the valley, you will have to hike, join a tour, take a 4-wheel drive down, or just enjoy the view from up top.

10. PUNALUU BLACK SAND BEACH Between Volcano and Naalehu on Highway 11. Even if you aren't planning to swim you must visit this easily accessible black sand beach if you haven't seen one before. It is stunning in its contrasts and the home of many large sea turtles.

11. HONOKOHAU HARBOR Off Highway 19 between the airport and Kailua town. Hang out at the Honokohau Harbor main building around 11:00 am or in the afternoon to watch the sportfishing boats bring in and sell their catch.

12. VOLCANO WINERY At the back of Volcano Golf course, past the entrance to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Free wine tasting at this winery on top of a volcano. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. For additional information, please call (877) 967-7772 or visit www.volcanowinery.com.

13. KA LAE (SOUTH POINT) Ka Lae, the remote and windswept southernmost part of the island, is where Polynesians first arrived in Hawaii and settled. Now a National Historical Landmark district, it is a beautiful place to look out to sea and contemplate what caused Polynesians to outfit their voyaging canoes and set out purposefully seeking new lands, as well as their arrival in Hawaii.

14. KALOPA STATE RECREATION AREA Kalopa State Recreation Area is off Highway 19 at the end of Kalopa Road, southeast of Honokaa. This beautiful and cool park, situated at 2000 feet, has picnic areas, an easy nature hike in a native ohia forest, and additional trails in the adjoining forest reserve. For more information, visit www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=45

15. KOHALA HISTORICAL SITES STATE MONUMENT Kohala Historical Sites State Monument, off Hwy. 270 near Upolu Airport consists of two historic sites. Mookini Heiau, a National Historic Monument, is the most famous sacrificial heiau (temple) in the state. The adjacent site is Kamehameha's Birth Place, a memorial to the 18th-century chief who united the islands under one rule. For more information, please visit www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/hawaii/index.cfm?park_id=48

16. KONA HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S TRADITIONAL PORTUGUESE BREAD-BAKING Kona Historical Society's traditional Portuguese bread-baking, every Thursday from 1 0:00 am to 1:00 pm. See how Portuguese families in Hawaii traditionally baked their weekly supply of bread in large, wood-fired "fornos" (stone ovens) — and sample some, too! For more information, call (808) 323-3222 or visit www.konahistorical.org/index.php/events_calendar

17. MAUNA KEA Located above the clouds at 9,300 feet, the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station offers displays about the mountain's world-class astronomical observatories; and every evening of the year, even on holidays, its volunteer astronomy buffs roll out telescopes for an outstanding - and free - stargazing program. For additional information, please call (808) 935-6268 or visit www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/vis/visiting-mauna-kea/visitor-informationstation. html.

18. PANAEWA RAINFOREST ZOO & GARDENS Panaewa Rainforest Zoo & Gardens is a 12-acre rainforest zoo located south of Hilo on Mamaki Street. There is a children's petting zoo on Saturdays from 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm. The zoo is also known for its beautiful botanical gardens, which have more than 100 varieties of palm trees and other plants. Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. For additional information, please call (808) 959-7224 or visit www.hilozoo.com.

19. MOKUPAPAPA DISCOVERY CENTER FOR HAWAII’S REMOTE CORAL REEFS Located in downtown Hilo and open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Free exhibits reveal the remote 1,200-mile string of atolls and islets that lies north of Kauai, the largest conservation district in the United States. There’s a 2,500-gallon saltwater aquarium, life-size fish models, colorful exhibits and graphic panels and multimedia exhibits. Kids will love this place and adults will too. For more information, please call (808) 933-8195. www.hawaiireef.noaa.gov/education/center.html.

20. VOLCANIC ERUPTION Your life will never be the same after witnessing molten lava changing our planet. At the coastal end of Chain of Craters Road within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (see more info on the park in the Kau section below), you can peer down the coast and often see a billowing plume of steam licked by orange lava flows. Able hikers (in long pants with good walking shoes, each carrying water and a flashlight) may pick their way over the lava to get closer to this amazing sight. But please note, as you read this, the eruption may have paused or moved farther down the coast. Check with the park the day of your trip to get the latest eruption update. Only free on national holidays. Stop at the park visitor center, or call (808) 933-8181 or visit www.papahanaumokuakea.gov/education/center.html.

21. FARMERS MARKETS Eat sustainably. Agriculturally-rich Hawaii Island is the largest producer of locally-grown food in the state. There are lots of wonderful foods from both land and sea everywhere on this island. Visit the many farmers markets on the Big Island.

22. HILO ARBORETUM The Hilo Arboretum contains broad lawns filled with a wide variety of non-native trees that were once evaluated for their usefulness to the Big Island. Visitors can enjoy the wide variety of trees and exotic flowers. If you're interested in identifying them, stop at the office to pick up the tree listing and test your knowledge. The Hilo Arboretum is open from 7:45 am to 4:30 pm Monday through Friday and is closed Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. Admission is free. Please call (808) 969-9700 for additional information.

23. WAIKOLOA BEACH RESORT CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT Music, song and story fill Waikoloa Beach Resort with the animated sounds and eclectic energies of Hawaii. Under the tree, ukulele class; later the laughter of lei-makers, the crackle and chat of coconut weavers. On the petroglyph path, a guide talks you into the past; and on stage the flawless footsteps of hula, the shimmering notes of slack-key guitar, the bone-deep resonance of ancient chant, and everywhere, the voice of aloha. For a schedule of events see http://waikoloabeachresort.com/big-island-activities-events or call (877) WAIKOLOA.

24. KEAUHOU KAHALUU HERITAGE CENTER Displays and information about the history and culture of the Keauhou and Kahaluu areas. Located at Keauhou Shopping Center, a half mile from Keauhou Beach Resort with free shuttle service along Alii Drive. Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. 78-68831 Alii Dr., Kailua-Kona. (808) 322-3000.

25. HISTORIC HEIAU Using modern-day technology several heiau (stone temples) have undergone major restorations along the Kahaluu coastline. Hawaiians worshipped at heiau that ranged in size from simple platforms to intricate walled structures. These restored heiau are best viewed from the Keauhou Beach Resort Hotel.

26. KUAMOO AND THE BURIAL GROUNDS OF LEKELEKE Within the Keauhou Resort, a historical (and often overlooked) site, Kuamoo Battle and the Burial Grounds of Lekeleke. This is where “the ancient religion died in a blaze of musket fire,” according to the signage. After the death of Kamehameha I, a battle erupted when Kamehameha II abandoned traditional Hawaiian religion. The battle was fought between Hawaiians, those who wanted to keep the old religious traditions and kapu (taboos) alive, and those who wanted to banish them. Kamehameha III was born nearby at Keauhou Bay. Also on the Keauhou Resort grounds are the newly restored walls of Hapaialii Heiau (temple), which honored royalty.

27. KAUMANA CAVE This cave is actually a skylight in a 25-mile long lava tube that was created by an 1881 flow from Mauna Loa. Located near Hilo, the opening to the tube is overgrown with plants due to the abundant rain on this side of the island. Long, thin roots reach all the way down to the floor of the lava tube. History reports that the 1881 flow stopped within 1-1/2 miles of Hilo due to the intervention of Princess Ruth. She camped in front of the flowing lava and prayed to Pele to spare the city. Her prayers were answered! From downtown Hilo, turn left at Waianuenue Avenue. About a half-mile Mile Marker #1 bear left onto Kaumana Drive (Kaumana Drive connects to the Saddle Road, Hwy. 200). Kaumana Cave is located on the right just past Mile Marker #4.

28. POLOLU VALLEY OVERLOOK Highway 270 ends at Pololu Valley, where a steep roadside trail takes strong-kneed explorers to one of the most stunning black sand beaches in the world, framed by a lush valley and stream, and steep, verdant cliffs. Hikers will want to spend time exploring this area, but ocean enthusiasts beware, Pololu’s black sand glory is not a swimming beach, and strong currents and powerful waves make it downright dangerous.

29. BOTH KING KAMEHAMEHA STATUES The King Kamehameha statue in Kapaau: North Kohala is the birthplace of King Kamehameha, Hawaii’s most admired ruler, famous for unifying all the Hawaiian Islands under his rule. Hilo: A Warrior marker points the way to a 12-foot-high bronze statue of King Kamehameha the Great, standing vigil at Hilo Bay. The sprawling green lawn is part of Wailoa River State Park.

30. HIKING One trail goes to the remote, forbidding lava fields at the 13,677-foot summit of Maunaloa. Another trail traces the rocky coast. Others take you across steaming volcanic craters, through dripping rain forests or over sun-baked deserts. Some trails are challenging 20-mile treks, and others are easy strolls of less than a mile. Take your pick. For more information, go to www.letsgo-hawaii.com/hiking.