South for Winter?

Southernmost Point of the USA - Visit the Puna District, Big Island, Hawaii

Come find out why the Polynesians navigated the Pacific Ocean in canoes to get here........

"The Big Island has so many things to do.
Steven Miller, Manhattan, New York

Historic Hilo on the Big Island

This quaint city with an enormous heart is built around the crescent-shaped Hilo Bay. Often described as the "Honolulu before the jets came", Hilo is a visit back in time to "Old Hawaii". The downtown area captures a glimpse of pre WWII Hawaiiana with its art deco and old Hawaiian architecture. Shop at many of the interesting boutiques and antique stores, plus a wide variety of ethnic restaurants and a fabulous farmers market are also yours to enjoy.

Coconut Island

Make sure to visit the South side of Hilo Bay and take in the enchanting Lili’uokalani Park with its Japanese ornamental gardens and ponds. Outstanding. On the flank of the park is Coconut Island, also known as the Healing Island and is a favorite of locals for fishing, swimming, or picnicking and its shallow sandy pools make it an ideal place for families.

Kalapana

The entire fishing village of Kalapana that was covered in lava in 1990. This lava flow also covered a famous black sand beach. A new beach is being formed and one can walk over long stretches of dried lava to see some sights that are truly spectacular. So unusual is this landscape, that Hollywood used this backdrop for movies like Tim Burton’s 2001 remake of "Planet of the Apes" and Kevin Costner's 1995 epic "Waterworld". The highway abruptly dead ends from the lava flow.

Old Town Pahoa

In the Hawaiian language, the word 'pahoa' means dagger or knife.ive minutes away is quaint old town Pahoa. This Hawaiian village has an alternative life style and flair started out in the late 1800’s as a lumber town making koa and ohia railroad ties and later became a sugar town. Around 1960 Pahoa was named the anthurium and papaya capital of the world. This historic town boasts several excellent restaurants, shops and galleries and even an open market on weekend mornings. Stay in Pahoa and experience a lifestyle.

Kehena Black Sand Beach

Beach which is one of the few black sand beaches left. Enjoy beautiful and breathtaking views of the turquoise blue ocean which is often frequented by dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales. A small trail leads down to the beach near mile marker 19 on Highway 137. Clothes are optional at this beach. On Sundays it is ‘Drum Circle Party’ reminiscent of Berkley of ‘60s, for those who remember. Must Experience. It is a very beautiful and serene beach, especially in the morning when the sun comes up over the ocean.

Hawaii's Best Snorkeling: Kapoho Tide Pools

Some of the best snorkeling and diving is on the Big Island. Ten minutes away are the Kapoho Tide Pools where you'll experience a wide variety of tropical fish and coral. The water here is crystal clear, calm and is considered among the best snorkeling in all of Hawaii. Just beyond this spot is the "Champagne Pond", an ocean spring and favorite spot of many sea turtles!

Red Road Drive; The Most Beautiful Road on Hawaii's Big Island

Enjoy a scenic ocean drive considered by many to be the most beautiful in the entire state. The Red Road is not accessible to tour buses and is a must see by any island visitor. Many areas of the road are nearly completely covered by a canopy of trees and jungle foliage—some have compared portions of the road to rural Tahiti. Many of the beaches, snorkeling areas and thermal pools mentioned in this section of our website are accessed along the Red Road.

Thermal Pools

The Ahalanui thermal pools which consist of several volcanic heated pools. The main pool is ocean-fed and reaches a temperature of up to 90 degrees. A man-made rock sea wall separates the main pool from the ocean. Coconut groves surround this park and make it a perfect setting for an afternoon picnic.

Lava Tree State Park

Lava Tree State Park has some of the most fascinating lava rock formations in the entire Hawaiian Islands. The ancient lava flow left a thick coating as it flowed through old forests encasing the larger trees and burning them to ashes, but not before creating free standing tubes in the shape of the trees. Many have compared these formations to those of Easter Island; however, with Hawaiian Volcano Goddess Pele being the creator in this case.

Steam Vent Caves

You will encounter steam vent caves, one of the island’s most fascinating geological formations. Enjoy a truly natural steam bath in one of the cinder cones, formed when rain water comes in contact with the geothermally heated rock.

Isaac Hale Beach Park

This picturesque park, located a few miles away, is a haven for local fishermen and is also enjoyed by surfers when the waves are up. Take a walk past the caretaker’s house and then a short path into the jungle, where you will find a fresh water pond heated by volcanic action.

Akaka Falls State Park

Amazing Akaka Falls State Park. This is the waterfall that you almost always see in Hawaiian travel photos and movies. This 442 foot tall waterfall offers a glimpse into the wonders that Hawaii has to offer. On your short walk to the falls (about ¼ mile) you will enjoy the fragrance of tropical jungle flowers. You will see a large variety of palm trees, banyan trees, banana trees, bamboo groves, and gigantic impatiens.

Hula Dancing

Experience hula dancing at its finest with the annual Merrie Monarch Festival and Competition held annually the week following Easter, this is the ultimate Hawaiian cultural event.

Botanical Gardens and Orchid Farms

The Big Island is considered the orchid capital of the world. See thousands of blooming orchids at one of several local orchid farms open to the public, and even ship an orchid home from Hawaii. Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden is a 40 acre botanical garden jewel to the islands. It has waterfalls, scenic ocean views, and enormous mango and coconut palm trees that are over 100 years old. You will find orchids, anthuriums and native Hawaiian plants throughout the sun dappled paths.

Astronomy? Skiing?

Big Island's tallest volcano, Mauna Kea (which means "white mountain" in Hawaiian). The 4,200 meter high summit houses the world's largest observatory. Believe it or not, winter skiing is done on the north slope into the "Poi Bowl".Sunrise is quite a sight here as the sun rises from the ocean far below and the volcano casts a shadow some fifty miles out to sea.

Pana'Ewa Rainforest Zoo and Gardens

Take a 15 minute drive to the Nation’s only natural tropical rainforest zoo where you will find more than 80 animal species, including a White Bengal Tiger. You are welcome to enjoy a picnic in the shade of more than 100 varieties of palm trees or take a leisurely walk with peacocks in the extensive collection of orchids, clumping bamboos and tropical rhododendrons. For more information on the zoo, click here.

Wine Tasting

You will want to treat yourself to a wine tasting in paradise at nearby Volcano Winery. Taste local wines inspired by the unique elements of the Big Island. Tropical fruits like yellow guava are used to transform traditional wine grapes into vibrant island creations. For more traditional palates, they offer two award-winning wines made from the Symphony grape.

Got Chocolate? Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center

One of the most popular attractions in the area, world famous Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center, is located approximately 10 minutes away. Drive though beautiful macadamia nut orchards, see the nut and chocolate processing plant, view chocolate demonstrations and be sure to visit the gift shop where they offer free samples.

While in Hilo also visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum and learn about the remarkable power of tidal waves and a glimpse into early Hawaii history. Tour the Lyman House, an 1800's mission-house affiliated with the Smithsonian. Here you can learn about the natural history and culture of Hawaii. The museums collections feature works of 19th and early 20th century artists, an interactive astronomy center, and the Shipman Collection of rare Chinese art and artifacts.

Wooden shower base to improve circulation through cobblestone reflexology

Maximize health benefits during your morning shower

Foot reflexology is a simple, natural healing technique that appears to induce a normalizing response in the body by applying pressure to specific reflex points on the feet. Foot acupressure is a similar technique derived from the Chinese tradition which sees the body as a network of energy channels. In fact, many cultures have used some form of foot massage as a healing technique.

Reflexology, acupressure and foot massage are most effective when applied on a regular basis. Just as stress and tension are accumulative, so is the relaxation response. Because it is not always possible to visit a reflexologist regularly, self-massaging devices have been developed for applying pressure to the feet: foot massage mats, rollers, special sandals, etc.

Recognition of reflexology as a valuable natural healing technique has increased in recent years. National and international reflexology organizations now exist, and in many areas practitioners are licensed by local governments.

Cobblestone walking is an ancient health enhancing practice that has been known in China for thousands of years. Cobblestone walkways or foot reflexology parks exist all over China and are utilized by young and old for their health and meditative benefits.

Understanding the time constraints of contemporary living, most of us do not have time to take of our shoes take a stroll in a cobbled courtyard several times a week.

Most people go barefoot in the shower each morning! You can now use that 10 minutes for your own reflexology massage. Simply place it on the floor of your shower stall and step on wooden deck. And it is ready to use.

While showering place your feet on the rounded natural pebbles and use your body weight to gently rock to and fro to massage and stimulate thoes reflexology pressure points on your feet. It is exhilarating and rejuvenates your feet and entire system. Helps with circulation.

This new product has foot scrubbing strips to scrub bottoms of your feet. For that ‘just from the pedicurist feeling’. When you get out of the shower your feet and the rest of your body will thank you.

I sourced natural polished Iron ore which I have been using instead of stone. No scientific evidence it is better or worse. I just think it is cool, if you want to go a step further you could magnatize the stones and use them. Just imagine the possibilities.

Fresh Ginger Tea

Before during and after the flu
When you are feeling some of the symptoms of the usual winter blahs, you have contracted flu virus, nothing on this green earth is going stop it from running its course. The key words here are running and course. During the time the virus is doing its thing in your body and ramping up to infect the rest of the household and your entire deptartment at work. Here is what most people do. They take strong, no make that extra strength flu and cold medicines. These mask the symptoms flu. The main active ingredients are ephedrine and the legally allowed dosage of pain medication that you can get without a prescription.
When you take these medicines you may already know it works is essentially by shocking your body. Its suppresses the natural detoxification process of your body which is trying to getting rid of the mucus to cleanse your body. Essentially you suppress your natural immune functions with these over the counter drugs. I
It is highly recommended you take the few days off and let the symptoms run its course and you rest at home rather than drug up and show up to work. You are not at your productive best at work as you are running on an empty tank with your transmission limping along.
Whether you decide to stay at home and rest or got to work. Drink warm Ginger Tea. This is almost miracle remedy. It helps loosen up that mucus and speeds up the terrible symptoms throughout its varios stage. By all means take your chicken noodle soup. However stay away from the ephedrine products and toxic alley.
How to Make Ginger Tea
Ginger tea has a spicy, invigorating taste. It's used as a home remedy for indigestion, nausea, and to ward off colds, flu, and sore throats.
Ginger tea is very easy to make. Here is a recipe for you to try.
Ginger Tea Recipe
· water, 4 cups
· 2-inch piece of fresh ginger root
· optional: honey and lemon slice
Peel the ginger root and slice it into thin slices. Bring the water to a boil in a saucepan. Once it is boiling, add the ginger. Cover it and reduce to a simmer for 15-20 minutes. Strain the tea. Add honey and lemon to taste.
Note: Keep in mind that if you are making ginger tea as a home remedy during cold and flu season, sweeteners are not recommended.