Puna novice

[ric]

We always lock the car, but don't leave anything of value visible. If you are going to stash purse, laptop, etc., in the trunk, ... do it at another location before you get to your destination, in case you're being watched. Knock on wood, worked for me so far.

[mgeary]

We've vacationed there a couple times, and it is truly beautiful. You're on the right track, too, with your attitude, I believe. My wife and I always try to "fit in" as best we can, wherever we go, and we haven't had a problem in Puna, at all. A little common sense works well, for example, we don't leave valuables in our car in our own driveway at home, much less at a public beach in a strange place. That's just an invitation for a disappointment.

Get the "blue book", if you haven't already: "Hawaii Revealed" by Wizard Publications. They show all sorts of things to see and do, places to eat and stay, and it's very detailed and very accurate.

One activity I'd specifically recommend is the Hawai'i Tropical Botanical Gardens in Onomea, maybe 10 miles north of Hilo. Take a camera, some water, and some mosquito repellant. It's truly gorgeous.

Good luck, best wishes.

Aloha! ;-)

[philipkdick1]

Many thanks to all of you for your patient, friendly & welcoming replies!

We are really looking forward to "settling in" for 10 days, exploring & starting to get to know the Puna area and surrounding areas a bit...

Also nice to see some Philip K. Dick fans, too.



Mahalo (is that the right word?) for your help!

[Rob Tucker]

You will be stunned at how fast ten days goes by. E Komo Mai. The weather has been great!

[Jimbos]

Have fun on your trip and enjoy yourself. Many good post here that will help!

[Devany]

You will have a great time. Everyone has already given you the best advice. Welcome to our island.

quote:

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Originally posted by philipkdick1

Greetings!

I hope I am not intruding here...

My wife & I will be staying at a vacation rental in Kapoho Beach Lots for 10 days very, very soon.

We chose the Puna area because it seems to be fairly "remote" and "off the radar", so to speak, and that is generally what we prefer...

(Our favorite place in England is Lynton/Lynmouth, way up on the north coast of Devon in the southwest... small towns, remote, beautiful.)

It's our first time to the islands and we want to make sure we "fit in" as much as possible.

From reading here on the forum, it seems like it is a good idea to leave the rental car unlocked & not leave items in the car when parked - any other such "safety" suggestions personal and otherwise we should be aware of?

We always make every effort to travel in a very low-key , quiet-but-aware, respectful manner, and try to take our "cues" from the locals we meet. We really don't want to be perceived as loud, self-involved, selfish, self-centered, noisy tourists because that's not who we are at home (Seattle).

We're much more interested in natural beauty and local flavor.

So anyway, hopefully you get the idea.

Any caveats, suggestions, etc. would be most welcome.

Thanks very much!

---

Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com

[Devany]

One more thing... suggested reading would be Hawaii the Big Island Revealed and Hidden Big Island of Hawaii. You can buy them before you leave or pick them up at Basically Books downtown in Hilo.

Aloha au i Hawai`i,
devany

www.myhawaiianhome.blogspot.com
www.eastbaypotters.blogspot.com

[missydog1]

Major PKD fan here!

wow, I am kind of shocked to see Big Island Revealed promoted on Punaweb.
If John Rabi were around he could tell you about his talk with the author and how out front he was about only wanting to make money and not giving a rip about the aina.

You might take a look at this and also read the comments:
http://www.mauinews.com/page/blogs.detai...y/183.html

and this:
http://the.honoluluadvertiser.com/articl...ln01a.html
http://www.konaweb.com/forums/visiting.cgi/?read=39656

In 2004 the DLNR asked the authors to change their advice re the Ahihi-Kinau Reserve. The authors did not.
http://www.moolelo.com/ahihi-kinau-panel.html
http://www.summitpacificinc.com/kauai-ne...panel.html

In 2008 the state had to close the poor trampled and defiled reserve.

Sorry to be so passionate, but this is a forum where people generally don't support businesses that do harm to the 'aina. This jerk has enough money in his pocket.

[EightFingers]

Don't park under the coconut palms!

[Greg]

A coconut never falls on the head if a good man.

punatoons