Honolulu, Hawaii LASIK Surgeon

LASIK Honolulu, Hawaii - Surgeons Performing Laser Eye Surgery LASIK Honolulu, Hawaii — Laser Eye Surgery in Honolulu, Hawaii LASIK Surgeon Directory Home > Hawaii > Honolulu LASIK Surgeons Aloha Laser Vision Alan Faulkner, MD (808) 792-3937 Aloha Laser Vision 1100 Ward Ave Suite 1000 Honolulu, Hawaii 96814 Go to LASIK Surgeon Directory Home Page. A note about LASIK and Laser Eye Surgery LASIK is one type of laser eye surgery that is commonly performed for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism. Surgeons in the Honolulu, Hawaii area who perform LASIK may also perform laser eye procedures such as PRK, LASEK and Epi-LASIK. They may also offer non-laser alternatives to LASIK, and may offer variations of LASIK such as monovision LASIK to address presbyopia, or custom LASIK using wavefront technology. About the LASIK Honolulu, Hawaii Directory The AllAboutVision.com LASIK Surgeon Directory is a resource for you to learn more about Honolulu, Hawaii LASIK surgeons and to help you select a surgeon if you choose to have LASIK or another laser eye surgery in Hawaii. Please review the profiles of each Honolulu, Hawaii LASIK surgeon to learn about his or her philosophy, education and treatment experience. Please note that the LASIK Honolulu, Hawaii Directory is not meant to be a comprehensive listing of all LASIK surgeons in the greater Honolulu, Hawaii area. LASIK: Your Next Step A consultation and full LASIK evaluation should be your next step to determine if you are an appropriate candidate for LASIK or another corrective eye procedure. Please consult with a qualified refractive surgeon in the Honolulu, Hawaii area to determine if you are a candidate for any refractive procedure, and if so, whether LASIK, another laser eye surgery or a non-laser eye surgery would be the most suitable choice. Please call (858) 454-5505 for information on a listing in the LASIK Surgeon Directory. All About Vision is a registered service mark of Access Media Group, LLC . 2000–2006 AMG, LLC. LASIK Articles Site Map About Us Terms of Use Privacy Policy Cities in the U.S. and Canada served by the LASIK Surgeon Directory: Akron and Canton , Albuquerque , Appleton , Atlanta , Austin , Baltimore , Boise , Boston , Boulder , Central Oregon , Charleston , Chattanooga , Chevy Chase , Chicago , Cleveland , Colorado Springs , Columbia , Dallas , Denver , Detroit , Elgin , Fairfax , Fairfield County , Flint , Fort Lauderdale , Fort Myers , Fort Wayne , Fredericksburg , Green Bay , Harrisburg , Hartford , Honolulu , Houston , Huntsville , Indianapolis , Inland Empire , Jacksonville , Kansas City , Lancaster , Las Vegas , Long Island , Los Angeles , Macon , Miami , Milwaukee , Minneapolis , New Haven , New Orleans , New York (Manhattan) , North Bay Sonoma , Northern New Jersey , North Georgia , Northwest Indiana , Oakland , Oklahoma City , Omaha , Orange County , Palm Beach , Philadelphia , Phoenix , Portland , Portsmouth , Richmond , Rochester , Sacramento , Saginaw , San Diego , San Fernando Valley , San Francisco , San Gabriel/Downtown LA , San Jose , Santa Fe , Seattle , South Bay/Long Beach , Southern New Jersey , Spokane , Tacoma , Temecula , Vancouver , Ventura , Washington, D.C. , West Iowa , Westchester , and Wilmington .

Waikiki Beach Resort &

Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa - Honolulu, HI: compare deals, read unbiased reviews - Open List Search Hotels for: City, State; City, Country; or Zip Home > Honolulu, HI Hotels > Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa in Honolulu, HI Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa - check rates 2552 Kalakaua Ave Honolulu, HI 96815 808-922-6611 - map & directions marriott.com - view hotel photos Rating(s): - from travelers - see reviews below - from experts - see reviews below Recent Price: $150-$200 - check rates Ambiance: beach, resort Features: babysitting/child care, bar/lounge, business center, business services, cable tv, corporate facilities, fitness facilities, high speed internet, on-site car rental, pool, restaurant, spa, tv, valet parking Activities: spa, tennis • Add your review of Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa • Search similar Hotels in Honolulu, HI deals on other hotels in Honolulu, HI -- • Looking for hotels near Honolulu, HI? See also: Aiea, HI hotels (3 places to stay - 7.11 mi) Kaneohe, HI hotels (3 places to stay - 8.45 mi) Waimanalo, HI hotels (2 places to stay - 9.34 mi) • Looking for the best deal in Honolulu, HI? Check now. Looking for the best deal in Boston? Check now . -- Please enable JavaScript to check rates with our partners. Check Rates & Availability Check-in: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 Check-out: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 # of Guests 1 2 3 4 Compare rates and availability for Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa with: Orbitz.com Cheaptickets.com Travelocity.com Compare rates on other hotels in Honolulu : Hotwire.com - Hotel name shown after purchase. Priceline.com Opens one window for each partner. Matching deals for Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa / Honolulu, HI Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa: Low Hotel Prices Made Easy Orbitz.com The Faster, Easier Way to Find The Hotel You Want. Just ORBITZ And Go! Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa: Great Hotel Deals Travelocity.com Find guaranteed lowest prices on over 20,000 hotels. Comments and Reviews from across the Web for Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa, Honolulu show: all • expert reviews • traveler reviews positive • negative -- " Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort | Honolulu & O'ahu Hotels | Fodor's Online Travel Guide " "On the eastern edge of Waikiki, this hotel is across from Kuhio Beach and close to Kapiolani Park, the zoo, and the aquarium. Deep Hawaiian woods and bold tropical colors fill the hotels two towers, which have ample courtyards and public areas open to ocean breezes..." fodors.com - neutral - expert review - ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Amenities for Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Honolulu - Yahoo! Travel " "On more than five acres, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is steps from the beach and less than a mile from Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, and Waikiki Aquarium. Ala Moana Shopping Center, Diamond Head Crater, and Hawaii Convention Center are within three miles. Pearl Harbor is..." yahoo.com - expert review ..................................................................................................................................... -- " The New York Times Travel Honolulu and Oahu Guide Hotel Details " "On the eastern edge of Waikiki, this hotel is across from Kuhio Beach and close to Kapiolani Park, the zoo, and the aquarium. Deep Hawaiian woods and bold tropical colors fill the hotels two towers, which have ample courtyards and public areas open to ocean breezes..." nytimes.com - neutral - expert review ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Honolulu Hotels - Yahoo! Travel " "Find comprehensive hotel information including descriptions, rates & availability, photos, reviews and interactive maps for Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort & Spa in Honolulu, Hawaii. Check the weather, and locate additional information on nearby airports, attractions and restaurants. " yahoo.com - expert review - ..................................................................................................................................... -- " ThisisTravel | Country guides | USA " "Spacious and attractive mid-range option with good range of facilities, designed to handle large numbers and tour groups. Poolside bar affords fine beach and ocean views. Childrens entertainment in summer. " www.thisistravel.co.uk - expert review ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Travelocity.com : Traveler Reviews " "On more than five acres, the Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is steps from the beach and less than a mile from Honolulu Zoo, Kapiolani Park, and Waikiki Aquarium. Ala Moana Shopping Center, Diamond Head Crater, and Hawaii Convention Center are within three miles. Pearl Harbor is..." travelocity.com - expert review - ..................................................................................................................................... -- " The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is... " "The Waikiki Beach Marriott Resort is the perfect blend of Hawaiis aloha spirit and renowned Marriott tradition. Located on Kalakaua Avenue, just across the street from the world famous Waikiki Beach, this magnificent 5.3 acre property recently completed ..." ian.com - neutral - expert review ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Nice hotel of you like the touristy thing, but not for everybody " - A TripAdvisor Member "The Marriott Waikiki Beach is a nice hotel across the street from Waikiki Beach. I paid $265/nite in... " tripadvisor.com - Jun 26, 2005 - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " A great hotel in lovely Waikiki! " - A Yahoo! User "The Marriott Waikiki is an excellent hotel just across the street from Waikiki Beach. The hotel facilities are quite elegant, and the rooms are top notch. The rooftop pools are a bit underwhelming... " yahoo.com - 09/01/04 - positive - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " 4th of July weekend at Waikiki " - A TripAdvisor Member "My family and I stayed at the Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa over the 4th of July holiday. After... " tripadvisor.com - Jul 12, 2005 - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Definitely not a 4-star hotel " - A TripAdvisor Member "We stayed here for the last two nights of our honeymoon. We had stayed a week at the Four Seasons Resort... " tripadvisor.com - Jul 4, 2005 - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " quality stay, great location " - A TripAdvisor Member "We stayed here for 2 nights as part of an NCL America post-cruise package in May 2005. The hotel was... " tripadvisor.com - Jun 8, 2005 - neutral - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Mostly ++++ at the Marriott " - A TripAdvisor Member "Just got back from a 6 night stay at the Marriott Waikiki! Mostly good things to stay. From previous... " tripadvisor.com - Jun 29, 2005 - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Great hotel, but noisy.... " - A TripAdvisor Member "The GOOD: Got a double upgrade to corner oceanview without asking...stayed in K tower, which is the... " tripadvisor.com - Jun 7, 2005 - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Great Stay..Great Price " - A TripAdvisor Member "This hotel was a great choice on Waikiki Beach. It is a great hotel with big rooms...across the street... " tripadvisor.com - Jul 4, 2005 - positive - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Expensive, but very nice " - A Yahoo! User "Great view of Diamond Head. Very expensive for moderate size rooms. Clean w/ good service. Nice pool w/ bar. Very close to resturaunts and shops. Good parking. On Waikiki Beach. Good, but expensive... " yahoo.com - 06/27/04 - neutral - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Great Stay in Paradise " - A TripAdvisor Member "We stayed two days prior to our NCL cruise. They gave us an upgrade to an oceanview-corner room without... " tripadvisor.com - Jul 10, 2005 - neutral - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " I stay at Marriots on a... " - nicolette b. "I stay at Marriots on a regular basis and this one was typical. Clean, neat hotel and rooms. Nothing spectacular. I was disappointed that we did not receive the room we had reserved. Since we had prepaid, we really didnt have choice because they would not..." travelocity.com - March 15, 2005 - positive - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " I would stay again! " - A Yahoo! User "I would stay there again. We had a Deluxe Ocean View on the 24th Floor that over looked Waikiki Beach and the Pool area. Great Sunset Views. I would have to agree that the evening entertainment... " yahoo.com - 09/19/04 - neutral - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " Had a nice time " - A TripAdvisor Member "We stayed here for 3 nights in May before our Hawaiian cruise and had a good time. This hotel is on... " tripadvisor.com - Jul 2, 2005 - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- " 3 Stars " - A TripAdvisor Member "Good points:Great location on Waikiki Beach Comfortable bedsCleanTwo small but really nice rooftop... " tripadvisor.com - Jun 7, 2005 - traveler comment ..................................................................................................................................... -- Other Web references to Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa in Honolulu, HI: tripadvisor.com , gayot.com , expedia.com , cigaraficionado.com , orbitz.com , expedia.com , kayak.com Site Map | About | Advertise | Contact | Get Updates | Terms & Conditions ©2003-5 Searching the Web to bring you millions of articles, unbiased reviews, and expert opinions on places to eat and stay.

Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef

Aloha! Welcome to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Aloha! Welcome to the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve The Executive Orders On December 4, 2000, the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (Reserve) was created by Executive Order 13178. The Reserve encompasses an area of the marine waters and submerged lands of the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands extending approximately 1200 nautical miles long and 100 nautical miles wide. As part of the establishment of the Reserve, Executive Order 13178 contains conservation measures that restrict some activities throughout the Reserve, and establishes Reserve Preservation Areas around certain islands, atolls and banks where all consumptive or extractive uses are prohibited. A 30 day public comment period was initiated to receive comments regarding whether to make permanent the Reserve Preservation Areas. Comments were also requested on the conservation measures for the Reserve. On January 18, 2001, after the close of the 30 day comment period, the process and establishment of the Reserve was finalized by issuance of Executive Order 13196. This Executive Order modified Executive Order 13178 by revising certain conservation measures and making permanent the Reserve Preservation Areas with modifications. With this action, the establishment of the Reserve, including the conservation measures and permanent Reserve Preservation Areas, was completed. Executive Order 13178 Executive Order 13196: Amendment to Executive Order 13178 Summary of changes to E.O. 13178 Next Steps: The National Marine Sanctuary Program (NMSP) is working with the Reserve staff to develop the Reserve Operations Plan (ROP). In developing the ROP, NMSP sought recommendations from the Reserve Advisory Council and consulted with the State of Hawaii and the Department of the Interior. In addition, the Reserve and the NMSP have begun the process to designate the Reserve as a National Marine Sanctuary under the National Marine Sanctuaries Act. Scoping meetings were held in April of 2002 to collect public commentary on Sanctuary Designation, and the Reserve staff is currently working with the Reserve Advisory Council to synthesize and prioritize the comments collected. Please go to our Sanctuary Designation area for more information. What's new at the NWHICRER January 2006 Advisory Council Meeting Finding on the Recommendations of the Western Pacific Fishery Management Council Regarding the Management of Fisheries within the Proposed NWHI National Marine Sanctuary 2005 Educator at Sea Voyage to the NWHI (you will be re-directed to a non-NOAA web site) Online encyclopedia of NWHI flora and fauna Read reports from research expeditions to the NWHI (you will be re-directed to a non-NOAA web site) Advice and Recommendations on Development of Draft Fishing Regulations for the Proposed NWHI National Marine Sanctuary Join the NWHI Listserve Mokupapapa Discovery Center is now open. Click here for more information. Volunteer at Mokupapapa! Call Zack Caldwell - 808-933-8195 (Hilo) Navigating Change - find out what you can do to improve your relationship to the environment around you. Teacher curriculum, videos and activities will be available soon. Click here for more info. Home | Latest News | Calendar | Sanctuary Designation | Reserve Council | Education and Outreach Research and Monitoring | Documents | Maps, Images and Video | About the Area Discovery Center | FAQs | Contact Us | Privacy Policy U.S. Department of Commerce | National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration National Ocean Service | National Marine Sanctuaries This site is updated and maintained by the NWHICRER Webmaster Northwestern Hawaiian Islands Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve Main Office: 6600 Kalaniana`ole Hwy, #300, Honolulu, HI 96825 phone: 808-397-2660 fax: 808-397-2662 email: hawaiireef@noaa.gov Hilo Office: 308 Kamehameha Ave, #203, Hilo, HI 96720 phone: 808-933-8180 fax: 808-933-8186

Hawaii hotels and resorts,

Hawaii HI - Hotels, Resorts, Inns - A Helpful Guide Hawaii HI - Hotels Motels Inns Resorts - Hawii Hawai Oceanfront Beachfront USA Hotels Guide Hawaii – Hotels, Resorts, Inns – A Helpful Guide Hotels - htels - hoteles - hoteis - alberghi - hoteller - 12 languages Use this guide to learn about Hawaii hotels and resorts, check availability and discounts, and make secure reservations with immediate confirmation. We charge NO SERVICE FEES ... and our hotel location information and unique cost codes will save you time and money. Like this guide? Bookmark it by pressing Ctrl+D. Hawaii Beach & Coastal Hotels Hotels near Hawaii Colleges & Universities Which Hawaiian island and city would you like to visit? Hawaii – The Big Island Hawaii Volcanoes National Park Hilo Holualoa Kailua-Kona - also known as Kailua, Kailua Town, or Kona Kamuela - also known as Waimea Keauhou Kohala Coast - South Kohala to Kailua-Kona Kona - also known as Kailua, Kailua-Kona, or Kailua Town Mauna Lani Pahala Volcano Village Waikoloa Village Waimea - also known as Kamuela Waiohinu - Kau, South Point region Kauai – The Garden Isle Coconut Coast - includes Kappa & Wailua Kapaa - located on the Coconut Coast Koloa Lihue Poipu Princeville Wailua - located on the Coconut Coast Waimea Lanai – smallest of big six Lanai City Maui Haiku Hana Honokowai Kaanapali Kahana Kahului Kapalua Kihei Lahaina Maalaea Makawao Makena Napili Paia Pauwela Pukalani Wailea Molokai Kaunakakai Maunaloa Oahu – Honolulu, Pearl Harbor Ahuimanu Aiea Ewa Beach Fort Shafter - Army Post - Honolulu Haleiwa Hickam AFB - Honolulu Honolulu - state capital Kaneohe Kapolei Ko Olina Maili Makaha Makakilo Marine Corps Base Hawaii - Kaneohe Bay Mililani Nanakuli Pearl Harbor Naval Station Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard Schofield Barracks Sea Life Park - Honolulu Tripler Army Medical Center - Honolulu Turtle Bay Wahiawa Waianae Waipio Thanks for using our Hawaii hotels guide. We hope you enjoy your trip. Related search terms: hotels/motels motel hoteles moteles condo rentals condos rental condominium condominiums lodging accommodations accommodation inns b&b inn breakfasts room suite destination destinations romantic weekend getaways getaway breaks honeymoon packages holiday package holidays vacation vacations travel best choice discount rate discounts cheap hotels budget hotel deals dog friendly in near by nearby close to around search finder Abbreviations, variants, misspellings: oceanfront beachfront hi. hawaiian hawai hawii hawiian hawaiin hawiiee accomodation accomodations accomadation accomadations petfriendly dogfriendly MORE USA HOTELS USA Hotels - all states Alabama Hotels Alaska Hotels Arizona Hotels Arkansas Hotels California Hotels Colorado Hotels Connecticut Hotels Delaware Hotels Florida Hotels Georgia Hotels Hawaii Hotels Idaho Hotels Illinois Hotels Indiana Hotels Iowa Hotels Kansas Hotels Kentucky Hotels Louisiana Hotels Maine Hotels Maryland Hotels Massachusetts Hotels Michigan Hotels Minnesota Hotels Mississippi Hotels Missouri Hotels Montana Hotels Nebraska Hotels Nevada Hotels New Hampshire Hotels New Jersey Hotels New Mexico Hotels New York Hotels North Carolina Hotels North Dakota Hotels Ohio Hotels Oklahoma Hotels Oregon Hotels Pennsylvania Hotels Puerto Rico Hotels Rhode Island Hotels South Carolina Hotels South Dakota Hotels Tennessee Hotels Texas Hotels Utah Hotels Vermont Hotels Virginia Hotels Washington Hotels Washington DC Hotels West Virginia Hotels Wisconsin Hotels Wyoming Hotels USA Hotels - all states World Hotels Who We Are Our Privacy Policy No Service Fees Fewer Advance Charges Some Surprising Deals ! Hotel & Air Travel Packages Compare Car Rentals Order Free Travel Guides HAWAII LINKS Order Free Hawaii Vacation Planner HOTEL COST CODES $ = Under $60 $$ = $60-99 $$$ = $100-149 $$$$ = $150-199 $$$$$ = $200 + AOM, Rack, Special, & Traveler's Discount Rates are for everyone. TIPS & SUGGESTIONS Tip 1 – Make reservations early. Some hotels cut off online reservations 1 to 3 days before check-in time. Tip 2 – When you make a reservation, you will receive a confirmation email. Print a copy of this message to take with you ... and don't delete the original email until you have completed your stay and know you have been billed correctly. Tip 3 – Our hotel cost codes are based on the lowest peak season rates available to all guests. We do offer discount rates for corporate and government employees, AAA and AARP members, seniors, and other special groups. But we do not base our cost codes on these discounts. Off-season room prices may be much lower than our cost codes indicate. 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Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.

Hawaii's Volcano Parks Let Visitors Go With The Flow Welcome to TBO.com. Skip directly to: our Keyword Search , Section Navigation , Content . TBO.com Life TBO.com WFLA The Tampa Tribune Search: Keyword Site News | Weather | Hurricane Guide | Things to Do | Sports | Jobs | Cars | Homes | Shopping | Classified Travel TBO.com Life Travel Hawaii's Volcano Parks Let Visitors Go With The Flow Skip directly to the full story . By TANYA BRICKING LEACH For The Associated Press Published: Dec 18, 2005 ADVERTISEMENT More from this channel: This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin. Please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer to download this plugin. Search our archives: Type keyword(s) 30 days 6 months 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 All Past 7 days most viewed | Tribune archive from 1990 VOLCANO, HAWAII - About the time jagged edges started poking through my T-shirt as I wormed my way through a tight spot in a lava tube, I began to wonder: What am I doing here? We could have been relaxing on the famous Green Sand Beach at South Point of the Big Island of Hawaii. But in the spirit of adventure, we were instead exploring the world underground. I had convinced my husband that it would be neat to go hiking to see flowing lava at the Kilauea Volcano on the first night of our weekend getaway, and then get up early the next morning to go caving in 1,000-year-old lava tubes. He was agreeable, even after twisting his ankle on the initial hiking excursion, which lasted past midnight. Once we got back to our cabin at Volcanoes National Park, we understood why each room had a Jacuzzi. But we weren't about to let our sore muscles get the best of us. Watching the orange glow of waxy-looking lava hiss into the ocean had intoxicated us. We wanted to see tunnels formed by the molten stuff. The Dawn Patrol So we caught just enough sleep to wake at the crack of dawn and drive to South Point in search of a labyrinth of lava tubes at a place called Kula Kai Caverns. To get there, we punched in a pass code and entered a remote neighborhood built on lava rock. Then we saw our guide's landmark, a thatched hut that looked like something out of "Gilligan's Island." Our tour guide, Kathlyn Richardson, led us into the yurt and handed us spelunking helmets, lights, gloves and kneepads to gear up. We looked like coal miners without the soot, and we were about to go on a two-hour spelunking tour. So she tested us a little. Would we like to try shimmying up parts of the cave and crawling around in tunnels? We were game. Let me just say my previous experience in caves was limited to a guided tour years earlier on a heavily traveled pathway at Kentucky's Mammoth Cave. Although it is considered the granddaddy of American caves - and the longest cave in the world - I saw only the easy-access "tourist" part of it. No shimmying through narrow passageways was involved. And I had seen Thurston Lava Tube, a major attraction on the drive around Crater Rim Drive at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. But that was just a peek into a cavelike shell. I had never seen much of caves or could explain the difference between stalactites and stalagmites. Somehow, the idea of exploring a pitch-black volcanic cavern still appealed to me. That's just the kind of tourist Kula Kai Cavern founder Ric Elhard wants to educate. "I started crawling around in caves when I was 12 years old," said Elhard, a California native who bought property on the Big Island because he knew there were caves underneath it. He and other cavers have since mapped out miles of lava tubes that crisscross the area. "We're not doing big numbers, but we saw huge potential," Elhard said. "We want to be more of an educational tour. We want people to learn and understand about the archaeological aspects of caves." Treks Of Your Choice He and other guides lead small groups, even children as young as 5, through parts of the caves on tours that last from easy half-hour strolls to more challenging half-day explorations. When my husband and I were there, it was just the two of us, following Richardson into a braided maze she knew by heart and getting a taste of massive chambers and small spaces formed by volcanic gases rising through cooling magma 1,000 years ago. A National Park tour, it is not. It's a fledgling operation that's loosely organized, and sometimes the battery-powered lights on the well-used equipment go out. But it's definitely an adventure tour. We broke a sweat, despite the cool 68-degree temperature inside the cave, and had to watch our footing navigating craggy rocks that seemed to grow out from above and below. One of the most interesting parts was when we turned off our head lamps and sat in the dark, listening closely to dripping water and the sound of ourselves breathing. I'll admit I liked climbing and scrambling over loose rocks much better than belly-crawling through the tight spots. The crawling part made me think about being swallowed by hot lava as I tried to untangle myself from its pointy fingers. Underground Point Of View But squirming around on my hands and knees gave me a feeling not just for overcoming claustrophobia, but also for looking at a volcanic island from a different perspective. I thought about the cave dwellers who must have used the spaces for shelter. I wondered how long the kukui nuts, which contained oil that Hawaiians used to light like candles, had been left on the rock shelves that we passed. I pictured the lava flowing through the walls I could now touch. The tour captured my imagination. Yes, I could have spent the day relaxing on the beach. What I did instead made me feel like an explorer. And to me, discovering a world I had never seen before made the vacation feel complete. FOR LOVE OF LAVA KULA KAI CAVERNS AND LAVA TUBES: www.kulakai caverns.com or (808) 929-7539. Located off Highway 11 in Ocean View, Hawaii. Tours by appointment ranging from $15 half-hour walking tours to $95 half-day tours. The two-hour spelunking tour is $65. Discounts for Hawaii residents and groups. Wear a T-shirt, long pants and sturdy shoes. WHERE TO STAY: For the full Kilauea experience, stay in a B&B in Volcano Village or in a cabin at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. •Carson's Volcano Cottages: www.carsonscottage.com or 1-800-845-5282 or (808) 967-7683. B&B accommodations, from one-room spaces to family cottages with kitchens and storybook cottages nestled in the tropical rain forest. Breakfast is served in a dining room beside the fire. Rates range from $115 to $170 a night. •Volcano House: (808) 967-7321. This historical hotel sits on the edge of a crater, and the rooms are heated by volcanic steam. Rooms range from $95 to $225. Its cabins are among the few available in the park, but the rooms are a bit worn. Cabins are $50. •Kilauea Military Camp: www.kmc-volcano.com or (808) 967-8333. A joint services recreation center in Volcanoes National Park, open to military members and Department of Defense workers and retirees. Rates are based on rank, and accommodations range from dorms to cottages. WHERE TO EAT: After a spelunking tour, drive to the Kona side of the island for food. •The Coffee Shack: A casual coffeehouse with a sweeping view of the ocean. The staff is friendly, and the portions are big. •Cafe Pesto in Hilo: Whether you're in Kawaihae near the harbor on the scenic South Kohala coast or in historic Hilo on the Big Island's east side, find this restaurant. It has gourmet pizzas, an assortment of pasta and seafood. Most items are about $10. •Ken's House of Pancakes: Ken's is like a local Denny's. It's open 24 hours a day, and most items are less than $7. Write a letter to the editor | Subscribe to the Tribune | Place an Ad Online TBO.com AdLinks Site Tools Advertise with us Web site feedback Make TBO.com my homepage RSS Feeds: Feed for this channel All feeds/RSS FAQ Most Popular: This feature requires the Macromedia Flash Plugin. Please visit http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer to download this plugin. 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