RACHAEL PENTON
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Ways to Get into an Aloha State of Mind
​Island Hopping Ideas
(Hover over each photo for details)

The Big Island

Kailua-Kona is a city on the west coast of The Big Island. The town has plenty of fun shops and restaurants along it's main strip. There aren't any large beaches nearby though. You'll have to drive a few minutes down the road.
Drive down to the southern tip of the Big Island to Hapuna. Rent a bike and ride 3 miles out to witness the 61G lava flow from erupting Kilauea.
Magic Sands Beach is a tiny beach in Kailua-Kona. It's called magic sands because large waves in the winter months suck the sand out causing the beach to disappear. The beach grows a bit in the summer when the waters are calmer.
Hapuna Beach is a sprawling, white sand beach about 45 minutes north of Kailua-Kona. Since the Big Island is full of mostly rocky, lava beaches with little sand...this beach is a real treat.
Punalu'u Black Sand Beach is just under 2 hours south of Kailua-Kona. It's true- the beach is full of sparkling jet black sand! Don't take any of the sand home with you. Not only is it a bad omen in Hawaiian culture, it's also illegal.
Rent a bike from one of the local companies to ride across the lava flow field where the Kalapana Gardens neighborhood once stood. All you'll find now is black lava rock and a few off the grid homes.
The Halema'uma'u Crater is found in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Stop by the Jaggar Museum to learn about the island's volcanic history, and witness orange lava bubbling to the surface if you're lucky.
An off the grid home in the distance, surrounded by lava rock from the Kupaianaha vent of the Kīlauea Volcano.
Poke on the Big Island is amazing. Make sure to visit "The Poke Shack."

Oahu

Diamond Head is a volcanic cone located in Honolulu. Climb to the top for spectacular views of Waikiki Beach.
One of the most famous beaches in the world- Waikiki Beach. It's crowded with the guests from the many beachside resorts, but beautiful nonetheless. The way is turquoise and the sand is white. Plus, adult beverages and Hawaiian food are just a hop away from this beach.
Drive to Oahu's North Shore, a world famous surfing town. However, in recent years it's become even more famous for its many food trucks that line the streets. Be sure to stop and get some grub, and follow it up with a nearby shave ice.
You can't beat a Hawaiian sunset, wherever you are on the island.
Visit Hawaii Shark Encounters on the North Shore for a kick of adrenaline. A small boat takes you a few miles offshore to a floating cage. Jump in with a snorkel, and find yourself inches away from sharks!
Most of the sharks you'll see on your dive are harmless reef sharks. They're very curious and will begin circling the boat as soon as they hear it pull up.
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  • Home
  • Résumé
  • Weather
  • Stories
  • Adventures
    • Final Frontier
    • North American Road Trip
    • Cuba Libre
    • Vinaka Vaka Levu
    • Fire and Ice
    • The Dam
    • City of Lights
    • Pacific Paradise
    • Searching for Storms