Casey Anderson

"An authentic, local plate lunch. Eat lunch or dinner here, or take it to go for a picnic at the beach. Try the Loco Moco with chicken cutlet instead of hamburger. So good, with gravy and egg!"

"Green sand comes from the olivine crystals in the rocks here. Prepare for a two hour hike in, or catch a local truck driver who offers a ride for cash payment. Bring water and supplies."

"This large Japanese garden is the perfect spot for a picnic on the grass overlooking the calm water of Hilo Bay. Bring a poke bowl from nearby Suisan or other local food, and a towel to sit on."

"Stargazing Friday and Saturday at the visitor station. Wear warm clothes, temperatures drop to freezing. Want to watch sunset at the top? Reserve a tour or take a 4x4 up to 14,000 feet (adults only)."

"Great for snorkeling, taking a kayak tour across the bay to the Captain Cook monument is highly recommended (reservation required). Strenuous but rewarding, you might pass spinner dolphins on the way."

"Hawaiian royalty made their home here. Explore the ancient village or listen to a discussion of the significance of the area and how Hawaiians discovered the islands, from a National Park ranger."