Our beloved Kapoho Sanctuary has been lost in the current Kilauea volcanic eruption. Residential programs are offered at Aloha Wellness Inn (Hilo) and Luana Inn (Kealakekua Bay). All programs and services continue and are not affected.
Here are some interesting walks or bike rides in the Kapoho area that are accessible from Kapoho Sanctuary house. They are keyed to the numbers on the map.
We offer bikes and scooter for rent and have some snorkeling equipment for use. However, it is always best to bring your own. You do not need flippers to snorkel in Tidal pools.
1. Papaya Farms Road
A couple of miles, walk or bike ride, mostly in the sun
This area is inhabited by organic farmers and has a couple of raw food communities. It is off the electrical grid, and people use catchment water from rain. You can journey through the beautiful low land rain forest.
2. 1960 Eruption Cinder Cone and Lava Flow
Can be a mile-long 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
Can be done as a short 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
Can be done as a short walk, mostly in the sun, can be done as a loop by bicycle to the champagne pond and back
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
This is 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
The “champagne pond” is inhabited by colorful tropical fishes and peaceful turtles. It offers a safe and beautiful place for swimming and a soothing underworld to be happily reborn into. The so-called champagne pool is bubbling with carbon dioxide from the volcano a very acidic gas excellent for the skin. The champagne pool features a small black pebble beach (water booties recommended for accessing the pool) and several miles of wild coastline for walking/running. This is truly a magnificent place for swimming or floating weightlessly… just relaxing and feeling the water on the skin.
The champagne pond is about a 25 minute walk from Kapoho Sanctuary or a 10 minute bike ride. This is the perfect activity for combining exercise with being in nature and ‘getting away’ to find a place to contemplate or do a walking contemplation by walking up the lava road which starts at the champagne pond.
8. Vacationland / Tide Pools
The Waiopae Tidepools is a Marine Life Conservation District. Follow directions to all signs posted, enter tidepools only at the designated shoreline access and respect private property. The tidal pools are a wonder for snorkeling and viewing magnificent coral and colorful tropical fishes. This is best done at high tide, midday. The tidal pool is only 15 minute walk from Kapoho Sanctuary house. The Waiopae Tidepools are similar to a barrier reef.
We highly recommend wearing water footwear and taking it with you while snorkeling as you may need them to slip into when you move from one tide pool to another. The area is all black lava rock, it can be tough on sensitive feet and can get pretty hot on a sunny day! Please make sure you don’t damage the coral as you enter.
There are a few pools, we recommend you come back multiple times to explore the different pools. You will be able to see a great variety of tropical fish. Be patient, swim slowly, observe, practice being in the now all your attention focused on what you are seeing now. An underwater disposable camera can provide you with great memories for the future. We recommend bringing your own snorkeling gear. We have limited gear available if you cannot manage to bring your own.
You should be able to see some of the following –
Fish:
|
Coral:
Other Creatures:
|
9. Geothermal Pools
The Kapoho area is known especially for healing water experiences in the warm ponds.
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. This is a wonderful experience and our most popular excursion. We regularly offer our guests this opportunity to enjoy nature, getting there by car.
Find a description of the natural wonders of the district & recommended walks and bike rides:
Bike Rentals Available
Explore the neighborhood by bike. $10/day rental fee.
Scooter Rentals Available
Explore the breathtaking coastline while feeling the island breeze on your skin on the back of a scooter. $150/week.
Beloved Kapoho Sanctuary Lost to the Current Kilauea Eruption
/in News /by Dr. Baylac N.D.It is with tears in my eyes and a heavy heart that I announce the complete annihilation of Kapoho Bay, home to our beloved Kapoho Sanctuary residential program location. Kapoho Bay was filled by lava and Kapoho Beach Lots and Vacationland covered by lava from the 2018 May/June Leilani Estates volcanic eruption. Our house first […]