Family Friendly Places: Onekahakaha Beach Park and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo

Long gone are the days of dangerous off-roading, hiking, and beaches lacking facilities.  Now I am all about places with bathrooms (squatting in the bushes doesn't count), showers, parking, and so forth.  That's what I get for having a baby.  But lucky for you, I can now share with you a couple of family friendly places.

Onekahakaha Beach Park
Quite frankly, the best beach for children on the island.  The beach is sheltered by boulders so you don't have to worry about your youngin' getting swept out to sea by those dangerous rip currents.  There is a paved parking lot, several picnic benches, pavilions, restrooms, showers, and, most importantly, shade.  Shade is the one thing many Kona beaches lack, or at least shade close enough to the water so that you can keep an eye on your little one(s).

This beach can get crowded on the weekends.  The pavilions are usually reserved for birthday parties and such, so don't expect to snag one on the weekend.   There are picnic benches, but again, if you go on the weekend, be prepared for them to be taken.  There are some grassy areas, so bring a beach mat or even a towel.  If at all possible, try to make it out here on a weekday.

Sand.  Yes, there is actually sand at this east side beach, so bring the beach buckets and shovels if you have any (if you really want toys you could grab some at Wal-Mart).  Sand is something most beaches on the east side lack.

There is also a tide pool full of marine life for the older children to explore.  Just make sure they wear footwear.  There is good chance they will slice open their foot or step on the painful wana if barefoot.

A view of the beach on a Saturday.

Panaewa Rainforest Zoo
First off, let me warn you that this is not a HUGE zoo with tons of exhibitions.  Regardless, I love this zoo.  There is lots of greenery, with much of it labeled with the plant species to educate you on the native flora.  You don't need to worry about losing your child in massive crowds.  There are picnic benches and some tables so that you can bring your own lunch.  There is a playground.  These are some of the reasons why I like this zoo.  Oh yeah, and most importantly, IT'S FREE.

Meet Namaste', the zoo's White Bengal Tiger and star attraction.  You can watch the zookeepers feed him whole chickens at 3:30 PM daily.  Another fun thing to see is the monkey exhibit.  Lots of funny-looking, curious primates to scope out.  The zoo also has wild boars, deer, numerous species of birds and lizards, and anteaters.  There is also a petting zoo on Saturdays from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM.

If the zoo alone is not enough to tire out the kids for a early bedtime, allow them some time at the playground.  The playground is located in the zoo.

So yes, if time allows you, please visit our local zoo.  Like I said, it is free, but PLEASE donate to ensure that is remains free for families to come.  If "adopting" an animal sounds like fun, you can also do that too!  There is a gift shop that offers drinks, but bring your own snacks because there are no snack carts to be found.  The zoo is located off of Highway 11 (click for detailed directions) and is open from 9 AM to 5 PM daily.

Mighty Sushi

So I've been doing some serious slacking.  My bad.  But let me make it up to you.  I'll let you in on a little secret.  It's the best sushi on the east side of the island.  Mighty Sushi.  It's awesome.  It's amazing.  So much so that I ate (take-out) there for my birthday.  My husband picked up the sushi for me and told me that the place was empty.  On a Friday night.  Sad.  I can't really think of a reason for it.  Their prices are decent and the sushi is great.  The only thing lacking is the ambiance.  No ambiance to speak of whatsoever.  I am totally convinced that with a serious make over this place would be packed.  Oh yeah, and maybe quicker service.  Anywhos, if you are near Pahoa and have a serious hankering for sushi, stop here.

On the menu:

Sunrise roll.  My absolute favorite because I am so totally in love with raw salmon.  There is salmon in the roll and on top of it.

Lambadan roll.  Also excellent.  Tuna inside and fresh avocado on top.

Spicy tuna roll:  You can choose which type of fish you want in the spicy roll.

Kani roll: Made with real (not imitation) crab.  My husband likes this roll, but I find it a little bland.

Side note:  Most of their rolls have tempura style fish or other fried seafood.  I really like my seafood raw, and it seems like a majority of their rolls are fried or have fried ingredients.

Sunrise roll, partially devoured.

Lambada roll, ready to be inhaled.

Kani roll, top, and spicy tuna roll, bottom.

You'll find them at 15-2660 Keaau Pahoa Road in the Pahoa Marketplace.  I would eat take out though because of the slow service.  Call 808-965-9881.

Get a massage from Tahne Martin

Are you tired and worn from a day of sightseeing?  Got bruised and battered from the shore break at Hapuna Beach?  I would suggest giving your overworked muscles a rest and schedule a massage with Tahne Martin.  You won't regret it.  It's definitely money well spent.

I haven't had many massages, but I know a good massage when I feel it.  And I feel it with Tahne.  You can find her at Haumea Healing Through Massage, only a few steps (literally) from the Hilo Farmer's Market.  When not at Haumea Healing Through Massage, Tahne is hard at work at Awakening Healing Center.  The Awakening Healing Center is located at 54 Wainuenue Avenue.  In addition to massage, the center also offers chiropractic and acupuncture services.

Overdoing it on the fun on your vacation?  Treat your overworked muscles to an awesome massage.  Call 808-989-9803.

The talented Tahne Martin.

Awakening Healing Center at 54 Wainuenue Avenue.

Haumea Healing Through Massage at 330 Kamehameha Avenue, Suite 202.

Through these doors...

Walk ALL THE WAY to the back...

And when you see this sign...

Go up the stairs and you'll find Haumea Healing Through Massage.

Shipman (Ha'ena) Beach Hike

You know you wanna!

The Shipman (Ha'ena) Beach hike is a fun, easy hike to do.  It will only take half a day and it's something that the kids may be able to do.  It is an approximately 2-hour round trip hike.  The hike is over lava rock and through forest.

Shipman Beach can be found on the Puna coast.  To get there, drive south down Highway 130 towards Pahoa.  Make a left on Kaloli Drive.  Drive to the end of the road and make a left.  Park your vehicle at the dead end.  Find the trail head most mauka (mountain side).  Anytime you encounter a "fork in the road," stay mauka.  If not, you will end up trail-less and boulder hopping along the coast.  If you get caught in this situation, don't worry.  There is no way to get lost, the hike will just take twice as long.  It's impossible to miss the beach when walking along the coast.

Sink hole!

Shipman Beach is an enclosed bay and is located in front of the Shipman property.  The beach is relatively small and the water is cool.  It is a sandy beach; the sand consists of a mixture of white and black.  There are also sink holes that can be found throughout the sandy beach.  Don't worry, the sink holes are probably only a maximum of two feet deep.  This might be a problem if you are a small child or dog (as my dog learned).  Shipman Beach is a beautiful place to hang out and enjoy.  If you are lucky, you might even spot an endangered Green Sea Turtle or Nene Goose.

Although Shipman Beach is great place to enjoy the beauty of the Island, it is not the greatest place to swim.  The water is relatively shallow, depending on the tide.  Also, there have been reports of people being sucked out by the current and into the deep blue.  How this happens, I am not sure, but supposedly if you go out too far, the ocean current can catch you and sweep you out through an opening in the rocks.  I have not personally seen it, but it happens frequently.  Most recently, a high school boy drowned.  Moral of the story is to use caution if swimming here.

You don't want to end up boulder hopping.

Tips and rules for hiking to Shipman Beach:

1. Stay on the most mauka (mountain side) trail.

2. Bring bug spray.  The forest part of the hike is usually wet and loaded with mosquitoes.

3. There are no restrooms or showers.

4. Keep dogs leashed as so they do not disturb the endangered Green Sea Turtles or Nene Geese.

5.  Use a sturdy pair of shoes as you will be hiking over lava rocks, through mud, and over slippery tree roots.

6. Don't swim too far out into the bay.

7. Respect private property.

8. Yes, there is a way to drive to the beach, but it is through private roads and property.  The roads are not open to the general public.

9. Do not disturb or go near the endangered wildlife.

10.  Don't go if it's raining or has recently rained.  It will be SUPER MUDDY!

The beach during low tide

The beach during high tide

My dog loves this place because there is little to no surf.

Pooped

Summit of Mauna Kea

View of Mauna Kea from Saddle Road

The summit of Mauna Kea is just an awesome place to go.  It is the largest volcano in the State of Hawaii and rises approximately 14,000 feet above sea level.  It is one of the best places in the world for astronomical observation.  Currently, there are 13 observation facilities on Mauna Kea.  The use of Mauna Kea for astronomical observation is highly debated because of it's cultural significance to native Hawaiians.  In addition, the volcano has flora and fauna that cannot be found anywhere else in the world.  Anyhow, if you are visiting the Big Island and have some time to spare (and access to a 4x4 vehicle), I would recommend this trek.

Driving up the mountain

The thing that locals like about Mauna Kea is that it is our only access to snow in the state. The summit usually receives snow during winter storms in February of March.  Many outsiders would not consider it quality snow.  It is wet, mushy, and after a while, it gets hard and icy.  As a tourist, I'm sure you wouldn't really get the appeal, but to many locals this is our only experience of snow.  So don't go for the snow.  Go for the view, go to see the massive telescopes, go for the natural history, go because it was and is a sacred place, but don't go for the snow.  You will be disappointed.

To get to the summit of Mauna Kea, you will need access to a 4x4 vehicle.  Most rental car companies will NOT allow you to take their rental cars up the the summit.  From what I know, the only rental car company that allows their 4x4 vehicles to be taken to the summit is Harper.  The same rule applies to taking vehicles down to Waipio Valley.  There are also numerous tour companies that go to the summit.  This would be a great idea, as their tour guides can tell you a lot more Mauna Kea trivia than I can.  It really is a place to learn.

I absolutely love this photo.  I will name it "Shining Heavens".

Quick tips:

1. It is advised that children under the age of 16, pregnant women, or people with certain health conditions NOT visit the summit due to an increased likelihood of altitude sickness.  Even people in good health can get altitude sickness.  Personally, I get a splitting headache after an hour or so.  The high altitide does not bother some people.

2. Stop at the Mauna Kea Visitor Information Center for at least ONE HOUR.  This will let your body acclimate to the high altitude and make it easier for your body to adjust when you get to the summit.

3.  For all you EXPERIENCED hikers, you can supposedly hike to the summit.  I would not recommend this for the average person.  There is also hiking you can do once at the summit to Lake Waiau.

4. Prior to visiting the summit, check the road conditions, as the road is sometimes closed due to poor road conditions (online or call 808-935-6268).

5. It's windy.  Bring a jacket.

6. Wear sunscreen and sunglasses.  You are that much closer to the sun.  Fourteen thousand feet makes a difference, trust me.

7. Even though Mauna Kea is considered a volcano, it is dormant meaning that you don't have to worry about it erupting while you're up there.  It will be fine.

Submillimeter Array (SMA) interferometer

Up top

My little man

It's pretty common for people to take snow home

My big man at home

Waimanu Valley

Waimanu Vally hike.  This was the most epic adventure ever.  For any of you that like to hike and have a few days to spare, I would recommend this hike.  I must admit, I am not much of a hiker.  I almost died.  But the in-shape folks whom accompanied me didn't seem to have a problem.  A lot of locals have never even done this.  All in all, although I thought I'd never make it, I did, and it was one of the highlights of my life.



 

The decent into Waimanu Valley

 This is an approximately 8-mile hike.  It's the first mile that kills you (or killed me).  It is a steep, switchback climb up the ridge of Waipio Valley.  After that, there are a series of gulches, that in themselves wouldn't be that bad if you hadn't just climbed straight up a mountain.  After the gulches is the decent into Waimanu Valley.  My legs were shaking and I thought I would slide right down into the valley.  Luckily, I didn't.  It took our group approximately seven hours in, six hours out.  It could've been done faster had I not been there or if we took fewer/shorter breaks.

It was beautiful down there.  We were lucky enough to be graced with the presence of a Hawaiian Monk Seal and her pup.  It was awesome.  We stayed in the Valley for two nights.  On the second day, we hiked to the Waiilikahi Falls.  It was about a 2-hour hike and was well worth it.  I would definitely recommend.

If you are planning to do this hike, please make note of the following.

1. You must purchase a permit from the State of Hawaii, Department of Land and Natural Resources. 

2. There is no potable water.  You must bring your own water or sanitizing equipment for the stream water.

3. Toilets are composting.

4. Do not disturb or go near the endangered wildlife including the  Hawaiian Monk Seals or Green Turtles.

5. Take out what you brought in.  Please clean up after yourself.

6. No cell phone reception.

7. Totally worth it.

The start of the hike is at Waipio Valley.  If you can get someone to drop you off in the Valley, that will save you time and energy.  If not, you will have to hike down Waipio Valley (steep hike down) and then start your 8-mile trek.  If you have the time and gear for this adventure, DO IT.  You won't regret it.


Waiilikahi Falls upstream of Waimanu Valley




The beach



Our campsite

Composting toilets weren't that bad...

Hawaiian Monk Seal with pup!

Pahoa Town

If you want to visit somewhere with character, visit Pahoa Town.  This place is awesome.  There are some small shops to browse through and a lot of good food to be eaten.  I really love this place.  I don't want to scare you off, but a lot of people consider it a hippie town.  But that's what makes it so cool!  And another good reason to check out Pahoa: it is on your way to Kalapana to see the lava.  Now you have no reason not to stop!  Some places to see in Pahoa:

I'm drawing a blank.  I can't name any shops, I only go for the food!  Soooo.... great places to eat in Pahoa (starting at top, the places I like the most):

Pesto pasta with grilled mahi mahi (top) and garlic shrimp linguine (bottom) at Kaleo's Bar & Grill

1. Kaleo's Bar & Grill - Great local food.  They have a great menu, with everything from burgers, salads, pasta, steaks, local cuisine... it's all good!

2. Pahoa Fresh Fish - I LOVE THIS PLACE!!!  I usually get a fish sandwich for about $6.  It's huge and will fill you up.  A little hole-in-the-wall, but absolutely fabulous.  And you get to pick which type of fish you want.  LOVE LOVE.  Side note: Stick with the fish, skip the crab cakes.

3. Mighty Sushi - At first glance, their prices seem high.  $12 for a roll of sushi.  But believe me, these rolls are BIG.  Some of you lame-os might even get stuffed off of one roll.  But for all you normal people out there, you could probably get full off of one $12 roll and one smaller (~$5) roll.  Not a bad price for sushi.

Eating at Ning's with my fellow friend and blogger, Lani.

4. Ning's Thai Cuisine - I'm not a huge fan of Thai food, but this place is good!  I like their soups.  If you're a heath nut, this is the place for you.

5. Paolo's Bistro - We don't have much decent Italian food on the island.  I really like this place though.  They make their own pasta noodles (I saw them rolling out my squid ink pasta!).  Good prices, and the pasta comes with soup.  BYOW(ine).

6. Luquin's Mexican Restaurant - Favorite place for the locals.  Nice place to drink up.

There are other places to eat, but these are my favorite.  And honestly, I haven't tried them all because I'm addicted to these restaurants.  Good stuff.