The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort

The summit of Mauna Kea on the Island of Hawaii hosts the world's largest astronomical observatory, with telescopes operated by astronomers from eleven countries. The combined light-gathering power of the telescopes on Mauna Kea is fifteen times greater than that of the Palomar telescope in California -- for many years the world's largest -- and sixty times greater than that of the Hubble Space Telescope.

An incredible, truly chance of a lifetime experience, led by expert oceanographers right offshore pristine Kauna'oa Bay at the neighboring Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. Float with a group of 6-8 other guests and watch the graceful flight and dance of these majestic sea giants. Groups can do group exclusive reservations. Our Partner, Manta Ray Advocates Hawaii, who lead the swim, describes the experience as follows: OUR MISSION IS TO SERVE, EDUCATE, AND SHARE WITH PASSION We have devoted our life to serving and educating you about the manta rays. When you come within inches of the “gentle giants” and feel a massive rush of ocean water come across your body, it changes you. It’s at THAT moment you become “one of us” and a Manta Ray Advocate. Our company is built on a bedrock of love for each other and the manta rays, a passion for giving you an exceptional experience, and an unstoppable drive to protect our ocean. We will teach you how to love and respect the ocean and its beautiful creatures. The manta rays embody this essence and the experience will affect you in powerful ways. Rest assured you’re in great hands with us.

Hawai‘i Volcanoes National Park displays the results of 70 million years of volcanism, migration, and evolution -- processes that thrust a bare land from the sea and clothed it with unique ecosystems, and a distinct human culture. The park highlights two of the world's most active volcanoes, and offers insights on the birth of the Hawaiian Islands and views of dramatic volcanic landscapes.

This market was founded in January of 2011 with the goal of offering a marketplace for the exchange of local goods on a midweek day. The handful of vendors that launched this market have seen it grow into an amazing and vibrant market against a backdrop of the Kohala Hills and the rolling green grasslands of Waimea. Situated on Parker Ranch, the historic Pukalani Stables were the center of the ranch's horse breeding operation for over 50 years. It now houses a museum, The Paniolo Heritage Center, and is managed by the Paniolo Preservation Society, dedicated to preserving the Paniolo heritage of all of Hawaii. This market is proud to support the efforts of PPS and the upkeep of these historic stables. The museum is always open, free of charge, during market hours. Paniolo Preservation Society's website : paniolopreservation.org We have ample parking, picnic tables, shade, covered shopping, running water and restrooms !

Visitors marvel at the giant rainforest trees that form the dense overstory canopy of Onomea Valley. These include 100-foot tall mango trees that were probably planted in the late 1800s; breadfruit trees that date from the early 1900s, with their huge, speckled green fruit; and towering coconut palms that are constantly pruned to protect visitors from falling fruit. Low-growing taro plants can also be seen, carryovers from village life at the turn of the century when starchy poi, made from taro roots, was a staple of the Hawaiian diet. In the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden, exotic plants gathered from distant tropical rainforests grow side by side with native Hawaiian plants. Together they form a spectacular living work of art in the only tropical botanical garden in the United States that is situated on an ocean coast.

This cliff-enclosed valley, on the northeastern coast, beckons with taro farming and a black sand beach. Waip’o, a mile wide at the coast and almost six miles deep, is the largest and southernmost of the seven valleys on the windward side of the Kohala Mountains. On either side of the valley are cliffs reaching almost 2,000 feet with cascading waterfalls. In ancient Hawaii, taro (or kalo) was one of the favorite island foods, with more than 350 varieties. Now there are a dozen or so grown, including dry land taro (dark purplish in color with thick white roots) and wet land taro, which can be grown on wet or dry land. Kohala region, north shore.

The Big Island of Hawaii is the largest island in the Hawaiian archipelago—almost as large as all the other islands combined—and bursting with life. Within 4,000 square miles of land, you’ll experience dense tropical rainforests, black-sand beaches, snow-capped peaks, remnants of ancient Hawaiian settlements, and the incredible Kilauea volcano. Blue Hawaiian is Hawaii‘s #1 helicopter tour company. Since 1985, it‘s been our mission to offer our guests a truly authentic experience of Aloha. From the moment you book your helicopter tour, we strive to create wonderful memories that will last a lifetime. And for us, good enough is never enough. That‘s the Blue Hawaiian difference.

Kahua Ranch is located on the western slope of the Kohala Mountains, 3000 feet above sea level. This 8,500 acres of private ranch land provides a variety of landscapes. From grazing cattle, sheep and horses to vistas of ocean and coastal shoreline- Visitors enjoy getting off the beaten path and embarking on a variety of exciting Activities and Click below to check out some of our great Activities and Adventures we have in store for you! ATV, Horeback Riding, An evening at the ranch and more...