#Punalu‘u Beach

[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Kaua'i Now:

The developer of a controversial proposed Ka‘ū residential and commercial community on the Big Island will have to wait to find out if it will be approved for a special management area use permit to move forward with project — or if it will be considered at all — following a special meeting Monday of the Hawai‘i County Windward Planning Commission in Hilo.

Commissioners granted standing for petitions in a contested case hearing filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and ‘Iewe Hanau o Ka ‘Āina. Both organizations object to the special use permit sought by Black Sand Beach LLC to develop Punalu‘u Village on 147 acres around Punalu‘u Black Sand Beach Park, about 6 miles southwest of Pāhala.

The proposed development, which could cost up to $350 million, has run up against a wall of opposition from Ka‘ū community members, residents from elsewhere throughout Hawai‘i and even people from the mainland who say it not only threatens the environment, it would desecrate cultural sites.

There also are concerns about the cost of living increasing because of the development, outside influence in the community, destruction of the pristine Punalu‘u coastline, threat of wildfire because of the state of the former resort buildings, larger numbers of people in the area and loss of a way of life along with historical and generational knowledge, among others.

The Center for Biological Diversity has a legally protected interest in the survival and recovery of endangered and threatened species and their habitats.

Members, some of whom are descendants of Native Hawaiians who inhabited the Hawaiian Islands prior to 1778, have a vested interest in the species, habitat and natural and cultural environment at Punalu‘u, which would be impacted by the proposed development.

The spike in how many people are in Punalu‘u and water quality issues also will impact the animal and plant life there. ‘Iewe Hanau o Ka ‘Āina, which also has members descended from Native Hawaiians who inhabited the islands before 1778, is concerned about the endangered and threatened species of the area.

That includes the threatened nēnē (Hawaiian goose) that hang out on the golf course, endangered green sea turtles and critically endangered hawksbill turtles that nest at Punalu‘u.

[lotus-garden-cottages]

Best Islands to Visit in Hawaii

Best Islands to Visit in Hawaii

When most people think of Hawaii, they think of sandy beaches, tropical fruit, and hula dancers. And while all of these things can be found on the islands, there is so much more to discover. Each island has its unique personality, from the active volcanoes of Hawaii to the remote beaches of Kauai. If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, it’s important to know which island is the best fit for you and your interests. In this blog post, we will explore the best islands to visit in Hawaii based on different activities and interests. From hiking to swimming to simply taking in the sights, there is an island for everyone in Hawaii.

Big Island - Best Islands to Visit in Hawaii

There are eight major islands in Hawaii, and while each has its unique charm, the Big Island is truly unrivaled. Here you’ll find active volcanoes, black sand beaches, lush rainforests, and much more. The Big Island is home to Hawaii’s tallest mountain, Mauna Kea. At 13,796 feet, it’s taller than Mt. Everest when measured from the ocean floor! The summit of Mauna Kea is a popular spot for stargazing – on a clear night, you can see up to 14,000 stars. The island is also home to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, where you can see the lava flow from Volcano Village, one of the world’s most active volcanoes. For a different kind of adventure, take a helicopter tour over the crater or go hiking through the Thurston Lava Tube. And no visit to the Big Island would be complete without seeing Punalu‘u Beach, famous for its black sand created by lava flows into the ocean. The beach is also a nesting ground for endangered Hawaiian green sea turtles. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation (or both!), the Big Island has something for everyone – making it one of the best islands to visit in Hawaii.

Maui

Maui is one of the most popular islands to visit in Hawaii. Maui is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning scenery, and its many activities and attractions. Maui is also a great place to enjoy the Hawaiian culture. There are many things to do in Maui. You can spend your days relaxing on the beach, hiking through Haleakala National Park, or exploring the town of Lahaina. There are also many great restaurants in Maui, so you can try some delicious Hawaiian food. If you are looking for a place to stay in Maui, there are many great hotels and resorts to choose from. Whether you want to stay in a luxury resort or a more budget-friendly hotel, you will be able to find something that fits your needs in Maui.

Oahu

If you're looking for the perfect island getaway, look no further than Oahu. This Hawaiian island is home to some of the best beaches in the world, as well as a wealth of cultural attractions. From Waikiki Beach to Diamond Head State Monument, there's something for everyone on Oahu. Whether you're looking to relax on the beach or explore Hawaii's rich culture, Oahu is the perfect destination. Soak up the sun at one of the island's many pristine beaches, or visit historic sites like Pearl Harbor. For a truly unforgettable experience, take a helicopter tour of the island to see its natural beauty from above. No matter what your interests are, you'll find plenty to do on Oahu. So start planning your trip today and experience all that this Hawaiian Island has to offer!

Kauai

Kauai is known as Hawaii’s Garden Island, and it’s easy to see why. This island is lush and green, with beautiful hiking trails, waterfalls, and beaches. Kauai is also home to the Napali Coast, a stretch of coastline with dramatic cliffs that are popular for kayaking and hiking. If you’re looking for a laid-back island vibe, Kauai is the perfect place to visit. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, but the pace is slower here than on some of the other Hawaiian islands.

Lanai

The island of Lanai is one of the most beautiful and secluded islands in Hawaii. It is known for its unspoiled natural beauty, dramatic cliffs, and pristine beaches. Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities such as hiking, biking, and exploring the many hidden coves and waterfalls. There are also several excellent restaurants on the island, making it the perfect place to relax and enjoy the Hawaiian lifestyle.

Molokai

Molokai is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled islands in Hawaii. It's known for its dramatic cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush green valleys. Visitors can hike to Kalaupapa National Historical Park, snorkel in Hulopo`e Bay, or take a mule ride down the Kalaupapa Peninsula. Molokai is the perfect place to get away from it all and experience the true beauty of Hawaii.

What to do on each island

There are so many things to do on each of the Hawaiian Islands, it's hard to know where to start. Here are some highlights of what to do on each island: On Oahu, visit Honolulu and Waikiki Beach, then head to the North Shore for some world-famous surf. Take a drive out to the East Coast to see the majestic cliffs of the Nu'uanu Pali Lookout. Don't forget to visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial. On Maui, take a drive down the Road to Hana and see Hawaii's lush rainforest and black sand beaches. Visit Haleakala National Park for an otherworldly experience in the volcano country. Or just relax on one of Maui's many white sand beaches like Kapalua Bay or Makena Beach. On Kauai, go hiking on one of its many pristine hiking trails like Kalalau Trail or Awa'awapuhi Trail. Visit Waimea Canyon, often called "the Grand Canyon of the Pacific." And don't miss a chance to see Kauai's famous Napali Coast on a helicopter tour or boat cruise. On Hawaii Island (also called The Big Island), visit Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to see an active volcano up close. Drive down the Chain of Craters Road for an amazing view of lava flow after lava flow. Or take a dip in one of The Big Island's many hot springs like Ahalanui Park.

Conclusion

There are so many beautiful islands to visit in Hawaii, it's hard to choose just one. But if we had to narrow it down, these would be our top picks for the best islands to visit in Hawaii. From Kauai's stunning Napali Coast to Maui's dramatic Haleakala crater, there is something for everyone on these Islands. So start planning your trip today and see for yourself why Hawaii is one of the most popular vacation destinations in the world.

Contact Information Name: Lotus Garden Cottages Phone: (808) 345-3062 Email: info@lotusgardencottages.com Website: www.lotusgardencottages.com  Address: 19-4245 Kekoa Nui Blvd. #213, Volcano, Hawaii 96785