Aside from the beaches, luau's and all of the other fun activities to be experienced on Hawaii's big island, there is an abundance of natural wonders to be explored and experienced. Once in a lifetime adventures!!

One of the most famous natural wonders of Hawaii is located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Mauna Loa. The summit of Mauna Loa reaches 13,677 feet and is the world's largest, most active volcano. Mauna Loa's most dynamic smaller sibling, Kilauea volcano, provides frequent opportunities for lava viewing. For your safety, talk to the ranger in the Kilauea Visitor Center for information on lava flow conditions before partaking in any exploration. This also applies to other viewing opportunities of the spectacular scenery in the park. **January 2006 marked the 23rd year of the ongoing eruption of Kilauea volcano and visitors may view the live lava flow at a location about 4 miles away from where the lava enters the ocean. The Halemaumau Crater Overlook offers an incredible view of the crater. This is a Hawaiian sacred site and native Hawaiians practice their ancient traditions at Halemaumau Crater. In the Kau district visit Punaluu Black Sand Beach Park, home to one of the Big Islands black sand beaches and home to the endangered green sea turtle.

In the South Kona District the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park is located. It is said that up until 1819, vanquished Hawaiian warriors, kapu breakers and noncombatants could escape death by reaching this sacred ground. The shore scenery that comprises the park includes royal fishponds, coconut groves and prehistoric house sites. Humpback whales can be seen during the winter months and green sea turtles can often be spotted in Keone Ele cove. An open lava tube cave ends at the face of a sea cliff but watch your head!!! Many archaeological sites are located along an 1871 historical trail including some house sites, temple sites (heiau) and some sledding tracks.

The Wailuku River State Park is home to the famous Rainbow Falls. These 80 foot falls are famous for the rainbow formed from its mist. Legends say that the cave beneath the falls was the home of Hina, mother of the demigod Maui. Boiling Pots is a succession of big pools connected by underground flow or cascades whose waters roll and bubble as if boiling. The slow cooling of basalt lava created the exposed hexagonal columns that surround the pools. South Point (Ka Lae) is the southern-most part of the United States. The next landfall is 7500 miles away! This coastline has many archaeological sites and it believed to be the landing spot of the first Polynesians in 300 A.D., or earlier. Many local fishermen literally risk their lives climbing down a rope ladder to their fishing boats anchored below the overhang. Don't miss the huge Kamoa Wind Farm's windmills generating electricity.

Wind down at Hiiaka's Healing Hawaiian Herb Garden located on a 1-acre, secluded retreat 20 miles from Hilo. Experience the healing magic of herbs away from the hustle and bustle of tourist activity. Both vacation rentals and residency internships are available.