Hawaii The Big Island Revealed

Updates To 4th Edition

It happens every time. The day after we send the disks off to the printers for our brand new edition, somebody changes something that directly affects what we write in the book. Several times we've e-mailed these changes to the printers (it's our only chance to yell that classic publisher line, "Stop the presses!") but after the presses roll we're left shaking our heads, saying, "Yeah, we know that changed. We'll correct that in our next printing." The internet is the next best thing to yanking back all the books in print and scribbling in the changes that always occur.

The updates below are for the 4th edition of Hawaii The Big Island Revealed. There are no longer any updates to the 3rd edition available on this site.

Did you know? At Wizard Publications we continually strive to bring you the most up-to-date and accurate information on the islands. We are the only publisher who updates our books every time we reprint them. So if you see the updates below already listed in the book you just bought, you may have a recent printing.

• • • • •

Aloha Airlines (metioned in the Basics chapter) is out of business and those holding tickets with them might be out of luck. Check their website for more information: www.alohaairlines.com.

The Rain Forest Hike to Pu'u 'O'o on page 229 has been closed by the DLNR. They closed it when lava activity in the vicinity of the end of the trail presented hazards. Now that the lava has moved elsewhere, we don't know if they still want it closed or simply forgot to take down the sign.

The Honokane Nui Hike (page 231) is currently not passable due to a landslide in Honokane Nui Valley.

Well, after all the shaking stopped from the Big Island's earthquake of October 2006, here's the fallout that resulted:
• Hulihee Palace (p. 59) is open but the upstairs is closed and many items have been removed. Admission is reduced to $4. They are are renovating and planned to reopen mid 2008.
• Ocean and land safety zones within Kealakekua Bay (page 67 & 208) have been established along the pali (cliff) in Kealakekua Bay and the coast guard is patrolling. Public access to the Pali and Ka'awaloa flat land at Kealakekua Bay State Historical Park are closed at this time. This has not significantly impacted snorkeling and kayaking in Kealakekua Bay and tours of the area are still running.
• Kohala Ditch Trail (page 49 & 205) is closed and Kapaloa Falls Trail (page 206) is closed which has impacted the guided hike with Hawai'i Forest & Trail (page 206).
• The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is no longer accommodating overnight guests and is not expected to resume for about a year. They are honoring pre-existing reservations at their sister property - The Hapuna Prince. See their Web site for more updates. You can still enjoy this lovely property though. Hau Tree Restaurant is still operating and of course the beach is still open.
• Hulihe'e Palace (page 59) will temporarily close to the public in mid-October 2007 for approximately one year, to repair damage from the October 2006 earthquake. However, the Palace's grounds on Kailua Bay will be available for special events.

For an update on Kilauea Volcano's upper east rift road and area closures due to current seismic and volcanic activity. Please click here http://www.nps.gov/havo/closed_areas.htm to see the current advisories in effect as posted by the National Park Service.

In our Dining Chapter, Michaelangelo’s closed just after we went to press, as did Mamane Street Bakery & Cafe but they plan an expansion and to reopen in the future. Also closed are JP Cafe, Meaner Wiener, Philly Sophical Deli, Simple–Good Food, Island Cantina, Kona Mountain Coffee, Sandlewood Dining Room, Cactus Bar & Grill, Rueben's in Kona, Grand Palace and Wendy's in Keauhou Shopping Center, Marina Seafood and Edelweiss.

Also in the Dining Chapter, the phone numbers for the restaurants at the Hilton Waikoloa Village are wrong. The phone numbers for Kamuela Provision Company, Orchid Cafe, Palm Terrace, Donatoni's and Imari should be 808-886-1234.

Scandinavian Shave Ice (in Dining Chapter) is now under new ownership. We have not had a chance to get back and re-review them yet.

Mac Pie Factory (in Dining chapter) now has a new store that is more conveniently located at 74-5533 Luhia St. The new direct phone number is 808-327-0103.

Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort changed their lu'au and we have not yet had a chance to review the new one.

Greenwell Farms (page 68) phone number for retail orders is 808-323-2275.

Na'alehu Fruit Stand mentioned on pages 82 and 274 closed just after we printed.

Ocean Sushi's phone number should be 808-961-6625 and Baker Tom's phone number is 808-964-8444.

SunTrips (page 21) is pau.

If your renting 4WD or Motorhome from Harper (page 24) and flying into Kona, there is a $200 transfer fee. Also on rental cars, Alamo (page 138) doesn't prevent you from going on Saddle Road, but if you get into trouble on that road they say, "You're on your own."

Zac's for Internet access on (page 42) is closed.

Also after we went to press, bureaucrats decided to close off to the public the entrance to the hike Waimea to Back of Waipi'o Valley described on page 201.

Natural Energy Lab lecture (page 56) is now on Tuesday and is $8. New phone for reservations is 808-329-8073.

A few activity companies are gone: Kukui ATV (page 177), Kona Coast Cycling Tours and Hawaiian Pedals (both on page 178) and on page 209 Flumin' Da Ditch is closed for good.

Mauna Kea Golf Course (page 183) is closed for renovations. It is expected to reopen in November of 2008. The Hapuna Golf Course (page 184) which is also part of the Mauna Kea/Hapuna Prince Resort complex is not effected.

Aloha Jet Ski (page 207) is now called Jet Ski Hawaii. Contact numbers, etc. remain the same.

Kahalu'u Bay Surf & Sea (page 208) is closed and Red Sail Sports (page209) will only rent to you if you are staying at the resort.

Ocean Sports (page 224) no longer offers anything related to windsurfing.

Kona Coast under SCUBA (page 227) was bought by Jack's Diving Locker.

Hawaii's Best B&B on page 282 toll free number should read 800-262-9912.

Captain Beans' Cruises on page 277 is no longer offering cruises.

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