-- Mark & Scott & the Altraverse Staff

At Volcanoes National Park, one can enjoy and explore numerous hiking trails, see rainforest wildflowers, steam vents, giant scenic vistas and lava tubes both inside and outside the park. 2008 marked the 25th consecutive year of eruption of this volcano which is the world’s most active.

A true gem located in the Puna District is Kehena Beach which is one of the few black sand beaches left. At this gay friendly and clothing optional beach, one can enjoy beautiful and breathtaking views of the turquoise blue ocean which is often frequented by dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales. A few miles up the road from Kehena are the Kopoho Tide Pools where one can enjoy some of the best snorkeling in all the islands.

Also in the Lower Puna Region is Lava Tree State Park which 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.

The Big Island is considered the orchid capital of the world and in the Puna Region one can 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.

Enjoy a scenic coastal drive in Puna on the Red Road, 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 are accessed along the Red Road.

Fitness enthusiasts can participate in a vast array of sports opportunities on the Big Island—known as the sports capital of Hawaii. The Puna area hosts many scenic trails for mountain biking and hiking. Whether you are seeking a vigorous trail ride or family fun along the shoreline, you'll find what you're looking for here. You can partake in a fun coastal bike ride through fields of wild orchids and rainforest canopies. Eco tourism is extremely popular in a unique place like the Big Island. Many opportunities abound for bird watching, volcano hiking, whale and dolphin tours, waterfalls and botanical walks, star gazing, and back country hiking—all provided by expert, knowledgeable tour guides. If you plan on visiting the Waipio Valley, which boasts spectacular scenery, you will find an array of activities ranging from horseback riding, 4x4 and ATV tours.

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..  

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.  

One of the most popular attractions in the area, world famous Mauna Loa Macadamia Visitor Center. 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.

If you are a star-gazer you will not want to miss a visit to the 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 for optical, infrared, and submillimeter astronomy. Believe it or not, winter skiing is done on the north slope into the "Poi Bowl", which is the depression area around all the observatories. A 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.

Within an hour of the Lower Puna Region, you can visit the southernmost point of all the 50 states. This spectacular point was formed by five separate volcanoes: Kohala, Hualalai, Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa and Kilauea. While down at Southpoint make sure and visit Green Sands Beach- this unusual beach is an anomaly with crystals of olivine and a fascinating place to visit and take a swim. Explore the nearby Punalu’u black sand beach where you will encounter at times, up to hundreds of nesting sea turtles! Also make sure and take a guided tour of Kula Kai Caverns, a spectacular tour inside 1000 year old lava tubes. Situated on the Southwest rift, the caverns consist of several miles of braided lava tube systems. As a special tasty bonus while visiting the area make sure and treat yourself to some Hawaiian Sweetbread at the Punalu’u Bake Shop—the southernmost bakery in the U.S.   

Coconut Cottage Big Island Bed & Breakfast, a licensed and permitted Hawaii B&B, is centrally located between Hilo and Volcanoes National Park in the heart of the tropical Puna District. Your comfort and enjoyment during your stay at our Big Island Hawaii B&B is of utmost importance to us. We strive to make your Hawaiian vacation as memorable and relaxing as possible. We pay special attention to all the details: Comfortable beds, plush towels, and the finest of bed linens. On special occasions, enjoy evening pupus (Hawaiian appetizers) and tropical drinks on our beautiful lanai at sunset. Soak in the spa at the end of the day dreaming about re-entering the world with a renewed sense of being.

Coconut Cottage Bed and Breakfast is surrounded by Hawaiian palms and fruit trees, an abundance of native flowers, an ancient lava tree, waterfall and a genuine Bali bamboo hot tub with grass roof gazebo! Daily gourmet breakfast is served featuring 100% Hawaiian coffee, exotic tropical fruits, homemade breads, yogurt and more on our large Tommy Bahama inspired bamboo lanai with views of our secluded tropical gardens.