Outer Edge Edition 48(clone) | Page 101

Credit : Hawaii Tourism Authority / Tor Johnson
Hawaii Island Taking a helicopter tour for a bird ’ s-eye view of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and the rest of the island ’ s hidden waterfalls , lush valleys and balmy beaches is one adventure on Hawaii Island you ’ ll never forget .
Lanai Lanai offers 400 miles of road to explore by 4-wheel drive . North Lanai has the bulk of off-road paths to explore . The Kanepuu Preserve is 4.8 miles and 20 minutes away from Lanai City on a dirt path . Continue down the road for another five minutes and you ’ ll arrive at the lunar landscape of Keahiakawelo ( Garden of the Gods ). For the truly adventurous , travel about 35 minutes and 4.7 miles even further to reach the remote white sands of Polihua Beach . Or head northeast from Lanai City on another rocky road to explore the isolated shores of Kaiolohia ( Shipwreck Beach ). It takes about 30 minutes to get to this beach after an exhilarating , bumpy ride . Just avoid driving too far onto the beach — visitors have been known to get their vehicles stuck in the sand . South Lanai offers an off-road adventure to the historic Kaunolu , home to King Kamehameha ’ s favorite summer fishing retreat overlooking Lanai ’ s southern cliffs .
If you ’ re headed hiking , for a quick , 15-20 minute hike with a beautiful pay-off , head southeast from Hulopoe Bay to the cliffs overlooking Puu Pehe , or Sweetheart Rock . For a much more challenging hike , set off on the Munro Trail . Winding its way from the Four Seasons Resort Lanai , The Lodge at Koele through mountain grasslands and rainforests filled with Cook pine trees , eucalyptus and native ohia lehua , you ’ ll eventually reach the 3,370-foot peak of Lanaihale .
With surroundings ranging from lava-strewn deserts to tropical plantations and gardens , you can engage in every imaginable outdoor activity here .
Hawaii Island is heaven for hikers . Whether you ’ re looking for a challenging trail on fields of lava or short , scenic hikes through historic sites , you ’ ll find just what you ’ re looking for on Hawaii Island .
Most hiking adventures begin in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park , which offers more than 150-miles of trails . Stroll through Nahuku ( Thurston Lava Tube ), take a day hike along Chain of Craters Road or walk over volcanic fields to witness the power of creation as lava flows into the sea in Kalapana . For the wellequipped and experienced backpackers , hike overnight in the park ’ s backcountry . See a ranger at the Kilauea Visitor Center to get trail information , maps and permits .
Other famous hikes can be found on the Kona Coast on the Ala Kahakai National Historic Trail , also known as the King ’ s Trail . This 175-mile trail weaves through hundreds of important cultural sites including sacred heiau ( temples ), Hawaiian fishponds , petroglyphs and other historic sites . You ’ ll also find a variety of other amazing hikes including the Pololu Valley Lookout in North Kohala which leads to a black sand beach and guided hikes into lush Waipio Valley , known as the Valley of Kings .
* information source : Hawaii Tourism