It is knowing that there is a God, whom we owe everything to. I heard someone once say that “It would be disrespectful to God if I were ungrateful.” Mahalo is recognizing + trusting in God, that his plan and ways are greater than our own. It is knowing that he, as the creator, has given us all these things and supports us, even from one breath to another.
When it rains, as it frequently does in Hawaii, our hearts are always full of gratitude. As the sun shines, we are grateful. When we go to the beach and swim, feel the warmth of the waves, and interact with the sea animals, our hearts are full of gratitude. When we go to the mountains and hear the birds sing, the wind whistle through the trees, and the lava flowing continuously, we are grateful.
Mahalo ke Akua. Thanks be to God.
Swimming in the middle of the ocean
When I was about 16 years old, I went to a summer program called Na Pua No’eau. There were different groups in this program but my group was especially meaningful to me, because I love the ocean. We learned how to man and sail the wa’a, the Hawaiian canoe. We learned the basics of reading the stars, how to tie the knots, and how to show respect to the canoe, the ocean, and to one another.
One day, we sailed out past Hilo bay. I was so excited for this, because we’d only stayed in the bay to practice sailing, and I knew it was nothing like being out in the great wide ocean.
As we broke free of the Hilo bay wall, the ocean loomed for miles: deep, blue, wise. We sailed quite a ways, the view of Hilo bayfront looking like a postcard in the distance.
Our captain let us take a jump in the water, which we willingly did to cool off. As I floated in the middle of the ocean, knowing the water went down for miles below me and around me, I realized how tiny I was. What mother Teresa said was true, that we are just “a drop in the ocean.”
Who knew what creatures lurked in the water beneath me, or how deep it went? The water was an intense dark blue, and when I turned my body to look out at the horizon, it stretched on forever.
I felt so vulnerable. So small. My body totally exposed in this sea of unknown, my legs dangling into the unknown. It was terrifying. And, yet… so humbling.
Even though I was this tiny human being—that was so fragile physically and emotionally, that could be swallowed up in this deep blue by the water or by some creature, that I was just one person in a world of billions of people—I still mattered.
The Great Paradox
That is the great paradox… that even though we are “nothing” in comparison to the grandeur and glory of all God’s creations, we are still everything to him. We are still his greatest and grandest creation.
This perspective changed my life. God has given us everything, and yet we are nothing. God loves us with all he has, and yet we only give him back a portion of our thanks and gratitude.
To complete the quote by Mother Teresa, she said: “We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean. But the ocean would be less because of that missing drop.”
We all matter. And, most importantly, we matter to God. Of all the things he’s given us, our time and life here is a precious gift.
We are each a part of the picture.
We all have a contribution to make.
We’re all needed.
Knowing this changed my heart. Mahalo ke Akua. Thanks be to God for all the life he gives us—the world around us, people, and even the magnificence of our own bodies. When we realize how tiny and seemingly insignificant we are in the world, we learn the value of mahalo.
Here are some other ways to live mahalo.
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Go out in nature
Nature is one of the world’s greatest teachers. There is no rebellion in the spirit of nature and animals. As a young adult returning to the Big Island, I used to swim laps at my favorite beach every morning, sometimes passing turtles.
The turtles taught me many valuable lessons… not that they did anything special, but their spirits were special. Their behavior, their grace, their patience taught me things I needed to do and change in my life.
Let the stars, the trees, the moon, the animals, and the sun—let nature—teach you.
Have an attitude of gratitude
It’s so easy to look at your life and see the things you lack. If someone else has a product or “thing” then we seem to immediately want that. We grow sad when we can’t get the things we want, when, really, we should be looking at what we do have.
One of the best things I’ve done for myself, especially growing up in poverty and experiencing abuse, was to look at the things I did have: I didn’t have money or control over my family situation, but I had creativity, a good brain, and the value of ho’ohana, doing meaningful work. I was so grateful for those things I had—though not physical “things.” This attitude of gratitude helped me get out of my darkest times.
Encourage selflessness in your life
I watched a video once that said ingratitude is a result of selfishness: We think we deserve more. We think we’re better than others. We think others don’t deserve what they have.
What if, instead of thinking only of ourselves, we thought more of others?
How can I serve them?
How can I be happy for them?
When we focus on service, our lives become more joyful. Serving helps us be grateful for the things we do have: our knowledge, our life, our people.
Mahalo ke Akua – Thanks be to God
Saying a prayer of thanks, and then showing our appreciation to God through our actions are powerful ways to live mahalo. Thanks be to God for the wonderful opportunity we have to live each day.
I know sometimes it’s hard to find something to be grateful for. Sometimes we think we have to dig deep to find gratitude. But it can become habitual, and the more grateful we are, the more blessings and miracles we see.
I created this Mahalo ke Akua gratitude journal to inspire you to write and reflect daily on the things you’re grateful for. With practice, this book can blossom your gratitude into a beautiful habit, a habit that no longer requires a book to record!
Mahalo for being here!
There are so many ways to implement the value of mahalo in your life. I’m sure if you’ve visited Hawaii, it feels good when people tell you mahalo. You feel appreciated. You feel seen.
Let’s give our thanks to God by living an attitude of gratitude for ourselves and all around us. We can do this!
Ho’ohana is the value of purposeful and meaningful work. When we work towards something with intention, it provides a feeling of satisfaction and purpose that nothing else can.
Think about the work you currently do, whether you’re a mother/homemaker, working a full time career, or starting a side hustle… is your work purposeful? Is it meaningful to you?
Work can be hard. Some people work because they have to, some because they want to, and others consider work to not be work at all. Ho’ohano is the idea that when we become friends with work, work can be an enjoyable, growing, and enlightening experience.
“Ho’o” – means to do.
“Hana” – means to work with purpose or intent.
Therefore, ho’o + hana = to do meaningful, purposeful, or intentional work
Ho’ohana is like playing a sport
If you’ve ever played a sport, you know that it requires effort, especially physically and mentally. If you can put your energy and focus into what you’re doing, you become stronger and your abilities increase.
In high school, I did Cross Country and, although I wasn’t the fastest runner on the team, I worked hard. I pushed myself to beat personal PRs and boosted my teammates too. At the start of the season, there would usually be a lot of people on the team, and by the end, about a quarter would’ve dropped out.
The drop-out quarter of runners would complain about practices being too hard, or gossip about the coaches, spreading lies and negativity. Some of us ignored them, and some listened. The ones who listened usually ended up dropping out too.
Those of us who didn’t listen continued to try our best, and to be obedient to our coaches, instead of complaining. When our coach said to get down and do 10 burpees, we did it. When our coach said to sit down and relax, so we could mentally visualize race day, we did it.
It’s not about the destination, only finding meaning in the journey
Races and practices, though still hard on the body and mind, actually became enjoyable. Anybody who does a sport knows this. When you become a friend to the exercise and work, you actually have fun and find purpose + meaning.
That is ho’ohana. It doesn’t mean that work becomes any easier, it just means that you become a friend to work, knowing that as you put in your 100%, YOU become stronger. You become friends with those who work alongside you, and friends with those directing you (boss, employer, coach, etc).
Whether it’s a coworkers, spouse, family member, friend, or teammate who complains about the work, slipping down the hole of negativity, criticism, and gossip, YOU actively choose to disengage and press forward. With your own desire to learn and grow—even if the work is hard–you choose ho’ohana and pave the way for success.
Instead of waiting for something to happen in your life and work, you create paradise right where you are through living ho’ohana.
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How to live Ho’ohana
There are many ways to implement this Hawaiian value into your life, but the most important thing is to start where you are. Trying to do everything at once leads to overwhelm, and ho’ohana is about doing meaningful work, not trying to do everything.
Create Purpose
Whether you’re a stay at home mom, employee, or employer, create purpose in your work. Creating purpose is different from finding purpose. When you create purpose, you intentionally choose the WHY behind what you’re doing—whether that be wanting to raise the kids in a loving environment, make extra money from a side hustle, or work towards a dream vacation. When you find purpose, you go through a checklist in your head of your reasons to work.
Ho’ohana loves creativity, so as you create a WHY behind your work, you find more peace + enjoyment in it. It might seem a little more obvious to find the WHY behind raising children or running a business, but what about jobs that are less enjoyable—those of minimum wage, demanding environments, and/or less-than-pleasant customers… I’m talking call centers, fast food joints, etc. How can you live ho’ohana when you’re starting from the bottom and/or stuck at a job you don’t like?
Choose your why
Create purpose. Choose WHY you’re there. People say things like, “I have to work,” but the reality is that nobody is forcing them to work. Ho’ohana is taking responsibility for the choice to work.
I’ve worked odd jobs to make ends meet here and there. One of the jobs was at a call center, where people would call in swearing and angry at the product. It was so hard not to take things personally. But I had a purpose in this work. It was just a temporary job to make some money while I started a side hustle (this blog!). That was my reason.
I did my best and implemented the value of ho’ohana by becoming friends with my coworkers and bosses. They noticed my efforts and I was even promoted to the Tier 2 calls, which meant a pay raise!
When the time came that I left the job, my coworkers were so sad, as we’d all become good friends. To this day we’re all still good friends. I’m so grateful that my time there—at a less than pleasant job—had been a growing and even enjoyable experience!
Put in 100%
Ho’ohana puts in a full 100% effort. It doesn’t mean you need to be perfect at the things you’re doing, but when you TRY, you receive a deep satisfaction in life.
For a short time in college, I worked at a bakery as a pastry chef. My supervisor was very much a witch: breathing down our necks, impatiently giving orders and demands, telling us to do one thing then chastising us the next minute for not doing something else, etc. She was so inconsistent and grumpy, it was easy for anyone to feel negatively towards her and the work.
But I chose to ho’ohana… to work hard and be a good team player. In no time, my efforts affected my coworkers and even the other supervisors in the bakery—who would often approach and ask me how I was doing.
They would always say hello to me, which really made my time at the bakery better. The work conditions regarding my supervisor never improved, I never got a raise, and my efforts weren’t once recognized by my supervisor.
But God noticed.
I had given 100% to that job, and God had graced me with more patience, endurance, and stamina to handle the snappiness and weaknesses of others. And another blessing occurred from giving 100%. While I had been working at the bakery, I networked with the right people and got an envied and prized job on the college campus.
Giving 100% really works!
Take Initiative
When you see an opportunity to grow and learn in your work, take initiative. Ho’ohana is all about building others up, and building yourself up at the same time. Have you ever had a disagreeable coworker or work environment? How easy is it to complain and gossip about it? Or to just quit in search of a place that would “make you happier”?
While some situations are toxic—and you should definitely run away from those asap—most jobs are great “except that one thing or person.” What if we implemented the value of ho’ohana to grow + expand ourselves and our abilities to give and receive aloha?
Every person has weaknesses, so how can we use our strengths to help with the weaknesses of others? Ho’ohana is being resistant against the downers of work, and, instead, seeking solutions.
When we think of a work environment like a sports team, wouldn’t you do something to compensate for a player who has a weak knee or arm? Wouldn’t you want to help them so the whole team grows stronger? In fact, wouldn’t everyone want to use their strengths to help others with their weaknesses?
Ho’ohana is creating that environment where everyone can work hard and help one another.
Be Creative
If you know that the work you currently do isn’t what you want to do forever, then truly let the value of ho’ohana sink in by being creative. While creating this blog, I worked about 4 different jobs to support myself and my husband (and he worked too). From taking family photos and wedding videography, to substitute teaching and working as a music teacher at a local school… I worked hard to pursue my dreams.
Ho’ohana is all about stretching ourselves to reach our dreams. My main goal was to be able to work for myself as a creative, but this would not be easy. And it would certainly take time. All of my side jobs weren’t always easy, but I stayed positive and kept it in my mind that these little tasks would generate income to start up my creative business.
I felt silly as I did all of these jobs, especially when people asked me what I was doing, but I learned that their opinions didn’t matter. Ho’ohana allowed me to see the bigger picture—that I was working for a cause.
Sometimes you have to do things non-traditionally to do work that is purposeful and meaningful for you. I’ve met so many people who created their success without going to college and getting a degree. I’ve met people who hustled in college (like myself) and got a degree but hustled even more afterwards, in order to create purposeful work.
A huge part of ho’ohana is to stay positive. Our world views work as drudgery, and like we’re slaves to work our whole lives. This simply isn’t true. Work can be enjoyable when we create purpose and view work as a necessary growing part of life.
There will always be work to do—work to raise children, work to make money, work in the yard, work to strengthen a relationship, work to correct a mistake, work towards a dream, etc.
But ho’ohana helps us enjoy and even love the work we do… because work is not meaningless. We create purpose and meaning in it.
Even though work hasn’t always been easy through my life, I’m grateful for those times I implemented ho’ohana, because it made things much easier.
With joy and aloha,
Lei
Let’s hear it from you!
So what are some ways you want to implement ho’ohana in your life? Comment below!
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Want to learn more Hawaiian values for a better life?
Aloha is probably one of the most popular Hawaiian words, meaning “hello,” “goodbye,” and “I love you.” But if we truly break it down and understand the etymology, the feeling, and the spirit of aloha, we learn to live on a deeper and more meaningful way.
“Alo” is the presence of, and “ha” is breath or life force. So, literally, aloha is the presence of life. It is recognizing the life in ourselves and others, and, more importantly, the love that flows through all things. Ancient Hawaiians had this concept of mana, or energy, that flows in everything. In Christian religion, this mana could be understood as spirit. The greater our love, the greater the mana.
Aloha is the constant giving and receiving of love. From the moment we were born, we have the desire to give and receive love. It is our natural state of spirit.
Through pain, heartache, trauma, and grief, our ego steps in to protect us. We form beliefs that block our flow of aloha, such as the belief that we can’t trust anyone, or that we can’t be truly happy. Aloha is loving ourselves, others, and God enough to return to that love.
It’s a lifelong journey, but it’s one that is totally worth it. When we truly recognize the life force in ourselves and others, and honor that, we create that flow of love with every person and living thing we encounter.
Aloha is like the flowing of a river
To better understand the constant flow of aloha, I imagine a beautiful, strong river. Some rivers are small, some large, some shallow, and some deep. This is like the flow of aloha in our lives. The better we get at practicing aloha, the deeper and stronger this river flows. People can feel the aloha spirit from just being around us.
Others have a harder time with the flow of love. Perhaps they suffered a deep trauma that makes it difficult to navigate the flow. Perhaps they experienced a grief, violence, or abuse that sucked them nearly dry.
Life is full of difficulties, but know this… there will always be a flow within you. Even if you feel that all love and light has dried out of you, it isn’t so. God created us with an abundance of love, and, because he loves us, we can reach out to him to quench any of our needs, especially that of love.
No matter how small or large your flow of love, there will always be difficulties and challenges placed in your way. I think of limiting self beliefs, negative thoughts, feelings of worthlessness, and hopelessness as the pieces that make a dam.
A dam cuts off the flow, and, because we all experience heartache in life, we all have things we need to work to remove out of our thoughts and beliefs.
Self limiting beliefs block the flow
When I was a young adult, I recognized that I had this self limiting belief: “I can’t be truly happy because if I am, then something bad will happen.” I didn’t allow myself to be happy because I feared what would come next.
It always seemed like if I did experience some kind of joy, I had to shut it down quickly—stuff it inside—so that if someone said something rude or negative, or a bad event happened next, I’d know that I’d already stuffed the happiness down and I hadn’t really deserved it.
Or that it hadn’t actually been a true feeling.
This belief came from years of neglect, abuse, and manipulation. I would rejoice in other people’s successes, but I never felt secure or happy in my own.
When I recognized this belief, it took a long time to remove this block that had such a huge role in creating a dam to the flow of love. I would give love, but never truly receive it from others.
This is not aloha. Aloha flows between all things.
Let it flow. 🙂
Work to remove the blocks of self-limiting beliefs, negativity, selfishness, worthlessness, and hopelessness.
Here are some additional ways to help you do this, and more fully implement the value of aloha in your life.
Love and trust God first
God, the father of our spirits, is love. He is the God who can give you the love you need. Through his son, Jesus Christ, we can experience unlimited joy in this life. I’m so grateful for their support in my life—in fact, I don’t know where I’d be without knowing there is a God and a Savior for me. Trust that God loves and knows you, because he does.
Learn compassion
“Charity is the pure love of Christ.” Aloha is basically charity: withholding judgment and loving unconditionally.
It’s so easy to judge others.
I read a book, which I highly recommend, called “Judgment Detox,” (that’s an affiliate link, meaning if you click through and buy it, I receive a commission at no extra cost to you!) and it helped me recognize how often I judge people.
Don’t misunderstand me here… we need to judge situations and things for safety and responsible reasons, but how often do we find ourselves judging people for petty things, like lifestyle choices, things they say, or things they post on social media?
We all are different, and we all have a contribution to make.
Instead of judging, have compassion and grace for others. Try to truly understand what they’re saying when they talk to you. “Pa’a ka waha” and “lokahi” teach us how to strengthen our relationships and listen with love to others. This encourages the constant flow of aloha in our lives.
Have aloha for yourself too
For many of us, it’s easy to love and rejoice for and with others, and yet, we rarely rejoice in our own successes. Instead, we criticize and judge ourselves for not doing or being enough. Withholding love for ourselves is the very act of creating blocks to our flow of love. It’s like we’re building our own dams by withholding love for ourselves. We can’t have a continuous flow for others if we withhold love from ourselves.
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Have hope
The spirit of aloha may sometimes feel like a thing of the past, but it isn’t. You can create paradise right where you are by living the value of aloha. If you’ve been hurt in the past, it can feel difficult at first to allow the flow of aloha to run its course in your life. But know that there is hope. There is always hope. 🙂
I hope you will be able to live the spirit of aloha in your home and life. And remember, if you don’t think you can even feel love right now, reach up to a loving Heavenly Father. He will gently remind you of how loved, valued, and beautiful you are. When you reach up to him and do your part, your river flow of aloha will become strong and deep.
Follow my 3 steps to have mercy for people (because we’re all not perfect)
There are 3 things that go through my head when I feel annoyed, impatient, or angry at someone. These 3 keys help me have ALOHA for others all the time.
Every person is a child of God. We learned this in ‘ohana. We are all God’s children so deserve to be treated that way.
Every person has pain, challenges, trials, and heartaches.
People deal with their problems the best way they know how. Sometimes a person hasn’t experienced much. Maybe they’re not as mature as you are, and so they just don’t understand. I’ve come to realize that people usually do the best they can with the knowledge and experience they have.
I hope these tips will inspire you to live more aloha. It is truly possible!
With joy and aloha,
Lei
Your turn!
How do you live aloha? Let us know in the comments below!
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Also known as the “Valley of the Kings,” Waipi’o Valley is a site that will not disappoint. With a lush green valley, a black sand beach, and sapphire-colored water, Waipi’o Valley is an iconic site to visit on the Big Island. It is located on the northern coast, and contains several waterfalls, which are either dangerous to find or blocked by private property. You will probably get the most satisfaction (and safety) out of visiting the black sand beach in the valley. However, if you’re up for an adventure, check out Muliwai Trail Hike or Waimanu Valley.
Getting to Waipi’o Valley + Parking
Address: 48-5546 Waipio Valley Road
To get to Waipio Valley, turn onto Highway 240 at Honoka’a. You will follow this road for about 9 miles until you reach the lookout point. There is a small parking lot, with no fees or charges. The parking lot is small, but people usually come and go quickly, instead of hiking down. If you wait a couple of minutes, you should be able to get a parking space. Otherwise, use caution when parking on the side of the street.
Driving down to the valley is highly discouraged, as the roads are narrow and SUPER steep. It will wear and tear on your car, and it might just be against the policy of your rental vehicle. However, there are usually locals around who offer rides round trip for about $15-$30.
Time
If you’re planning to just stop and admire the lookout, you’ll probably spend about 20 minutes here. It’s a great spot for a picnic, as there is a pavilion with tables and benches.
If you’re planning to hike down and explore the valley, expect it to take longer—probably about 1-2 hours.
The Mo’olelo (the story) of Waipi’o Valley
Waipi’o was once home to the kings of old Hawaii. It is named after the Waipi’o river that flows through it. Waipi’o, pronounced wai-pi-o, means “curved water,” as the river runs its own course. King Kamehameha, the great king of all the Hawaiian Islands, received his calling in the Waipi’o valley, leading him to conquer each island. The valley was once heavily populated but a tsunami caused devastation in 1946 and the valley now has a few inhabitants, homes, and taro fields.
The Trail
Hiking down to Waipio Valley can be hard on your legs. It’s very steep and, combined with the humidity and jungle-like atmosphere, can be very hot. So wear comfortable hiking shoes, bring some water, and take your time. When you get to the bottom, turn right towards the beach. If you turn left, you will come across the small community and private property. Please be respectful of private property and the no trespassing signs, as these are local residents. The beach is public access, so feel free to explore around there. On your way to the beach, be prepared for mud, as the ground is not paved.
Are there bugs or wild animals at Waipio Valley?
Note that there are wild horses in the valley. They won’t bother you, but just be aware that they are there. There are also mosquitoes, so be sure to wear some repellant.
Swimming at Waipio Valley
The black sand beachfront is beautiful but don’t be deceived. The current is especially strong in the valley, so swimming is discouraged. The break can also be rough. There are no lifeguards, so swim at your own risk. I like to just enjoy the view, put my feet in the water (to cool off), and walk along the shore. The black sand is so unique and beautiful, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it!
I love going to Waipio Falls. I never got to enjoy it growing up in Hawaii, because my parents rarely took us to the “touristy” places, but it is definitely a gem! I hope you get to see and enjoy it!
As someone who grew up on the Big Island, it’s easy for me to recommend it as the ideal Hawaii destination. There is SO much to do on the Big Island, and so many beautiful places to see. From colorful sandy beaches to lush waterfalls, you’ll be in awe at the things this island has to offer. This article features the top 10 places you must see on the Big Island.
Waipio Valley is breathtaking.
Waipio Valley
There are two major valleys on the Big Island: Waipio and Pololu. Waipio is much steeper and harder than Pololu, and much more crowded. But each has their own beauty. Waipio dawns a black sand beach, wandering horses, and a river dividing the valley in half. You can enjoy the view from up top, or opt for an adventure and hike down.
The hike is one mile long but is incredibly steep. Hikers should walk on the right side of the road in the direction they’re going, allowing other hikers and cars to pass by. At the parking place, a group of locals have a shack, where they charge $15 one way per person. Many people opt to ride down because it saves a lot of time. We walked and it was fine, just very hot and humid so be sure to take a lot of water and something to wipe yourself off when you’re done (because you’ll be soaking with sweat). A great place to go after this hike is Tex Drive-In.
Akaka Falls is surrounded by a lush forest. Definitely a must-see.
Akaka Falls
This is one of my must see sites on the Big Island, as it’s a class and favorite falls. Akaka Falls is a long waterfall surrounded by lush greenery. The entrance fee is $1 and parking is free if you’re outside the gates (usually you’ll have to park outside the gates anyways because it’s so packed). Akaka falls is tall and beautiful, and the mini hike to it is full of lush greens and vibrant gingers and flowers.
South Point has gorgeous lookouts of the ocean and cliffs.
South Point + Green Sand Beach
This place fascinates me and keeps me coming back by its beauty and its unique location in the United States of America. It is the southern-most tip of the country and many people jump off it. Even if you don’t jump, the beauty of the cliffs is breathtaking. Whenever we go to South Point, I always bring a couple jugs of water so that we can rinse the salt off our bodies before jumping back in the car. There are many signs that say not to jump, so really you’re jumping at your own risk. Be careful climbing the ladder because it’s pretty rusty and I cut my leg on it the first time I jumped. It’s still a really neat experience. 🙂
Green Sand Beach is a hot hike but it’s definitely worth it!
Hiking to Green Sand Beach is not an easy feat, especially because the sun and sticky salt can make you feel sweaty, hot, and even dehydrated. Many people opt to pay $30 for a ride from the locals that takes you to and from the beach.
I love walking along the beach and finding shells. I’ve found some beautiful, large shells while walking along the rocky shores to the Green Sand Beach. There are also a lot of ugly things, like trash along the shores, and bunches of trash floating in the distance. When you’re walking along the path, the red dirt can stain your shoes and stick to your legs and ankles.
I would recommend having: sunscreen (apply and keep reapplying), hat, sunglasses (the light can get really blinding after a while), and lots of water. We took our lunch from Punalu’u Bakery to the Green Sand Beach.
Once you reach the beach, you can hike down to swim in the water, or you can find a shady spot by the cliffs to rest.
Rainbow Falls
With this falls being free, it’s easy to put this on the top ten must see sites on the Big Island. Free to the public and located in Hilo, Rainbow Falls is a beautiful, strong, rushing waterfall. Depending on the rain, the falls can be trickling one day and surging the next. Use caution when walking around because the rocks on the trails can be slippery. This is a great spot for pictures, plus it’s free!
Volcano National Park + Thurston Lava Tube
The park has a multitude of hikes. One of my favorite hikes is the Crater rim hike because you get to see the steam vents, and get up close and personal with many of the beautiful native plants. This is a hike that should be easy for the whole family. Keep an eye out for Liko Lehua, the flower most prestigious and well-represented in Hilo. It is a red flower that has tiny strands sticking out so it forms the shape of a small ball. There are also many native birds at the park, and I would highly recommend just taking the time to listen and enjoy the diversity of Hawaii.
The Thurston Lava Tube is an easy and fun hike for the whole family. The lava tube isn’t very long, but it’s still fun to walk through it. Entrance fee for the park is usually $25 and provides a pass that lasts for a week and a half.
Coconut Island
This is a fun place to go for a picnic and swim. The popular thing to do at Coconut Island is to jump off one or both of the two towers. State events, parties, and other activities are usually held here. You will see people fishing, paddle-boarding, and there are places for little children to swim. The island has views of the hotels. If you are watching, you can sometimes see whales in the distance. Parking here is very limited, so if it’s a nice day, hurry on over! 🙂
Hapuna Beach is the white sand beach of the Big Island. It’s so beautiful + calm.
Hapuna
One of the only white sand beaches on the Big Island, Hapuna stretches out, allowing a plentitude of people to share its area. The only limits come with parking. If you don’t get there early enough, you could be circling the parking lot, waiting for a spot to open. There is a park fee of $5 for non-Hawaii residents.
The place offers food and shave ice (it’s very pricy, like $5 for a small shave ice) but I recommend bringing your own food and lots of water.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach is a great place to see honu (turtles).
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach
The black sand looks like tiny particles of black rocks. The beach is known for the many turtles who rest on its shores, and for the tiny tide pools that children can play in. You will find many locals here playing ukulele, barbecuing with family, or fishing on the outskirts. It’s a great gathering place.
Parking fills up fast, and if you aren’t there quick enough, you might have to park on the side of the road. There is a shower to rinse off as well.
Queen Liliuokalani Garden
Hawaii’s last queen had a garden on the Big Island. She would visit every now and then, and the cultures blending perfectly in this little area. The gardens are full of red bridges and toris, and the little ponds once held many koi fish. Bamboo shoots and other plants grace the garden. It’s a very beautiful area for relaxation, with the sounds and smell of the ocean in the background.
Hilo Farmers Market
Visiting the Hilo Farmer’s Market is one of my favorite things to do on the Big Island. Local vendors come from all over Hilo and sell their goods. There are also many Filipino and Chinese vendors, selling dresses, jewelry, and other goods not made in Hawaii. Just because you bought it in Hawaii doesn’t mean it’s made in Hawaii. I still love looking at all of the art and jewelry. A lot of my jewelry has come from the Farmer’s Market and local jewelry makers.
On one side of the Farmer’s Market vendors sell vegetables, fruit, and other produce. There are also vendors selling bentos and food. I love the Filipino food from the Farmer’s Market because it reminds me of the Philippines. There are also vendors selling Chinese food, Spam musubi, jam, jelly, honey, cookies, and pretty much any food you can think of. I love the Vietnamese vegetable spring rolls with peanut sauce so keep an eye out for that! I also love the Filipino sweet sticky mochi rice.
So there you have it! These are the top ten places I love to see and visit in Hawaii. With the beautiful diversity of the Big Island, you’re sure to have a grand time! In the comments below, let me know which places you want to see the most—or if you’ve gone, what was your favorite place on the Big Island?
Wishing you a wonderful adventure,
Leialoha
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