Ashley24

Originally I was thinking that we would fly into Hilo, do some simple hiking in the volcano area as well as do a helicopter flight over the volcano, and after spending one night drive over to the Kona side for the rest of our stay. Then flying to our next island from Kona. Is that the best way? I was reading in the Blue Bible that rental cars are more expensive over on the Hilo side and it got me thinking that maybe I should flip flop my schedule and end in Hilo instead. Might be better for staying up later to see the lava flow (if possible) when our internal clocks have adjusted. Or maybe we should just do a day trip over with the helicopter ride. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Sarah

Always a hard call Ashley. I did not get how long you were going for? The big island is tough to do in under two weeks. I have never allowed for that much time on a few trips over so I know what you are up against. In my mind the fun hotels are kona side but the natural wonders are hilo. Near kona Some historical sights, Kohala area is nice... See I am rethinking even as I write this.

Your plan sounds great if that is what you mostly want to see. Me. I would want some time hilo, 2-3 days. I would want to see the volcano flowing 2 nights. One night at the volcano is like saying "ok one night I will walk on the moon".... Tooo Incredible and horribly (good way) romantic to go for only one night. I would also want to hike in and around Waimea Canyon which is closer but not very close to hilo. There are green and black sand beaches nearer the volcano. Also some rain forrest should not be overlooked, only rain forrest in the U.S. I can't comment on hiking kona side I have never used it for that. Kaleakekua bay I believe is a great place for snorkeling.

Look at your blue guide and pick what you want to see. Actually if I were you I would read the whole book and plan. I usually shoot for whatever the author flips out over.

You have the right idea though don't back track to the same airport if you can.

circa

Just a couple of notes:

Check with your car rental company about drop-off charges. Seems this changes with company and need of cars at the locations.

Flying in and out of Hilo is busy. Lots of commuters in early morning and evening. Book early if going to Hilo.

I like Sarah's comment....2 nights at the lava flow....for a differernt reason....if it rains!!!, then you have another shot!

I am a "Hilo" person...I like that part of the island. But, in a couple days you can nicely see the sights around Hilo and the VNP.

The drive around is 2-2 1/2hrs, so a long day you can do Hilo, VNP, helo trip. But would not be as rushed if you spent the night in Hilo...if that is possible.

Hawaii...it's all good!!

Sarah

hi ashley when I said Waimea Canyon I actually meant Waipio Valley. Check it out in your big island revealed guide if you have not already.

Ashley24

Sarah,
We planned on doing the Waipio valley on our way back to the Kona coast. Is this a good idea or should we drive from the kona coast to get there on a different day? Is it best in the early morning or is any time ok? Did you use your own 4WD vehicle or use a company to get you in the valley? Thanks!

JohnD

Ashley in case you missed day9 of our last TR:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...1&tid=34491972

We drove from Kona to the Waipio Shuttle Tour http://www.waipiovalleytour.com.
Recommend doing the tour early, in case a busload of cruise ship passengers shows up, as happened with us. The tour did give us some interesting info. about Waipio Valley, and the friendly driver would stop anywhere for photo's-even midstream, but you don't get to explore at your own pace, which in our case of hazardous road conditions was fine for us.

Ashley24

Mahalo, John! You are so helpful! I just printed your travel report and will study it carefully (highlighter in hand) as those are the two islands we will be visiting next summer!
Can't wait!

Sarah

I have only heard seen the waipio valley from the distance and I have read a trail. In blue Latitudeds the author traces the steps of Captain Cook. He hikes down the waipio valley on a side excursion. There are wild horses, beach. Sounds like it deserves more than a few hours on the way to your destination. From what I read I would give it a day. Just my opinion. I have been wanting to hit if for a few summers now.

I think it is extremely disheartening to hear of tour shuttles in the Waipio Valley. I have just seen that kind of thing happen in different places in hawaii, somthing that is secluded becomes over run with tourists. Just kind of sad, that might not be the case here but sure sounds like it.

I also thought Waipio was closer to the Hilo side. When I planned a hop over two years ago that is what it looked like to me. I could be wrong though.

With most hiking in summer, early morning or overcast coolish afternoons are always best for me. Actually this is a good rule during any warm days.Don't expect a tour shuttle to observe weather.

If this place has become heavily touristed like the Kalalau trail on Kauai then I would get there at 8am or earlier. Families walking, correcting children from a distance, people smoking, people gingerly passing you, it all take away from the profound beauty in the place. I think anyway, I like to be alone on those kind of walks, hikes. You might be different though.

PS I would not leave a vehicle parked, unattended, with all of your luggage while you hike. You might come back to an empty trunk.

Ashley24

John,
Is this your perception of the Valley?

JohnD

Ashley, I assume you are refering to the author just above, and this is absolutely not what we experienced there a few months ago.

The friendly, native, driver of our shuttle used to reside in Waipio Valley and took time to point out the history and unique fauna present in the valley, including one flower that I've never seen anywhere else.

The shuttle never ventured on to private property and on our tour no one even got on or off the shuttle in the valley. We passed 2 or 3 4WD trucks operated by locals, and 2 or 3 hikers removing boots to make a necessary stream crossing, the driver also mentioned that many people on the return trip out beg to get on the shuttle while hiking the long hill exiting Waipio Valley. Because of the previous rough weather conditions we didn't see any horses or mule drawn wagon tours, the only thing somewhat out of place was the presence of powerlines in this otherwise pristine area.

I do agree it would be a nice place to hike and spend more time but it was not something we had the time or energy to do and would recommend the shuttle or mule drawm tour over driving in yourself with a 4WD. We left feeling we had a sample of the"Garden of Eden".

Ashley24

Thanks John!!! I can't wait to go!

JohnD

Best wishes for your trip!!!

We drove the northern route from Keauhou to Waipio and it takes at least 90 minutes or so depending on how much traffic you hit through Kona.

pb_and_j

I did a one-way rental with Avis from Hilo to Kona, I think there was a $50 one-way charge, but the rate was OK, similar or the same as we had for Maui.

When we drove to the Kona side (via northern route) we drove up to the Waipio Valley overlook. My plan was to walk in if the weather was right, but it wasn't super clear out so we continued on towards Waimea and our resort in the Kohala area. There were several people at the overlook but very few cars going in and I saw no one walking in.
On a separate day we drove back to Waimea and did the hike from White Rd (in the blue bible) which goes to and along the back ridge of Waipio valley.