Big Island help!
Jun 20th, 2007, 05:05 PM
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Big Island help!
We are staying at a place called Panolio Greens and want to see the volcano....at night too...
How far are we from VNP? We are use to long drives, so cramming things into one day is no biggie.
What would be the MUST SEE things on BI?
What are great beached for snorkeling ot body surfing near Paniolo Greens (which I know is off the coast, but what would be closest for fun activities?)
Any suggestions for a 7 day iteneriary (mom, dad, three active kids ages 15,17,18)?
Thank you for any advice you could offer!
How far are we from VNP? We are use to long drives, so cramming things into one day is no biggie.
What would be the MUST SEE things on BI?
What are great beached for snorkeling ot body surfing near Paniolo Greens (which I know is off the coast, but what would be closest for fun activities?)
Any suggestions for a 7 day iteneriary (mom, dad, three active kids ages 15,17,18)?
Thank you for any advice you could offer!
Jun 20th, 2007, 05:16 PM
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Paniolo Greens is in the Kohala Coast. You are about 2 hours 15 minutes from Volcano or 105 miles away.
See link below:
http://www.ownerdirect.com/travel/dr...land-miles.htm
See link below:
http://www.ownerdirect.com/travel/dr...land-miles.htm
Jun 25th, 2007, 11:59 AM
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ilovemaui: Like Hanalei says, VNP is not close. But I suggest she's a bit too optimistic on the drive time there. From the Kohala Coast give yourself a good 3 hours each way. At present, there's no surface lava to see - the only surface flow into the ocean was in a remote area of the park which was a 3-hour r/t walk on uneven and sharp lava. But recently that, too, has changed. Be sure to check out VNP's website for up-to-date info on the park.
Being on the Kahala Coast, you are about 15-20 miles north of the Kona Coast, so you're a bit far off. I highly recommend local Hapuna Beach Park - great facilities and great boogie boarding and some snorkeling.
For a bit better snorkeling, I recommend Kahaluu Beach Park about 3 miles south of Kona - right on the highway. A protected reef, but somewhat limited parking so go early in the day - virtually guaranteed to spot a few sea turtles.
A great boat excursion is with Fair Wind Cruises, located about 5 miles south of Kona, which takes you to Kealakekua Preserve, one of the best reef snorkeling areas in all the islands. The morning cruise is about 4 hours long, and includes lunch on board.
BTW, renting snorkeling gear and boogie boards for the entire week is a better deal than renting them each time you want to snorkle. We use Snorkle Bob's in Kona for top-notch gear at reasonable prices - something like $35./week for mask, fins, and snorkle. They also rent good boogie boards.
Finally, you might want to check with the Fairmont Orchid Hotel, also located on the Kohala Coast. Their beach boys offer surfing lessons and your teens will be up and surfing within the hour. I gotta believe they offer surfing lessons to non-guests, probably around $60 for a 2-3 hour lesson per student. Hey, Mom will be able to take some great pics!
Being on the Kahala Coast, you are about 15-20 miles north of the Kona Coast, so you're a bit far off. I highly recommend local Hapuna Beach Park - great facilities and great boogie boarding and some snorkeling.
For a bit better snorkeling, I recommend Kahaluu Beach Park about 3 miles south of Kona - right on the highway. A protected reef, but somewhat limited parking so go early in the day - virtually guaranteed to spot a few sea turtles.
A great boat excursion is with Fair Wind Cruises, located about 5 miles south of Kona, which takes you to Kealakekua Preserve, one of the best reef snorkeling areas in all the islands. The morning cruise is about 4 hours long, and includes lunch on board.
BTW, renting snorkeling gear and boogie boards for the entire week is a better deal than renting them each time you want to snorkle. We use Snorkle Bob's in Kona for top-notch gear at reasonable prices - something like $35./week for mask, fins, and snorkle. They also rent good boogie boards.
Finally, you might want to check with the Fairmont Orchid Hotel, also located on the Kohala Coast. Their beach boys offer surfing lessons and your teens will be up and surfing within the hour. I gotta believe they offer surfing lessons to non-guests, probably around $60 for a 2-3 hour lesson per student. Hey, Mom will be able to take some great pics!
Jun 25th, 2007, 02:53 PM
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Our favorite things on BI were hiking out to see the lava flow at night (hope you are able to do this) and seeing Akaka Falls, which is over 400 feet tall. We stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince, and the beach there is gorgeous. The surf was rough when we were there, so we didn't get to check out the snorkeling, but it's supposed to be good right off the beach. We also snorkeled at Kealakekua Bay and used Fair Wind that stringer mentioned. We drove almost the entire island - it's amazing how diverse it is in landscape and climate. The Waipio Valley lookout is very pretty also. Enjoy your trip!
Jun 25th, 2007, 03:40 PM
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The kids might enjoy the seahorse farm one exit south of the Kona airport by the ocean side, you can put your scrubbed hands into the tanks and the seahorses will curl around your fingers.
http://www.seahorse.com/Ocean_Rider_...-Kona,_Hawaii/
http://www.seahorse.com/Ocean_Rider_...-Kona,_Hawaii/
Jun 26th, 2007, 10:05 AM
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I recommend Mauna Kea. Absolutely breathtaking view of the stars in the night sky. You don't need to go to the observatory on top with a tour to enjoy this. You can drive to the visitor center (about 8000+ feet if I remember correctly) on your own. Students from the Univ of Hawaii set-up telescopes outside the visitor center on most nights. It's a great experience.
Jun 26th, 2007, 10:51 AM
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Yea, the Mauna Kea visitor's center would be cool. But, you can't take most rental cars onto Saddle Road. Only a very few (if that many) rental companies permit it. Without a car, how do they get up there if not with a tour company?
Jun 26th, 2007, 12:22 PM
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Stringer,
In the past rental car companies do not allow Saddle Road driving. I've read that some companies allows it now. I know from personal experience that Alamo allows Saddle Road driving (I was on BI this past June). You can only go to Visitor Center, not the summit. Harper's Car rental rents 4 WD and will allow you to drive past the VC.
Be careful. I've read that high altitude affects your sights, judgement, etc. There was a fatal accident a few months ago. Some Japanese tourists drove down from the summit and crashed near the Visitor Center. Their SUV ( I don't think was 4 WD) was damaged and the company they rented from did not allow driving to the summit.
In the past rental car companies do not allow Saddle Road driving. I've read that some companies allows it now. I know from personal experience that Alamo allows Saddle Road driving (I was on BI this past June). You can only go to Visitor Center, not the summit. Harper's Car rental rents 4 WD and will allow you to drive past the VC.
Be careful. I've read that high altitude affects your sights, judgement, etc. There was a fatal accident a few months ago. Some Japanese tourists drove down from the summit and crashed near the Visitor Center. Their SUV ( I don't think was 4 WD) was damaged and the company they rented from did not allow driving to the summit.
Jun 28th, 2007, 07:07 AM
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We spent just a few precious days on BI [it was added in to the trip at last minute] in October 2006.
Big Island Activities
VNP -this was where my DH had wanted to go most of all and we couldn’t wait to get out there. We drove from what was probably THE farthest point away and back in 1 day. As we wanted to be there at sunset, we didn’t back to Hapuna Beach until 11:30 pm [after stopping for an hour for dinner in Hilo]. I don’t suggest this to anyone – it was a long drive/ride home in the dark on some VERY windy, narrow roads. Not being familiar with them didn’t help any. We even got pulled over for speeding but got let off with a warning Next time, we’d stay a few nights in either Volcano or Hilo.
We drove on Crater Road to Kilauea Overlook and viewed Halema’uma’u Crater. It was immense! We saw people hiking across it. We took the Chain of Craters road, taking out time and stopping at various sites along the way. We went through the Thurston Lava Tube. It was about 8’ high, which really surprised me. When you get to the end of the lit portion, you can exit or you can go through a gate into the unlit area, but be sure to have a flashlight. We went until we couldn’t see any light from the entrance [I kept ducking thinking I was going to clunk my head despite repeated comments from DH that that wouldn’t happen! Then we turned off the flashlight and it was absolute total black darkness! I truly couldn’t see my hand in front of my face! We didn’t stay long…but it was strangely eerie and calm at once.
Crater Chain Road
Sunset
Blue Hawaiian Helicopter –this was my birthday present to DH. After having hiked in the day before, I knew this would be a once in a lifetime chance to see the same thing from above [who knows where the lava will be next visit?]. We flew with Blue Hawaiian on an Eco Star helicopter. We did the 2 hour island tour. Neither of us had been on a helicopter before and it was unbelievable! We were lucky enough to sit in the front seats next to the pilot so we had great views out of the front and side windows. Our pilot, Steve, was knowledgeable and very entertaining along with being an excellent pilot. We flew over bubbling calderas and saw lava flows [albeit small ones] and then followed the lava tubes to the ocean where they empty into the sea.
Not sure what lava flow situation is currently, check it out on website as others suggest. Things change all the time and fast sometimes.
Hope this helps,
Debi
Big Island Activities
VNP -this was where my DH had wanted to go most of all and we couldn’t wait to get out there. We drove from what was probably THE farthest point away and back in 1 day. As we wanted to be there at sunset, we didn’t back to Hapuna Beach until 11:30 pm [after stopping for an hour for dinner in Hilo]. I don’t suggest this to anyone – it was a long drive/ride home in the dark on some VERY windy, narrow roads. Not being familiar with them didn’t help any. We even got pulled over for speeding but got let off with a warning Next time, we’d stay a few nights in either Volcano or Hilo.
We drove on Crater Road to Kilauea Overlook and viewed Halema’uma’u Crater. It was immense! We saw people hiking across it. We took the Chain of Craters road, taking out time and stopping at various sites along the way. We went through the Thurston Lava Tube. It was about 8’ high, which really surprised me. When you get to the end of the lit portion, you can exit or you can go through a gate into the unlit area, but be sure to have a flashlight. We went until we couldn’t see any light from the entrance [I kept ducking thinking I was going to clunk my head despite repeated comments from DH that that wouldn’t happen! Then we turned off the flashlight and it was absolute total black darkness! I truly couldn’t see my hand in front of my face! We didn’t stay long…but it was strangely eerie and calm at once.
Crater Chain Road
Sunset
Blue Hawaiian Helicopter –this was my birthday present to DH. After having hiked in the day before, I knew this would be a once in a lifetime chance to see the same thing from above [who knows where the lava will be next visit?]. We flew with Blue Hawaiian on an Eco Star helicopter. We did the 2 hour island tour. Neither of us had been on a helicopter before and it was unbelievable! We were lucky enough to sit in the front seats next to the pilot so we had great views out of the front and side windows. Our pilot, Steve, was knowledgeable and very entertaining along with being an excellent pilot. We flew over bubbling calderas and saw lava flows [albeit small ones] and then followed the lava tubes to the ocean where they empty into the sea.
Not sure what lava flow situation is currently, check it out on website as others suggest. Things change all the time and fast sometimes.
Hope this helps,
Debi
Jun 28th, 2007, 07:08 AM
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Link to above incident in March:
http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news...57/detail.html
http://www.thehawaiichannel.com/news...57/detail.html
Jun 28th, 2007, 11:41 AM
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kel, you hike out. Hopefully you're still able to do this; a lot of things have been changing at the park in terms of the lava flow so not sure if it's still available. When we were there, we parked our car and started hiking out along the road as it was getting dark. You need to bring a flashlight and wear good walking shoes. We reached a spot where the hardened lava had gone across the road, and then you just keep on hiking. When it gets dark, you can see the red glow of the lava, and we got to see it pouring into the ocean with all the steam arising out of the water. It was really amazing.
Jun 28th, 2007, 11:54 AM
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There's a visitor center in the park where you can stop and get more detailed info., but basically you park along Chain of Craters Road and just start walking. We got there fairly early and there were already a lot of cars parked along the sides of the road. You park your car and start following the crowd; there's a restroom facility that I would recommend stopping at because once you get out there, there's really nothing but hardened lava that you're hiking over. They have small reflective markers set on the hard lava to guide you where to go - the walk was quite long and the ground is uneven. Not the easiest walk, but it was really rewarding to see the lava. There were also rangers out there with telescopes set up and pointed at particular spots where the lava was flowing. We really thought it was amazing.
Jun 28th, 2007, 12:25 PM
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Sample itenary for big island that we did:
Link to photos:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/256207/index.html
Big Island, Hawaii - 1 week sight-seeing time line Dec 8, 2005
ACTIVITIES
SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING UP NORTH SIDE KOHALA AND KONA AREA BEACHES SNORKELING and SOUTH ISLAND BEACHES SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING ON HILO SIDE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WHALE WATCHING and LUAU IN KONA SHOPPING ON ALI'I DRIVE
DAY I - SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING UP NORTH SIDE :
Up Hwy 190 from Kona
Kaloko Dr - Mile Marker 34 - Hwy 190- --diversion to see city of Kona from mountain top
Left on Hwy 250 at Chevron - at 14 mile marker - Hwy 250 , you can see Maui - quite stunning
At 20 Mile marker - Hwy 250 , go left towards Hawi, Head right on Hwy 270 once in Hawi
Statue of King Kamamahena the Great on roadside on reaching Kapa au
Hwy 270 Road ends at Pololu Valley Overlook. The hike on foot down to the black sand beach at Pololu is spectacular. Allow 3 hrs for this Return back on Hwy 270, Take on Hwy 19 Back to Kona.
DAY 2 - KOHALA AND KONA AREA BEACHES
Kohala - Mauna Kea Beach-32 miles north of Kona-68 mile marker- Hwy 19 -
Hapuna Beach -30 miles north of Kona-69 mile marker Hwy 19
Kua Bay ( Manniaowelli) Beach-88 mile marker-Hwy 19 - BEST BEACH in Big Island
Wawaloli Beach -94 mile marker -Hwy 19- safe tidal pool area for kids
Puhonua o Honaunau Park - Mile Marker 104 of Hwy 11- beautiful coconut groves, Hawaiian huts, statues of Hawaiian gods -- watch sunset from tables in the park
DAY 3- SNORKELING and SOUTH ISLAND BEACHES
Alli Drive-mile marker 5- Hwy 19 - go in the morning and swim with the turtles and larger variety of beautiful fish in waist high water!!.
South Island - Road to the Sea Beach 1 and 2 between mile markers 79 and 80 - Hwy 11 - 4WD access only = Black Sand
Mahana Green Sand Beach around mile marker 100 - Hwy 11 - 2 mile walk each way.
Black sand beach of Punalu'u- Sea turtles -Mile Marker 56-Hwy 11
DAY 4 - SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING ON HILO SIDE:
From Kona - Hwy 190 to Hwy 19 towards Waimea Left off Hwy 19 on to Hwy 240 dead ends into Waipio Valley - Must see - If you rent a 4WD SUV, you can drive down into Waipi`o Valley
Akaka Falls and the Kahuna Falls, a must see. Great viewing areas and a 20 min trail of many tropical plants ?Mile Marker 13 and 14 - Hwy 19
Laupahoehoe Point?Before Mile Marker 27 going down -- Hwy 19
Onomea Bay Drive ? -before 7 mile marker going down - Hwy 19, is a beautiful little country road that skirts this little bay, and overlooks waterfalls, cliffs, and some charming old Hawaiian homes.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This one is about $15 per person, and everyone who goes says it is well worth it.. Plan on about 2 hours.
DAY 5 - VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Drive Counter-clockvise tour on Crater Rim Road ( 2 hrs): SIGHTS:
Volcano House Sulphur Banks on right Steam Vents on Left Kilauea Overlook Jagger Museum Volcano Observatory Pu Pua I Overlook Devastation Trail Kilauea Iki overlook
Drive down to end of Chain of Craters Rd - 30 min drive and 1 mile trek to see Lava flows ( can be seen only after it gets dark.)
DAY 6 - WHALE WATCHING and LUAU IN KONA
Capt Dan MaSweeneys tour in the morning to see pilot whales, humpback whales ( Dec to March) and dolphins.
Visit Macadaemia Nut Factory near Kona and Kona Coffee Estates.
Attend Luau at Royal Kona Resort
Link to photos:
http://www.worldisround.com/articles/256207/index.html
Big Island, Hawaii - 1 week sight-seeing time line Dec 8, 2005
ACTIVITIES
SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING UP NORTH SIDE KOHALA AND KONA AREA BEACHES SNORKELING and SOUTH ISLAND BEACHES SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING ON HILO SIDE VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK WHALE WATCHING and LUAU IN KONA SHOPPING ON ALI'I DRIVE
DAY I - SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING UP NORTH SIDE :
Up Hwy 190 from Kona
Kaloko Dr - Mile Marker 34 - Hwy 190- --diversion to see city of Kona from mountain top
Left on Hwy 250 at Chevron - at 14 mile marker - Hwy 250 , you can see Maui - quite stunning
At 20 Mile marker - Hwy 250 , go left towards Hawi, Head right on Hwy 270 once in Hawi
Statue of King Kamamahena the Great on roadside on reaching Kapa au
Hwy 270 Road ends at Pololu Valley Overlook. The hike on foot down to the black sand beach at Pololu is spectacular. Allow 3 hrs for this Return back on Hwy 270, Take on Hwy 19 Back to Kona.
DAY 2 - KOHALA AND KONA AREA BEACHES
Kohala - Mauna Kea Beach-32 miles north of Kona-68 mile marker- Hwy 19 -
Hapuna Beach -30 miles north of Kona-69 mile marker Hwy 19
Kua Bay ( Manniaowelli) Beach-88 mile marker-Hwy 19 - BEST BEACH in Big Island
Wawaloli Beach -94 mile marker -Hwy 19- safe tidal pool area for kids
Puhonua o Honaunau Park - Mile Marker 104 of Hwy 11- beautiful coconut groves, Hawaiian huts, statues of Hawaiian gods -- watch sunset from tables in the park
DAY 3- SNORKELING and SOUTH ISLAND BEACHES
Alli Drive-mile marker 5- Hwy 19 - go in the morning and swim with the turtles and larger variety of beautiful fish in waist high water!!.
South Island - Road to the Sea Beach 1 and 2 between mile markers 79 and 80 - Hwy 11 - 4WD access only = Black Sand
Mahana Green Sand Beach around mile marker 100 - Hwy 11 - 2 mile walk each way.
Black sand beach of Punalu'u- Sea turtles -Mile Marker 56-Hwy 11
DAY 4 - SCENIC DRIVES AND HIKING ON HILO SIDE:
From Kona - Hwy 190 to Hwy 19 towards Waimea Left off Hwy 19 on to Hwy 240 dead ends into Waipio Valley - Must see - If you rent a 4WD SUV, you can drive down into Waipi`o Valley
Akaka Falls and the Kahuna Falls, a must see. Great viewing areas and a 20 min trail of many tropical plants ?Mile Marker 13 and 14 - Hwy 19
Laupahoehoe Point?Before Mile Marker 27 going down -- Hwy 19
Onomea Bay Drive ? -before 7 mile marker going down - Hwy 19, is a beautiful little country road that skirts this little bay, and overlooks waterfalls, cliffs, and some charming old Hawaiian homes.
Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. This one is about $15 per person, and everyone who goes says it is well worth it.. Plan on about 2 hours.
DAY 5 - VOLCANOES NATIONAL PARK
Drive Counter-clockvise tour on Crater Rim Road ( 2 hrs): SIGHTS:
Volcano House Sulphur Banks on right Steam Vents on Left Kilauea Overlook Jagger Museum Volcano Observatory Pu Pua I Overlook Devastation Trail Kilauea Iki overlook
Drive down to end of Chain of Craters Rd - 30 min drive and 1 mile trek to see Lava flows ( can be seen only after it gets dark.)
DAY 6 - WHALE WATCHING and LUAU IN KONA
Capt Dan MaSweeneys tour in the morning to see pilot whales, humpback whales ( Dec to March) and dolphins.
Visit Macadaemia Nut Factory near Kona and Kona Coffee Estates.
Attend Luau at Royal Kona Resort
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