Punalu'u is well known in Hawaiian culture and legends. It is known as a “Wahi Pana,” or sacred place, and was seen as an oasis in the Ka’u desert. Punalu'u Beach is famous not only for its black sand but also for its sea turtles. Green sea turtles are usually all over the place here, sleeping on the beach and swimming next to you in the ocean. If you see them, be sure to keep your distance. These are protected animals and getting too close will result in a fine. 

Hint: The black sand can really heat up, so bring some water shoes to walk on the beach!

Whittington Beach is a peaceful little rest area with picnic tables and excellent views of the ocean and surrounding cliffs. Occasionally, you can spot the rare hawksbill sea turtles that like to come here around dawn and dusk. If you're short on time, you might want to skip this little detour.

This is a short, scenic loop drive to see some neat lava tree molds. Lava trees form when fast-flowing lava moves through a forest and completely surrounds moist trees. The tree burns up on the inside as the lava cools on the outside, resulting in a lava shell left in the shape of the tree.

While you are in the area, we recommend doing the short hike at Kipukapuaulu which is just a little ways past the Lava Tree Molds loop on Mauna Loa Road.

Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park encompasses two active volcanoes: Kīlauea, one of the world's most active volcanoes, and Mauna Loa, the world's most massive shield volcano. Over half of the park is designated the Hawai'i Volcanoes Wilderness area and provides unusual hiking and camping opportunities. The park includes diverse environments that range from sea level to the summit of the Earth's most massive active volcano. Climates range from lush tropical rain forests to the arid and barren Kaʻū Desert.

Kīlauea and its Halemaʻumaʻu caldera were traditionally considered the sacred home of the volcano goddess Pele, and some Native Hawaiians still visit the crater to offer gifts to the goddess. In 1790, a party of warriors (along with women and children who were in the area) were caught in an unusually violent eruption. Many were killed and others left footprints in the lava that can still be seen today.

Hours: Volcanoes National Park is open 24/7. The Kilauea Visitor Center and Park Store is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Admission: All visitors must have a valid national park pass or partner agency pass or purchase an entrance pass which is valid for 7 days. The fee is $30/vehicle and can be purchased online at Recreation.gov or at the gate with a credit/debit card.  

The summit of Mount Everest is higher above sea level than the summit of any other mountain, but Mauna Kea is the tallest when measured from base to summit. Astronomers from around the world explore the universe from its peak, and Hawaiians have many ancient spiritual connections to this special site. For visitors, it is one of the clearest places on the planet for viewing the night sky and offers a rare opportunity to experience the polar tundra in Hawai'i.

The Visitor Information Station (VIS) sits at 9,200 feet above sea level and is the best spot to view the night sky. (We do not recommend you drive past the visitor center to the summit. The road is very steep and rough and only suitable for four-wheel drive vehicles.)

The VIS also features a gift shop, restrooms and knowledgeable staff to answer your questions. 

Call (808) 935-6268 get weather conditions on a recorded phone line.

Visitor Information Station (VIS) Hours: Daily 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

VIS Phone: (808) 934-4550

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is part of the University of Hawaii at Hilo and is a gathering place that integrates science and Native Hawaiian culture. They have a visitor center with wonderful exhibits, programs and events. Since Hawaiian society was built on exploration and observation, Hawaiian cultural practices have become an important part of ‘Imiloa’s exhibits.

Hours: Tuesday-Sunday from 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Visit their website for current admission options and prices.

Take a short detour into Pahala Town to check out the Ka'u Coffee Mill and get some free samples of their delicious coffee and macadamia nuts at their gift shop. The visitor center is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. They also offer free guided tours M-F at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. The tour lasts about 20 minutes. They offer espresso drinks, smoothies, macadamia nuts and free coffee tasting. If you don’t need a midday pick-me-up, skip this spot as it’s a slight detour.

Just south of Hilo is the only rain forest zoo in the US! Panaewa Zoo is free to enter and is open every day except Christmas, New Year's and the first Thursday of each month. This is a perfect spot to bring the kids! While you’re there look for the zoo’s stars, two Bengal tigers. The white one is named Tzatziki and the orange one is named Sriracha.

Hours: Daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Just south of Hilo is another fun touristy stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center. Visitors are invited to walk around and learn more about this Hawaiian delicacy. You can also watch a video of macadamia nut candy being made, see their finished products, and taste test the farm’s many assorted flavors. They also serve delicious dairy-free macadamia nut ice cream!

Hours: Daily from 9am to 4pm. (Closed Sundays)

Even though this trail has a name hard to pronounce, this hike is THE best nature walk in the park. The word "kipuka" in Hawaiian means an older area of vegetation that is surrounded by a recent lava flow. Think of it like a forest island surrounded by lava.

What you will find here are many beautiful old growth trees with lush tropical vegetation. You will see a huge diversity of rare plants, trees and even animals such as peasants and a type of quail that forage the floors here.

The trail is an easy 1.2-mile loop trail that is located on Mauna Loa Road, just past the Lava Tree Molds Drive. There is parking near the trailhead and restrooms (vault toilets) at the nearby Kipukapuaulu Picnic Area.The hike should take about 30 minutes and has informative placards for various native plants and trees along the way.

Ka Lae translates in Hawaiian to ‘the point’ and is the southernmost point of land in the United States. The area has a desolate beauty all on its own with wind-bent trees and cliffs that feel like the end of the world. 

While you are at the point, you can visit an ancient Hawaiian fishing heiau or temple, watch local fishermen bring in their catch, spot wildlife like sea turtles and migrating whales, or cheer the brave souls taking the 40-foot plunge off the steep cliffs into the clear water below. It's breathtaking! 

Conveniently located close to the national park, Volcano Village is the perfect place to fuel up, shop for souvenirs at some of the cute boutiques or grab a snack at the Kilauea General Store. If you’re hungry for dinner, there are also some sit-down restaurants you can try.

The Saddle Road, officially named the Daniel K. Inouye Highway, is the main thoroughfare on the Big Island that connects Kona in the west with Hilo in the east. This 50-minute drive has three optional stops:

1) A rest stop, which we’ll point on the tour;
2) A cinder cone where you can get acclimated to the altitude if you’re embarking on a journey to Mauna Kea; and
3) Mauna Kea, Hawaii’s tallest mountain.

If you’re not planning on visiting any of these places you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the drive.

Note: Keep an eye on your speed! Police monitor this highway closely and frequently hand out tickets to speeding drivers.

The Punalu'u Bakeshop in Na’alehu is the southernmost bakery in the United States! But that is not its only claim to fame. The small town bakery specializes in Hawaiian sweet bread made from a secret family recipe and baked fresh daily. Free samples! They also feature delicious Portuguese doughnuts called malasadas as well as pastries and other sweets.

Chek out their gift shop and outdoor restaurant. You might even catch some live music! After your meal, take a stroll through their lush four-acre tropical gardens.

Restrooms and electric car-charging stations available.

Bake Shop Hours: Daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. 



Stop by this farm stand to try local goodies like chocolates, coffee and honey. While you’re there, take a short stroll in the garden while you enjoy your snacks!