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Mahalo to HIEDB for compiling the information on general sites and the paniolo site.

General Sites Relating to Hawai`i

www.bigisland.org This is the official website of the Big Island Visitors Bureau, and thus, a pulse on what is hot in the visitor industry. The site contains the most comprehensive listing of Big Island events, along with descriptions of all parts of the island, plenty of colorful photos and even a Hawaiian word of the day. All types of topics are explored, including the island’s culture and arts, health and wellness and shopping options. An accommodation section guides visitors to various lodging options. Finally, those searching for something new and different to explore can check out the list of 365 things to do on the Big Island.

www.gohawaii.com Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau’s website is an expanded version of the Big Island-specific site described earlier. This easy-to-maneuver site contains statewide visitor information including events, accommodations, activities, transportation, convention and wedding planning, weather and even business and uniquely-Hawaiian product information. In addition to providing information on Hawaii Island, this site is a great source of information for residents planning inter-island trips.

www.hawaii-culture.com Hawaii Island is rich in cultural and historical sites. This website outlines a driving tour of the island and its many important stops along the way, from Hilo’s museums and Kohala’s King Kamehameha the Great statue, to Kona’s national historical parks and Volcano’s art center. It provides a map of the island with each historical site numbered for easy-to-follow driving directions. The site is filled with historic photos that bring to life a piece of Hawaii Island’s history.

www.konaweb.com Though this website may sound like it focuses on the west side of the island, browsers will find plenty of information on activities, events and secret spots located throughout the island. In addition to the usual listing of events, activities and museums, this site also lists island-wide farmer’s markets and art galleries. For beach lovers, there is a complete listing of Hawaii Island’s beaches – complete with a picture of each one. A fun extra – site visitors can send a virtual postcard via e-mail to friends and family to share the Hawaii Island experience.

Doing Business in Hawai`i

www.hiedb.org The Hawai`i Island Economic Opportunity Board's website describes itself as "a networking business organization that specializes in facilitating federal resource programs and implementation of economic development projects. HIEDB provides valuable information and contacts for area businesses and industries as well as key liaison to federal, state, county and private sector resources in financing, business planning, permitting, legal advice and other business services."

www.hawaii-county.com/databook_97/dbooktoc.htm The Hawai`i County Databook contains statistical information useful in making living and business decisions about our largest island.

National Parks in Hawai`i

www.hvo.wr.usgs.gov The U.S. Geological Survey Hawaiian Volcano Observatory website is the best source of information on Hawaii Island’s Kilauea volcano, one of the most active volcanoes in the world. It provides an eruption update, gives hazard warnings and a history of the current eruption, flowing continuously now for nearly 19 years. It also highlights the state’s other volcanoes, including Mauna Loa and Hualalai on Hawaii Island and the Lo’ihi Seamount, a submarine volcano located southeast of the island. The pictures on the site alone warrant a peruse, and it’s an invaluable resource for those planning to check out Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.
Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

www.nps.gov/puho Pu`uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park

www.nps.gov/kaho Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park

www.nps.gov/puhe Pu`u Kohola National Historical Site

www.nps.gov/havo Hawai`i Volcanoes National Park

Paniolo – The Hawaiian Cowboys

www.rodeohawaii.com For anyone interested in Hawaii Island’s paniolo experience, this site explores both the history and modern-day culture of Hawaii’s cowboy. This year, the site was expanded to include paniolo events planned throughout the state. It contains information on nearly all of Hawaii’s ranches, outfitters and paniolo-style shops and provides links to nearly 50 ranching websites.

Hula and Hawaiian Music

www.kbeamer.com Keola Beamer is one of Hawai'i's premier singer/songwriters, arrangers, composers, and slack key guitarists. His site offers information on his upcoming workshops and his internet lessons in Hawaiian slack-key guitar, as well some personal glimpses, really funny local humor, and a unique take on the ubiquitous "Learn to Speak Hawaiian" page.

http://starbulletin.com/98/09/14/features/story1.html The Honolulu Star Bulletin's excellent story on becoming a Kumu Hula – an instructor of the heart, mind, body, and soul in dance.

Www.mele.com Diverse site covering hula and Hawaiian music. Includes search engines for Hawaiian songs, halau hula (Hawaiian dance schools), and much more.

Eco-Tourism

www.EarthFoot.org A loosely-organized coalition of small "Mom-&-Pop" eco-tour companies which have demonstrated a committment to the preservation of native cultures and ecosystems. The site has links to almost a hundred of these tour companies which may join by invitation only. The site also has stories and art by members.

Other Sites of Interest

www.Bishop.Hawaii.org Website of the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum which was endowed by her husband as a memorial to Hawai`i's beloved princess. Incorporates very strong Hawai`iana, natural history of Hawai`i, and sciences. Excellent planetarium page.

www.ifa.hawaii.edu/info/astronomy/moon2000.html Gives moon phases in Hawai`i time.

www.lunaroutreach.org Shows current phase of moon and calculates phases for specific days. Also gives Islamic and Hebrew months.