Kualoa Ranch, a backdrop to the television series "Lost" since its first season in 2004, offers a "back lot" peek at the series' film locations in its Movie and Ranch Tour. "It's hard to believe that it has been six years since 'Lost' started filming at Kualoa Ranch," said John Morgan, ranch president. "The Movie and Ranch Tour has become the most popular tour of the ranch."

It's a one-hour narrated tour across Kualoa Ranch and into pretty Kaaawa Valley, where many Hollywood movies and television shows have filmed, including "Jurassic Park," "Godzilla," "Windtalkers" and "Pearl Harbor."

Cost is $21; full-day, half-day and kamaäina activity packages are also available. 237-8515, www.kualoa.com.

WASHINGTON STATE

MOUNT ST. HELENS' VOLCANIC LANDSCAPE A CHALLENGING CLIMB

Climbing Mount St. Helens' desolate, lunar-like landscape is exciting and challenging, and above the 4,800-foot elevation all climbers are required to have a permit.

Between April 1 and Oct. 31, a permit costs $2 and must be bought online at www.mshinstitute.org. Between May 15 and Oct. 31, there is a limit of 100 permits per day. From Nov. 1 through March 31, climbing permits are free and available on a self-registration basis at Marble Mountain Sno-Park and the Climber's Register at the Lone Fir Resort in Cougar.

Climbing information and permits are available at the Mount St. Helens Institute, www.mshinstitute.org. The institute will offer guided climbs to the rim on Fridays in July and August.

ON THE SLOPES

GET SNOWBOARDING TIPS FROM VIDEOS AT SNOWPROFESSOR.COM

Want to try snowboarding this year and looking for a video guide before you go? Enter www.SnowProfessor.com, an instructional Web site founded by two snowboarders. They figured that a great way to share their love of the sport was to make videos, including the basics for beginners, the logistics for intermediate boarders, stunts and jumps, and tips on buying snowboarding equipment.

The two boarders descend the slopes while being filmed, then add the commentary later. Each video is accompanied by notes on the subject.

— Advertiser Staff