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Here are some interesting walks or bike rides in the Kapoho area. They are keyed to the numbers on the map.
1. Papaya Farms Road: Approximately a 2 mile walk or bike ride, mostly in the sun. Bicycle might be preferable.
This area is inhabited by organic farmers and has a couple of raw food communiites. It is off the electrical grid, and people use catchment water from rain. Most of all, its a journey through the beautiful low land rain forest.
2. 1960 Eruption Cinder Cone and Lava Flow: Approximately a 1 mile walk, mostly in the sun.
Here you find yourself on a red moonlike landscape surrounded by lava cones and sculptural landscape. Kapoho is the land terminus of Kilauea Volcano's East Rift Zone. The Rift Zone is a fracture along which the volcano often erupts. From the intersection you can see the sites of previous eruptions; Puu Kukae to the north east, and Green Mountain to the southwest. The1960 lava flow destroyed the town of Kapoho and extended the land a mile further into the ocean.
3. Kukii Heiau: Approximately a 1.5 mile walk, mostly in the sun.
This is an interesting locale. As you approach Puu Kukae cinder cone on your left, look to the right. Here is an old Hawaiian cemetery that was partially buried by the 1960 lava flow. On the left a trail leads up to the ridge of the cinder cone and winds around to come out on the north side of the cone. Kukii Heiau is located on the highest point of the ridge, but not on the trail, and you will have to push through the bushes to find it. The ruins of this ancient Hawaiian temple are a raised stone platform.
4. Kapoho Lighthouse: Approximately a 1.5 mile walk, mostly in the sun, can be done as a loop by bicycle to the champagne pond and back home.
Here is the eastern most point in Hawaii where the 1960 lava flow poured into the sea. It surrounded, but did not destroy the lighthouse. If you are sure footed and want to walk another mile, you can follow the bulldozed road to the right of the lighthouse south to a black sand beach. Do not attempt to swim at this beach, follow the coastline south to the Champagne Pond. (See #7)
5-6. Kapoho Crater and Green Lake
It is 5 minutes walk to an ancient horseshoe shaped volcanic crater with a canopy of flowering tropical trees, undulating thick green meadows and a great variety of fruit trees. Papayas, coconuts, avocados, mangos, breadfruits, bananas and many more, provide ample food for animals, birds and people. A portion of the crater is filled with a freshwater lake inhabited by shimmering schools of fish and home of colorful birds and ducks. Kapoho Crater is a lesson in abundance, generosity and splendor. The crater invites the visitor to sit, meditate and absorb her teachings or to lay down and get nourished by her deep wisdom. It is a great place to walk and explore the jungle.
7. The Champagne Pond
Less than half a mile away, the "champagne pool" inhabited by colorful tropical fishes and strong and peaceful turtles, offers a safe and beautiful place for swimming and a soothing healing waters. The so called champagne pool is bubbling with carbon dioxide from the volcano a very acidic gas excellent for the skin. The path will wander around lava and lead you to a small black sand beach with access to the champagne pool.
8. Vacationland / Tide Pools
A five to ten minute walk through a wilderness trail and a subdivision will take you to the tidal pools. Best enjoyed at high tide and during midday these wonderful waters offer a multitude of rare fishes and corals.
9. Geothermal pools
The geothermal pools, or “warm ponds,” a mix of sea water and warm fresh spring water, are endowed with wonderful wound healing properties. Floating, diving and dancing in the waters and with the water, release sorrow, loneliness and sadness as well as small aches, pains and itches. The pools may be accessed by bicycle or car. It is 2 miles to the pools
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