A string of islands stretching northwest of Hawaii named Papahanaumokuakea National Park has been recognized by the UN as a World Heritage Site.  This is one of 26  World Heritage Sites and the first one in the USA.

Papahanaumokuakea covers an area of nearly 140,000 square miles which is 100 times larger than Yosemite National Park.  Over half of America’s coral reefs are in this park in which 7000 marine species live.

Want to learn more?  Check out these links:

• Papahanaumokuakea National Park
• Wikipedia on Papahanaumokuakea

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Here is an interesting photo gallery set of photos showing lava getting closer to a house and finally consuming it.  Kilauea has been erupting lava since 1983.

to see the photos use this link…

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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (True Books, National Parks)

Just read a new article with information on going for a volcano vacation in Hawaii.   Some facts given in the article:

• the worlds most active volcanoes, Mauna Loa and Kilauea, are at Volcanoes National Park
• view the live lava flows and be sure to hike the lava tube in the rain forest
• Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii at 13,796 ft. has been dormant for 3,500 years

The article talks about many other Big Island attractions, but one that caught my curiosity are the Puu Loa Petroglyphs.

check the article out with this link…

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The Division of  State Parks in Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources has launched a new online camping and lodging reservation and permit system.  The can be found on the state’s official website at – http://www.ehawaii.gov.

Users can check availability at all State Park locations, make reservations, and submit credit card payments through the state’s secure payment system.  This new online system offers more convenience for campers to make reservations.

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Why not save some money on your eating when you visit Hawaii’s Big Island ?  LA Times put out an interesting photo montage giving 20 links to places to eat on the Big Island that offer lower cost meals.  Here is the list:

1. 
   

   Manago Hotel – http://www.managohotel.com/  is historical
   

2. 
   

   Island Lava Java Bistro & Grill – inexpensie healthful food

3. 
   

   Kona Brewing Co. – http://www.konabrewingco.com/

4. 
   

   Merriman’s Market Cafe – specializes in Mediterranean

5. 
   

   Ultimate Burger – serves grass fed beef

6. 
   

   Quinn’s Almost by the Sea – crispy fried fish-and-chips plate
   

7. 
   

   Huggo’s On the Rocks – http://www.huggos.com/all/rocksdefault.htm

8. 
   

   Kings? Grille – http://www.waikoloabeachgolf.com/ – try breakfast

9. 
   

   Island Fish & Chips – salmon burger

10. 
    

    Café Pesto – http://www.cafepesto.com/

11. 
    

    Luana Lounge at Fairmont Orchid – don’t miss the chocolate beignets

12. 
    

    Kohala Coffee Mill & Tropical Dreams – coffee and ice cream

13. 
    

    Bamboo Restaurant & Bar – http://www.bamboorestaurant.info/

14. 
    

    Pine Tree Café – oriental

15. 
    

    Hawaiian Style Café

16. 
    

    Huli Sue’s Barbecue & Grill – great service, ambience and barbecue

17. 
    

    Hilo Bay Café – European-Pacific Rim Cusine

18. 
    

    Nori?s Saimin & Snacks – try Hawaiian-style noodle soup

19. 
    

    Tex Drive-In – http://www.texdrivein.com/

20. 
    

    Naung Mai Thai Kitchen – authentic Thai

    
    

To see the montage on the LA Times article use this link

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