Escapees May-June 2024

skpstops

Exploring the Big Island of Hawaii

2270Kal ā kaua Avenue, Suite 801 Honolulu, HI 96815, 800-464-2924 www.gohawaii.com/islands/hawaii-big-island

I arrived after sunset, in Hilo, on the island of Hawaii. After a short drive to SCP Hilo Hotel, I had a quick dinner and called it a day. It wasn't until the next day, when I opened my drapes, that I could begin to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this paradise. Before me was Turtle Bay, framed in palm trees and with boats on the horizon. V isiting 50 states has long been on my bucket list. I have been racking up the number of states I wanted to see for a lifetime, and Hawaii was the last on my list. I was so excited to be here. I chose to visit the island of Hawaii, the largest of the islands, and which is often referred to as the Big Island. In addition to swimming, snorkeling and other water-related activities, I wanted to see other sites and attractions.

The island can be divided into regions, including Hilo, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and Kona. Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Gardens Near Hilo are several exciting attractions. One I found incredibly satisfying was the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve &Gardens. The property, formerly a fi shing village, sugar mill and passionfruit farm, had been deserted for decades. Created by the waters of Onomea and Alakahi streams and by the wind and waves that cut into the coastline’s lava cliffs, the area became a tangle of weeds and overgrown trees after it was abandoned decades ago. Enter Dan and Pauline Lutkenhouse. They discovered the valley in 1977 and created a 20-acre natural green house supporting more than 2,000 plant species. I entered the valley along a descending boardwalk. The mile-and-a-half path offers a glimpse of the beauty and the history. At one point, there is a cemetery from when the area was a village. Flowers, plants and water

Hilo’s Turtle Bay is a welcoming area of the city. PHOTO BY MARILYN JONES

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ESCAPEES Magazine May/June 2024