05-14-2009, 07:25 AM
Dear Philip: Kapoho and tide pool area is pretty tourist friendly. You'll find groceries a short drive to Malama Mart just north of Pahoa and lots of good restaurants there. Don't hang out in Pahoa really late cause fights sometimes break out really late.
If you are walking along the roads at all in Kapoho I'd have a wack stick or umberella to ward off the occasional stray or nasty dog or I like to throw rocks at mean dogs.
Def. if you decide the water is safe to snorkel or soak at hot ponds keep close eye on your keys (prolly put car key on chain around your neck) cause there's been allot of car theft over there. Don't soak in any hot ponds if you have even minor skin abrasions or open cuts (not worth your health).
Yep if you are headed out for the day bring as little as possible in the car and hide all items from direct view if you must bring them and lock the doors. BTW I like to head to Walmart first off and have a second car key made and wear it around my neck cause getting locked out of the car is a major pain.
If you get "stink eye" from anyone just back away peacefully (not worth ruining your vacation over).
You'll find allot of local pick-up truck drivers like to drive really fast so def. pull over and just let them go by.
Pay attention to the safety and warning signs at the Kalapana lava viewing area. Technically you must stay within the designated area or the county could penalize you a hefty amount.
I'm thinking you'll have a great time, if you use normal caution and logic.
Right behind you, my fifth time back to Puna starting May 20 !!!!
Aloha, TheodoreJay
If you are walking along the roads at all in Kapoho I'd have a wack stick or umberella to ward off the occasional stray or nasty dog or I like to throw rocks at mean dogs.
Def. if you decide the water is safe to snorkel or soak at hot ponds keep close eye on your keys (prolly put car key on chain around your neck) cause there's been allot of car theft over there. Don't soak in any hot ponds if you have even minor skin abrasions or open cuts (not worth your health).
Yep if you are headed out for the day bring as little as possible in the car and hide all items from direct view if you must bring them and lock the doors. BTW I like to head to Walmart first off and have a second car key made and wear it around my neck cause getting locked out of the car is a major pain.
If you get "stink eye" from anyone just back away peacefully (not worth ruining your vacation over).
You'll find allot of local pick-up truck drivers like to drive really fast so def. pull over and just let them go by.
Pay attention to the safety and warning signs at the Kalapana lava viewing area. Technically you must stay within the designated area or the county could penalize you a hefty amount.
I'm thinking you'll have a great time, if you use normal caution and logic.
Right behind you, my fifth time back to Puna starting May 20 !!!!
Aloha, TheodoreJay