Hike Through Lush Tropical Gardens and Visit The Big Island’s Most Famous Waterfall

 

Have a few hours to spare? How about exploring the natural tropical beauty that the Big Island has to offer. Located about 15 minutes north of Hilo along the scenic route is the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens. This massive 40 acre valley is a natural greenhouse where you will discover over 2,000 species of plants.  They offer many trails that take you to beautiful rivers, ponds and to the ocean. To walk through the whole gardens can take a few hours so be prepared.

Head a little more up and you will find Akaka fall. This 442 ft. waterfall is by far the most famous waterfall on the Big Island and for good reason. When you see this waterfall for the first time it really is amazing. There are actually two waterfalls at the park and the 0.4 mile loop walkway will take you right past both of them. This is really a nice sight to see if you are on a tight schedule as it only takes about 45 minutes to an hour to explore.

Visit the Tallest Mountain in the World! (From Sea Level)

Mauna Kea which mean “White Mountain” is truly a beautiful place.  In Hawaiian mythology, the peaks of the island of Hawaiʻi are sacred, and at 13,000 ft. Mauna Kea is the most sacred of all. It is said that only high-ranking tribal chiefs could visit the peak. During the winter, Mauna Kea is often snow-capped. It makes for a great escape away from the warm tropical weather. Many residents make sure to visit the mountain during this time. What  a lot of tourist don’t know is that Hawaii is a great place for snowboarding and skiing. It is truly a one of a kind experience.

The high altitude, makes this mountain one of the best sites in the world for astronomy. There are currently thirteen working telescopes on the summit. Every night at the visitors center they have free star-gazing programs as long as the weather permits. It is an amazing sight to see. Every Saturday and Sunday from 1:00- 5:00pm they offer summit tours where they will take you to the summit and take you into some of the observatories. I highly recommend anyone visiting the Big Island to be sure to stop here. You wont regret it.

• Summit Tours are held on Saturday and Sunday from 1:00 to 5:00 PM.
• Stargazing Programs are held every night from 6:00 to 10:00 PM

Suspect Caught In Saddle Road Blaze

Police have arrested a man authorities believe is responsible for starting the large brush fire that has closed much of Saddle Road since Sunday morning. The highway reopened at 5:30 a.m. today, but traffic is being routed onto the old section from the 29th to the 34th mile marker.

Christopher M. Pratt, 31, of Papaikou, was arrested Monday night for suspicion of first-degree arson and held overnight in the police cellblock. He was released Tuesday morning pending further investigation. According to a written police statement, Pratt “was located in close proximity to the fire upon firefighters’ initial arrival to combat the fire” Sunday morning. Army authorities from Pohakuloa Training Area took Pratt to Hilo Medical Center for treatment. He was arrested by local police when released from the hospital. “He was taken to the medical center for a medical condition rather than any injuries that was sustained (in the fire),” said Police Capt. Randall Medeiros.

The fire, between the 32- and 33-mile markers of Saddle Road, has been dubbed the “Mauna Kea 33 Fire.” Officials on Monday estimated the blaze had blackened about 2,000 acres, but Tuesday morning revised the estimate to 1,300 acres. By Tuesday evening, it was back up to 2,000 acres.The blaze was about 55 percent contained, according to a 4:30 p.m. e-mail from Deborah Ward at the state Department of Land and Natural Resources.

Source: Hawaii Tribune-Herald