Hello and welcome to Amazing Travel Adventures – Hawaii. Read on to explore Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Akaka Falls State Park, Black Sand Beach and so much more. There is so much beauty to discover. Hawaii is Mother Nature at her Best. Let’s travel Hawaii style!
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park can be found on Hawaii Island aka the Big Island. Kīlauea volcano is one of the world’s most active volcanoes and Maunaloa volcano is the world’s largest, active, above ground volcano. Both experiences of a lifetime are located within the National Park.
Driving along Crater Rim Drive you will discover steam vents. Yes, steam vents! There is actual steam venting to the surface from below ground. Jaggar Museum shares exhibits on volcano science and the Hawaiian culture. I highly recommend a visit to the first museum on the island. If exhibits aren’t really your thing, maybe the viewpoint overlooking Halema’uma’u Crater is. Make sure you have your camera ready, breathtaking photos await.
The Park climbs from sea level to more than 13,000 feet. It offers hiking trails, lava fields, rainforests, lava tubes, ocean views, desserts and more. The park is open 24 hours a day and 365 days a year. For the latest information regarding fees, events and more visit the park website by clicking here.
Lava Tree State Monument
Lava Tree State Monument shares a forest of lava trees. Okay, maybe not true lava trees but it does share lava molds of the tree trunks. The tree trunks were formed from a lava flow that swept through the forested area in 1790. The park can be found near the Puna District on Hawaii Island. The Lava Trees Loop Trail is less then 1 mile round trip. Please take caution while hiking the trail, many parts of the trail have uprooted trees in its path. To learn more about Lava Tree State Monument and start planning your amazing travel adventure click here.
Akaka Falls State Park
North of Hilo, on the Hawaii Island, you can explore Akaka Falls State Park. The park offers a self-guided walk through lush tropical vegetation to scenic vista points overlooking the cascading Kahuna Falls, 300 foot waterfall and Akaka Falls, 442 foot waterfall. The walk throughout the park is 1/2 mile round trip, is paved and includes many, many steps. Akaka Falls State Park is definitely one of those “the view is worth the climb” places to discover. Entrance fees are $5.00 per car or $1 per person for pedestrians at the time of this post. There is no charge for Hawaii residents. For park updates click here.
Black SanD Beach
We’ve discovered active volcanoes, lava craters, lava trees and now a lava beach. Located on Hawaii Island between Pāhala and Nāʻālehu you will discover Punaluʻu Beach. This is no ordinary Hawaiian beach, as beautiful as the white sand beaches are, this one is special. This beach has black sand. Black sand is made of basalt that is created by lava flowing into the ocean. The lava then explodes as it reaches the water and cools. And presto chango, black sand beaches.
Black sand beaches isn’t the only thing you can experience at Punaluʻu Beach. Depending on the time of year and time of day you might be able to see Hawaiian Green Sea Turtles basking in the sun. Although it may be tempting, do not touch these protected turtles and do not remove any black sand from the beach.
Punaluʻu is an amazing travel adventure. It is a great place to camp, hike, swim or its somewhere to soak it all in while enjoying your packed picnic. Remember leave only footprints. Stay out of the water if the surf is high. The area is known for its strong currents which can be very dangerous even for experienced swimmers and snorkelers. Start planning your next amazing travel adventure Hawaii style here.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial
You can take the girl out of the Navy, but you can never take the Navy out of the girl. The Pearl Harbor National Memorial will always be at the top of my must see list when visiting Hawaii. The USS Arizona was assigned to be a part of the US Navy’s Pacific Fleet in 1921. In 1940, the Pacific Fleet’s home base moved from California to Pearl Harbor, Hawaii.
The USS Arizona Memorial is located within the Pearl Harbor National Memorial and marks the resting place of over 1,100 sailors and Marines killed during the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. The Memorial commemorates the events of that day and one of the most remembered moments in US history.
Pearl Harbor National Memorial museums & grounds are free. I highly recommend taking a boat tour, check out tickets here. It is worth it! Program reservations are recommended. Click here to discover more about Pearl Harbaor National Memorial.
Amazing Travel Adventures – Hawaii
Thank you for joining me as we explored Amazing Travel Adventures – Hawaii. Togewther we discovered Lava Tree State Monument, Pearl Harbor National Memorial and so much more. There isn’t a place in Hawaii that doesn’t cause an ohh and ahh moment. Be sure to keep your camera charged, you will not want to miss any of what Hawaii has to offer. Did your favorite Hawaii thing to do or see make my list? If not, please share in the comments. I love discovering new treasures.
Looking for some East Coast things to do and see? Check out my blog post Amazing Travel Adventures – Florida. There you will discover the Everglades National Park, Devil’s Den, a Wizarding World and so much more. Trip planning your next Florida vacation or getaway is just a click away.
Until Next Time
Erin at Wonderlesch
Follow me on Instagram for daily adventures. Curiouser and curiouser.
Dracaena Wines
The Pearl Harbor Memorial is incredible. Such a solemn place. A must visit.
Best Hawaii Themed Cocktails - WonderLesch Blog
[…] to plan your next Hawaiian adventure to enjoy more than themed cocktails? Read my blog post Amazing Travel Adventures – Hawaii. Discover volcanoes, black sand beaches and memorials. Hawaii has something for everyone. Let’s […]
Amazing Travel Adventures - Illinois - WonderLesch Blog
[…] for more Amazing Travel Adventures maybe a bit more tropical? Check out my blog post Amazing Travel Adventures – Hawaii to discover Volcanoes, Black Sand Beaches, Lava Trees and […]