Hawai'i (The Big Island) Sights

  1. Greenwell Farms

    Greenwell Farms, one of Kona's longest-standing coffee farms, is run by the fourth generation of the Greenwell family. Established in 1850, their beautiful 35-acre farm quickly became known worldwide as a large-scale producer of quality Kona coffee. Take a free tour, sample around 10 types of coffee or enjoy the freebie fruit at a shady picnic table.

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  2. Hilo Coffee Mill

    Coffee lovers (or addicts, if you will) should put on the brakes for the Hilo Coffee Mill, which is dedicated to supporting and promoting East Hawai'i coffee plantations. Free samples are offered at the counter, where coffee is treated as though it were fine wine. The Mill sells fresh coffee and espresso drinks, hot and cold, and you can buy whole beans. Visit the roaster next door to further your education; orchard tours are sometimes offered.

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  3. Kalahuipua'a Fishponds

    The ancient Kalahuipua'a Fishponds lie along the beach just south of the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel, partly shaded by a grove of coconut palms and milo (native hardwood) trees. They are among the few still-working fishponds in Hawai'i, and are stocked with awa (Hawaiian milk fish). Water circulates from the ocean through traditional makaha (sluice gates), which allow small fish to enter but keep mature, fattened catch from leaving.

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  4. Pahoa Community Aquatic Center

    For swimming, don't miss the gorgeous outdoor Olympic-size pool at Pahoa Community Aquatic Center, behind the Pahoa Neighborhood Facility; it's got nice showers and a separate kids' pool.

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  5. Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo

    Upon entering the modest 12-acre Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo, most visitors receive a cheerful 'Hi! How are you?' from Max, the zoo's talking parrot and official goodwill ambassador. The zoo's real prize, however, is a white Bengal tiger. You only need an hour or two to tour the grounds, which feature several endangered Hawaiian birds, monkeys, reptiles, a pygmy hippo, and gaggles of free-roaming peacocks and chickens. Kids love it.

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  7. Volcano Winery

    The friendly, attractive Volcano Winery offers free tastings of its six vintages. Two mix in jaboticaba berries and another uses guava for sweet, unusual variations. A rich honey wine is almost like mead. Who knew Hawai'i had a wine country?

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