Tag Archive for: Things To Do on The Big Island

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Cirque de Chocolate: The Big Island Chocolate Festival is almost Here!

Cirque de Chocolate: The Big Island Chocolate Festival is Almost Here!

 The 12th Annual Big Island Chocolate Festival– Cirque de Chocolate will take place on April 10-12 bringing us plenty of delicious chocolate filled entertainment. I like to think of the Chocolate Festival as the greatest festivals of them all just because… chocolate. But its also a great chance to experience quite literally local flavor while having a fun time and potentially learning something new!

The event includes booths of all kinds of chocolate, taste-testing, growing lessons, seminars from experts in the field, culinary demonstrations so you can give it a go at home, farm tours and plenty of entertainment. There’s even a college culinary competition so we can meet the up and comers in the field.

chocolates

It’s always a ton of fun. Even for people who aren’t that big on chocolate there’s plenty to learn and do.

There’s a Saturday night gala with unlimited drinks including special Ola Brew Chocolate Seltzer and Beer to try.

The Big Island Chocolate Festival takes place at the Waikola Beach Marriot and is presented by the Kona Cocoa Association. The tickets range in price depending on what you want to do, see and attend. The Saturday Gala is $109 for general admission and $179 for VIP. They do have to be purchased on line. You can find more information at the website: Big Island Chocolate Festival.

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Explore Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden: A Botanical Paradise on the Big Island

There are several gardens to visit on the Big Island but a personal favorite for so many reasons is the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden. It took me a few years to get this onto my schedule and now I look forward to going back for more.

Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints, Then Take More Pictures

Make sure you have your camera ready because there’s a picture worthy snap around every corner! Around every bend there is a new amazing scene, a new orchid, an incredible fern, or an ocean view.

This is a 40-acre botanical garden and nature preserve located in the Onomea Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii. It is home to over 2,000 species of tropical plants from around the world, including palms, orchids, bromeliads, and heliconias. The garden also features a variety of trails, waterfalls, and streams.

Green Gecko on Red Flower

The garden was founded in 1977 by Dan and Pauline Lutkenhouse, who were inspired by the beauty and diversity of the Onomea Valley. They began by clearing invasive plants and trees from the land, and then they started planting a collection of tropical plants from all over the world. The garden opened to the public in 1984.

Today, the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is a popular tourist destination and a valuable educational resource. It is also home to several research projects, and it plays an important role in the conservation of tropical plants.

 

Things To Do at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden

Here are some of the things you can do at the Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden:

  • Hike on the garden’s trails and admire the waterfalls and streams.
  • Visit the orchid garden and learn about the different types of orchids.
  • Explore the native plant garden and learn about the plants that are indigenous to Hawaii.
  • Take a guided tour of the garden and learn about its history and its plants.
  • Visit the garden’s gift shop and purchase souvenirs.
  • Have a picnic lunch in the garden’s picnic area.
  • Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden trails

The Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve and Garden is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Admission is $20 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $10 for children ages 3 to 12. Children under 3 are admitted free.

Although this is my favorite there are several other beautiful gardens to visit on the Big Island. LoveBigIsland.com has a nice overview of some of the other gardens worth visiting.

 

Travel Tips for the Big Island

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