Further description of house 157686

Feeling romantic? Honeymooners of all ages...

..will enjoy celebrating their privacy at Noe's Nest. We won't be bothering you. Most days you will be the only ones here during the day, except for the gardener. Also, let us know if you are honeymooning....we can suggest special places to enjoy without the maddening crowd! Don't think of leaving the Big Island without attending a small 'Star Party' at Mauna Kea's Onizuka Center at 9000 feet elevation, about 45 minutes drive. Viewing the Southern Hemisphere night sky at Maua Kea is like no other place on the planet. We treasure our darkness here, thus the low intensity highway lighting in East Hawaii. The better to see the jewels of the heavens! And the stars from Noe's Nest are a treat every clear night, so you don't have to go far. We can lend you a jacket if you forget yours!

We welcome your children....

... and know they will find plenty of furry friends to pet. They are all tame and enjoy the attention of kids. Cats, friendly dogs, Yuki the cockatoo, dwarf Nigerian milk goats, and Merlin the llama. Our current visitors and their 3 daughters, Emily, Anna and Sara were lucky enough to be here when Midnight's twin goaties were born this weekend! We never know what kind of colors to expect, but both of these have a dollop of white 'whipped cream' on their furry black heads! Soon they will be cavorting about the pasture with their cousin 'Latte,' born 2 weeks ago. Merlin the llama thinks he is the biggest goat of all, a protects his little flock. We have a far neighbor whose homing pigeons make a few giant sweeps across the sky twice a day. You are also likely to see our I'O: Native Hawaiian Hawk and his mate. There are at least 2 pairs that we see regularly. Many songbirds live in our thick landscape. We also recommend you take your binoculars and go birdwatching in Volcano.

Going South: Volcanoes National Park is the....

....only place in the world where visitors can safely view an active volcano. The mystical and ancient beauty of the harsh lava, yet delicate native landscape there is something everyone should have an opportunity to experience at least once in your life. We enjoy our family pass, and go frequently to visit our volcano, and offer a gift to Pele, the Hawaiian Goddess of the Volcano. Volcano has a special and incredible spirit, and presents a different experience every time we venture there. Remember to visit the Jaggar Museum and the Volcano Visitor's Center to learn about this unique environment, and how to assist us to preserve it through respect and conservation efforts. You will see plants, birds and visions unique to Hawaii and some unique to the Big Island alone. Note the Ohi'a Lehua tree, which has a special relationship with the lava fields, and is but one of the delicate, yet sturdy plants that lives here.

Going NORTH: Our Hamakua Coast leads you along ...

an incredible scenic route over a dozen bridges, and up through the small oceanside villages of Honomu, Hakalau, Nino'ole, Lapahoehoe, O'okala, Kalopa, and on to the larger town of Honoka'a at Waipio Valley about mile 40. Watch for Tex's Drive In, and stop for an irresistible hot, fresh Malasada (homemade Portuguese donut.) Honoka'a is small and beautiful, so drive in, park, and walk through town stopping at the the small shops for special and surprising buys, and the best Pizza anywhere, at Cafe II Mondo. A day trip into Waipio Valley on Horseback is wildly scenic, up close to nature, and not to be forgotten. Waipo Valley is a step back in time, through the taro fields and wandering streams to the ocean, then back to the valley back. Plan your Waipio ride in advance. Giddyup! Continuing on up North of

Waimea is at mile 55 but getting there is half..

the fun. Driving up and up in elevation through Parker Ranch brings you through some of Hawaii's riches pasture lands at the base of Mauna Kea at 2500 feet. Waimea and Kamulea began to develop with the ranching business, and have a rich cowboy history and feel. The surrounding small hills covered with the greenest grasses and trees anywhere, almost envelope you in a dream. Lots of good food in town, and great places to shop and visit, while you get to know Waimea and its folks. Kohala mountain, ancient and bountiful in beauty, and up about 1500 feet through to the North tip of the Island leading to little Hawi town. Great hiking in Pololu Valley, and other activities for the hardy. This is only about 1 quarter of the Big Island coastline.... there is so much more to explore! Guess you'll have to come back, or spend a while on Kona side to get the West side feel of things!

On the way back to Noe's Nest and Hilo...

Don't forget to plan on visiting World Botanical Gardens at Umaumau, or Hawaii Botanical Gardens in Honomu on the Scenic Highway about mile 6 North of Hilo. 17 acres of one the lushest and most accessible yet gorgeous gardens in Hawaii, the Botanical Garden has more that 2,000 species of plants along a winding walkway. The walk down to the ocean and along the shore, winding through landscape that seeks to maintain the natural topography, yet treat us to plants we may seldom see elsewhere. Benches on the ocean invite you to sit and watch the ocean crashing on the shore in beautiful Onomea Bay. Take a set and stay awhile to meditate on the stunning beauty of nature, so close at hand. Then back home, to a steak or a fresh fish on your charcoal grill and dinner on your lanai at Noe's Nest.