Located on the Eastern tip of the island among 26 tropical acres, Yoga Oasis offers week-long yoga retreats as well as daily classes. Near Pahoa, Kalani Oceanside Retreat offers a variety of workshops and packages including a weeklong “Introduction to Yoga.”

If you want go the retreat route near Kona, visit Yoga Hale, located minutes from White Sand Beach.

Or, for classes and workshops held daily, visit Big Island Yoga Center. Held in a plantation home in the cool, upland town of Kealakekua just south of Kailua-Kona, these classes are very popular with travelers.

Beyond these options, many resorts and spas offer yoga classes of their own (for example, the Hilton Waikaloa’s fitness center offers complimentary classes to its guests), so contact your concierge for more options.

Learn more information about Yoga Oasis by calling (800) 274-4446 or vsiting www.yogaoasis.org; Kalani Oceanside Retreat at (800) 800-6886 or www.kalani.com; Yoga Hale at (808) 938-9980 or www.yogahale.com; and Big Island Yoga Center at (808) 329-9642 or www.bigislandyoga.com.

In Hawai‘i, May Day is Lei Day when many kama‘aina wear lei. Lei displays and even competitions are a part of the celebrations. Other days of the year, one can find lei at lei stands, florists, farmers’ markets and even at island grocery stores.

Many hotels and resorts offer lei-making classes, sometimes for free. Ask your concierge if there’s a class nearby.

• David O. Baldwin Photography (808) 938-7321

Treatments that stem from Hawaiian tradition relax the body while soothing the mind and spirit, since the belief is that one being off-balance affects the other. Lomi lomi is a type of massage that focuses on easing stress and bringing harmony to the recipient as a whole. La‘au lapa‘au is herbal healing. Hawaiian salt rituals emulate the healing effect believed to come from ocean water while cleansing pores and rejuvenating skin.

Some spa tips:
1. Arrive between 15 to 30 minutes early.
2. Turn off your mobile phone.
3. Let your therapist know of any health concerns
4. Tips are usually 15 to 20 percent. If you are using a gift certificate, ask if the tip is included.
5. If something is not quite right (the pressure of the massage, for example), let your therapist know.

While cacao isn’t endemic to Hawai‘i, the same Kona slopes that are ideal for coffee growing are perfect harvesting cacao. On South Kona’s Mt. Hualalai, The Original Hawaiian Chocolate Factory not only farms cacao beans, but also handpicks, sun dries, and process the beans.

The company also takes it the final step, turning the processed beans into authentic Hawaiian chocolate bars. So with a single visit to the farm, guests get to see the entire chocolate process in action.

Tours run every Wednesday at 9 a.m. and Friday at 9:30 a.m. by phone appointment. Call (888) 447-2626.

You can pick this dish up at local grocery stores such as KTA, Foodland, Sack N Save or fish markets like Da Poke Shack in Kailua-Kona or Suisan in Hilo. If you want, you can also get a side of white or brown rice.

Visit Poke Shack at 76-6246 Alii Dr. in Kailua-Kona or Suisan at 1965 Kamehameha Ave in Hilo.

The exhibition hall features more than 100 exhibits. The centerpiece of the Voyages hall is the ‘Imiloa, a one-fifth model of a voyaging canoe.
The grounds of the center reveal an amazing array of native Hawaiian plants. Here, some 70 native species—Hawai‘i’s largest native plant landscape—are on display. The center’s airy café, the Sky Garden Restaurant, provides a sweeping view of Hilo Bay and breakfast any time of the day.

The ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center is composed of 75 percent recycled material. Built on a 9-acre parcel at 600 ‘Imiloa Place, the center is 1.5 miles east of downtown Hilo and is open to the public every day except Monday.

Kikaua Point Beach, near Kailua-Kona, is a kid-friendly option with a sand-bottomed pool only around 3 feet deep. Arrive early, since there is limited parking, and check in with the golf-resorts’ security so that they can give you a hang-tag and directions. Located on Kukio Nui Road near the 87 mile marker.

Wawaloli Beach is more of a sheltered swimming hole perfect for when the surf is high. This spot offers tide pools that boast fish, anemones and scuttling crabs. This beach park also features benches, trees, restrooms, and plenty of space to picnic or rest, though it doesn’t have a lifeguard. It is located in Kalaoa on Queen Ka‘ahumanu Highway near the 94 mile marker.
Waiopae Tide Pools Marine Preserve, south of Pahoa, isn’t exactly a sandy beach here—instead, the area is a maze of tide pools full of fish and sea life. It is rarely crowded, since it’s so far off the main drag. To get here from the Hilo side, head south on Highway 132, then go east on Highway 132 to Highway 137. After 1.1 miles, turn east on Kapoho Kai Drive and follow signs to a small public parking lot and access point.

WARNING: The tide pools near the open ocean are fronted by powerful waves. Never turn your back on the ocean. Don’t walk on rocks that look wet near breaking surf. Bring shoes or sandals to wade, since lava rock can be sharp.

As for the history of the ‘ukulele (pronounced “oo-koo-leh-leh,” instead of “you-ka-le-le”), it arrived in Hawai‘i with Portuguese immigrants in the late 1800s along with malasadas and sweet bread. Since then, the ‘ukulele has been a key part of kani ka pila (backyard jam sessions) and popular Hawaiian tunes.

Buy one for yourself and learn all about the different sizes, styles and woods at Kiernan Music in old town Kainaliu. Here you can talk to expert luthiers at the only fully staffed repair and custom-made ‘ukulele and guitar shop on the island. They carry a full range of new, used and vintage instruments for beginners and expert players, and offer a variety of learn-to-play books and DVDs, as well as referrals to local instructors for short visitor lesson programs.

• Kiernan Music (808) 322-4939

The Mamalahoa Kona Heritage Corridor takes you through an area of historic importance, telling the story of the area’s evolution from a pathway for ancient Hawaiians to its development as a place that became home to people of many different cultures. The corridor’s theme, Pulama Kakou means “we cherish all who enter this inclusive shell” and it’s evident that that acceptance is something that’s celebrated as you travel the byway that includes churches, temples, various businesses and galleries galore.

The Royal Footsteps Along the Kona Coast uncovers the history of the area that’s hidden in plain sight. Travel along Ali‘i Drive, and you’re no doubt taken in by beautiful vistas on one side and bustling energy on the other. However, Iook a little closer and you’ll see that this seven-mile stretch is also home to many important sites of historical significance, like Hulihe‘e Palace, Pa o Umi (the residence of the ruler Umi-a-lilioa [ca. AD 1490-1525]), breathtaking bays and beaches, churches the Holualoa Royal Center and more.

For more information on the Hawaii Scenic Byways, log on to www.hawaiiscenicbyways.org.