Attractions within one hour of Red Cinder

Hawai´i Volcanoes National Park One of the top destinations in the islands, the park is our near neighbor, less than an hour away. It encompasses Kilauea, one of the world´s most active volcanoes, which continues to pour lava into the sea adding to the shoreline. Lots to do here, from the gallery at Volcano Art Center to the excellent park museum. Hikes of varying length and challenges: you can cross a still-steaming crater floor, circle a crater on gorgeous rim trails, explore lava tunnels, etc.
Pu´uhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park Translates as "Place of Refuge at Honaunau Bay." This beautiful, fascinating site is on the South Kona coast, about 40 minutes´ drive from Red Cinder, heading toward Kailua-Kona. For ancient Hawaiians, this was a sanctuary - breakers of the kapu (sacred laws) could take refuge from a death sentence here. A 1,000-foot long lava wall marks the boundary, and tidepools, sandy paths, and palms create a sense of tranquility. The Hale O Keawe (a reconstructed thatched temple) still stands here, flanked by carved wooden ki´i images. Excellent interpretive exhibits and demonstrations. It´s not hard to feel the mana (spiritual power) that imbues this place.