Akaka Falls: this is a short hike on a paved path that is suitable for all ages. There are orchids naturalized on the trees as well as spectacular naturalized heliconia and floral bananas. The falls themselves are spectacular and well worth the walk.

The Hilo Farmers Market is No Ka Oi (the best around!). There are papayas 5 for $1, bunches of orchids and anthuriums for around $5, blooming orchids for around $6, rambutan and loong an (in season), mangoes, fresh fish, hot bread, bento lunches and all sorts of "ono" produce. As an added bonus the people there are full of island friendliness and kokua.

Hale ma'u ma'u (House of the a ma'u ma'u fern): one of the most famous craters on Kilauea. This crater, on the chain of craters road, is named for the a ma'u ma'u fern that is common nearby. Legend has this as the home of Pele, the volcano goddess, and offerings are still left for Pele to this day.

The Panaewa Zoo: just South of Hilo, the Panaewa Zoo is wonderfully landscaped with orchids, tropical flowers and ferns. The Panaewa Zoo features a nice variety of animals from throughout the tropics including a very friendly native Nene Goose (endangered list) and a white Bengal tiger (shown).

The Ahalanui Hot Pond is South of Hilo off of the Kapoho-Kalapana road. These ocean-fed, natural hot ponds are public accessible with parking and shower available. After a hard day of sight seeing, the ponds provide a relaxing soak, all within sight of the surf just outside the pond walls.

Kaimu beach is South of Hilo off of the Kapoho-Kalapana road and lies on top of what used to be the beautiful, coconut tree-lined Kalapana black sand beach. There is a new black sand beach forming along the ocean as well as a large grove of fledgling cocounut trees. Local rumor has it that an elderly local woman's dieing wish was that the lovely cocounut groves of Kalapana one day grace a new black sand beach at Kaimu. In respect, residents have carried coconuts across the lava field and planted them in the sand, forming the beginnings of a new Kalapana.

Kealakekua Bay: Captain Cook was initially mistaken for the god Lono, having arrived at Kealakekua Bay in large ships with white sails on the Makahiki. However, after a disagreement over a stolen skiff, a fight ensued resulting in many deaths, Captain Cook included. The bay is now a memorial and a fish preserve with dive tours being run out of Kona. The diving is spectacular with large schools of tang (Palani), wrasse, parrot fish (Uhu), Jacks (Ulua) and A'hole hole.

Lava Tree State Park: Just off of Kapoho Road, Lava Tree Park features a short trail through some of the most dramatic lowland Koa forest still in existance. As if that weren't enough, huge lava pillars mark the spot where giant trees were once burned and then petrified by hot lava flows. A variety of lush flora thrive here including bamboo orchids, wild begonias, taro and heliconia.

Lilioukalani Gardens: in the hotel loop along the Hilo waterfront, Lilioukalani Gardens provides stunning views of Mauna Kea (white mountain) amid lush landscaping, huge banyan trees and panoramic views of Hilo Bay.

North Kohala: birth place of King Kamehameha I, North Kohala features rugged cliffs, beautiful beaches and lush wind swept valleys amid a quiet artist colony atmosphere.

The Onomea Botanical Gardens: features a huge collection of varied and mostly gorgeous heliconia, palms and other tropical foliage. There is a relaxing lilly ponds, complete with resident bull frogs as well as a nearby stream with native O'opu and Malaysian prawns.

Thurston Lava Tube: On Crater Rim Drive in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, lava once flowed through these walls, forming the cave as the hot lava receded. The main part of the cave is lit and features a dramatic, fern-lined entrace. The tube continues on (shown) to an unlit section which requires flash lights and a raincoat.

Onomea Trail: A short but lushly planted trail down to the ocean, Onomea trail used to be the entrance to the Onomea Botanical Gardens before the new parking area was made available. This little hike features stunning vistas and ends on a quiet stream-fed pool with grey-blue Malaysian prawns ambling peacefully. A small earth barrier separates the pond from waters of Onomea bay, where you can see a well known landmark, two jagged lava teeth rising from the surf. Onomea trail is just South of the entrance to the Onomea Botanical Gardens. Look for the landmark sign and the cars parked by the side of the street.

Kehena Beach: Richardson's beach is great for families or a quick jaunt to the beach but if you just want to get away from it all, Kehena is the place for you. Kehena Beach is a wonderfully secluded black sand beach hidden below a short sea cliff. Fishing, swimming and sunbathing. Clothing optional. About 3 miles east of Kaimu along Highway 137. Look for the cars parked along side the road.

Kapoho Tidepools: Wonderful tidepools and little baylets with a wide variety of tropical fish and friendly turtles (Honu). Swimming, snorkeling and fishing. Beware of strong currents near the sea-side edge of the tidepools. Also, don't forget to bring footware to walk along the lava. Follow Highway 137 to Kapoho and follow Vacationland Drive to the ocean.

Kapoho Boat Ramp: A protected bay with breakwater, boat launch and wonderful volcanically heated water. Good surfing in the winter in the inlet. Also good for snorkeling, jumping off the pier or just plain hanging out. Keep going down the 137 Kapoho Kalapana road toward Kalapana until the road turns to the right and forks; the boat ramp will be straight ahead.

Steam Vents: Follow highway 11 up from Hilo to the Crater Rim Drive in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park . The steams vents are visible from the road and there is a nice path in where you can see a number of volcanically heated steam vents amid the Ohia Lehua, ferns and numerous bamboo orchids.

Current Kilauea Eruption : If you follow highway 11 to the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and head on down to the ocean on the Chain of Craters Road, you can see the red molten lava as it pours into the steaming Pacific. There are also all kinds of really cool shapes in the pahoehoe lava that glisten with a silvery silcon mirror-like shine which will set your imagination going. There is a ranger station at the lava zone with an informative video, lots of helpful illustrations and a shady picnic bench if you want to stop for a bite. Be prepared with sunscreen, comfortable, grippy walking shoes to go over the lava, water and a good hat. Bring a flashlight if you want to see the lava at night. It's worth the walk if you're able.

Holei Sea Arch: on the walk out to see the Kilauea Eruption (see above), you will also see this dramatic lava archway, carved out of the lava by the pounding of the waves across thousands of years.