Hawaii. Experience the Wonderful Sights on the Big Island of Hawaii:

Click on the Arrow to Watch the Hawaiian Rainbow Falls:  Rainbow Falls, Hawaii, Big Island Rainbow Dr off W Waianuenue Ave, Hilo, HI 96720. See it on the Map Just a short drive outside of downtown Hilo, the Wailuku River penetrates dense tropical undergrowth and cascades more than 80 feet into a picturesque gorge. The emerald green pool at the base of the falls used to be a popular swimming hole, especially with daredevils who wanted to explore the cave behind the falls; however, that's now against the law. Instead, visitors must make their way down the slick, stone walkway to the overlook, from which they have a terrific vantage point of this magnificent scene. Akaka Falls, Hawaii, Big Island Akaka Falls Rd off Hwy 19 Honomu, HI 96728. See it on the Map This state park, hidden away in a dense forested area just northwest of Hilo, features two of the Big Island's most majestic scenes: Kahuna Falls and 'Akaka Falls. The former, easily the smaller of the two, cascades over a tree-lined cliff into the canopy below. Meanwhile, the latter tumbles more than 440 feet into a lush gorge, creating a spectacular scene that's been photographed countless times over the years. The trail leading to the waterfalls is moderately strenuous, and the entire walk takes less than an hour.

Hawaii Big Island. Breathtaking Views of the Hawaiian Volcanoes:

Click on the Arrow to See a Slide Show of the Hawaiian Volcano Sights: Volcano Village, Hawaii, Big Island Haunani Rd at Old Volcano Rd Volcano, HI 96785, See it on the  Map   In order to accommodate the often well-to-do volcano watchers, locals constructed a large grass hut near the rim of Kilauea Crater and gave guests the royal treatment, Hawaiian-style. And so was born Hawaii's first resort, the famous Volcano House, which continues to pamper guests to this day. The "town" of Volcano has grown a bit since its humble beginnings and now features a handful of restaurants, a few souvenir shops, two general stores, and a post office. * Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Big Island Old Volcano Rd. at Hawai'i Belt Rd Volcano, HI 96785, See it on the  Map   Encompassing more than 350 square acres, this tumultuous national park is one of the most photographed locales in the Hawaiian chain. For more than 70 million years, volcanic heat and pressure from inside the earth have molded the dramatic landscape, which includes Thurston Lava Tube, still-smoldering Halemaumau Crater, and majestic Mauna Loa's highly active Pu'u O'o vent, which has been spewing lava since 1993. Visitors are free to explore the park's 50 or so miles of roadways, which wind in and out of dense tropical rain forest that surrounds Mauna Loa, but are encouraged to stay on guard since volcanic activity is commonplace. The Kilauea Visitor Center sits just inside the park's main entrance. The park was designated a World Heritage site in 1987. * Kipuka Puaulu, Hawaii Big Island Mauna Loa Rd Volcano, HI 95689, See it on the  Map   One of many fascinating features of Volcanoes National Park, Kipuka Puaulu, located on Mauna Loa, is a reminder of how lava flowing from the mountain is at once creator and destroyer. A "kipuka," loosely translated, is an island of native, old-growth flora that's been isolated from the rest of the forest by lava flows. Today, the trail that loops around Kipuka Puaulu is popular with hikers because it provides the opportunity to see rare plants and native birds. Information about Kipuka Puaulu is available at the Kilauea Visitor Center.

Hawaii, Big Island. Overlook of Waipi'o Valley, Hawaii:

Click on the Arrow to Watch a Video of  the Amazing Hawaiian Waipio Valley: Hwy 240 Waipio, HI 96782, See it on the  Map   The Waipio Valley Lookout in Hawaii, the Big Island, is stunning with cliffs dropping away 2,000 feet to the valley floor. Waipio Valley, once a major Hawaiian settlement, now supports taro farming and only a handful of people reside in the valley today. It is the Big Island version of the Valley of the Kings which has long maintained a special place in the hearts of locals. Steeped in legend, the deep, narrow valley stretches some 5-plus miles, flanked on either side by towering rock walls. The valley floor is a lush tapestry of tropical flora, and guava, red banana, and taro hide a multitude of natural treasures, like tranquil freshwater streams and waterfalls. Tourists are discouraged from taking cars into the valley because of the steep narrow roads. A good alternative, though, is Waipi'o Valley Shuttle (808-775-7121), which offers narrated, 4-wheel drive tours. Visitors not wanting to take the 90-minute trip can experience the valley's beauty from the overlook.

Hawaii. Other Hawaiian Sights, Hawaii Parks, Hawaii Museums and Hawaii Places to Visit in Kailua Kona and the Big Island of Hawaii: Hulihe`e Palace, Kona, Hawaii Alii Drive, Kailua Kona, HI, 96740, See it on the  Map The Hulihe`e Palace is located in the downtown of Kailua-Kona, Big Island of Hawaii. It was the former vacation home of Hawaiian royalty and now is a museum run by the Daughters of Hawaii, showcasing furniture and artifacts.The palace was slightly damaged in the 2006 Hawaii earthquake. Slight cracks in the walls and ceilings formed during the earthquake centered near Kailua-Kona. Banyan Drive, Hawaii, Big Island 93 Banyan Dr Hawai'i Naniloa Resort Hilo, HI 96720. See it on the  Map Scenic Banyan Drive, which loops around Hilo Bay's Waiakea Peninsula, is named for the 50-plus trees that line it. The ground roots of these eerie hardwood Hawaiian trees extend like gothic snakes across the sand, and long, spindly aerial roots dangle from overhead, giving the banyans a cage-like appearance. The trees were planted by celebrities like Amelia Earhart, F.D.R., and Fannie Hurst, and most of them date to the 1930s. Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs, Hawaii, Big Island Chain of Craters Rd Mile Marker 16 Volcano, HI 96785. See it on the  Map This fascinating area of the Hawaiian Volcanoes National Park preserves images left by people from centuries past. At the Pu'u Loa turn-off, you won't need to venture far from your car before spotting age-old images representing native Hawaiian people's everyday lives ­ boats, dancers, fishers, animals, and tools (spears, paddles, poi pounders, and fish hooks) ­ etched into the hard, black lava. Have care: these images have endured for thousands of years, so avoid walking across them or touching them in any way. Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, Hawaii Big Island Stainback Hwy off Hwy 11 Hilo, HI 96720, 808-959-7224, /South Hilo/. See it on the  Map One of the more unique zoos you'll visit, Pana'ewa Reserve allows a glimpse of life in a tropical rainforest of Hawaii, making it the only such facility in the United States. More than 80 species of animals call the reserve "home," including Namaste (a rare white Bengal tiger), an Aldabra tortoise named Beauregard, and Arnie the water buffalo. Other residents include giant anteaters, a pygmy hippo, black-handed spider monkeys, and a butterfly house. Tropical Hawaiian flora, a water garden, and peacocks also add a note of exoticism. Free admission. SAVE the URL: www.ExperienceKona.com