The Big Island, what not to miss?
Feb 24th, 2012, 01:20 AM
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The Big Island, what not to miss?
Everyone was so helpful on my post with which Islands to visit in Hawaii and where to stay. http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...-time-help.cfm We are now booked for 4 nights in Hilo http://www.vrbo.com/130102 and 7 nights in Kona http://www.vrbo.com/392575 this spring.
Now I would like help with more specific scenic places we shouldn't miss on the Big Island. Beaches, waterfalls, hikes, drives and beginner places to snorkel are my priorities. DH does not swim so we need really easy places to get to to snorkel.
Thanks in advance,
Utahtea
Now I would like help with more specific scenic places we shouldn't miss on the Big Island. Beaches, waterfalls, hikes, drives and beginner places to snorkel are my priorities. DH does not swim so we need really easy places to get to to snorkel.
Thanks in advance,
Utahtea
Feb 24th, 2012, 02:31 AM
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Good for you getting your lodging arranged. As for snorkeling - many places you can just wade out to knee level and bend over and see the fish. If your husband doesn't swim - suggest you at least get to a pool ahead of time to try out a snorkel so he feels comfortable with a mask over his face and breathing through the tube. Sometimes it also helps to be hand in hand with someone who can swim, although you shouldn't venture out any further than you can easily stand up - and please make sure you are not in an area without a strong current/rip tide.
Hey - have him take swimming lessons. It's never too late to learn.
There are so many great things to do on BI that I hope you have read one or more of the many guide books and you can also wing it a bit after you arrive by picking up the 101 things to do on BI - usually at the airport. But if you are like moi - part of the fun is reviewing the many choices ahead of time.
Again, many involve the water and if I was with someone who didn't swim - I would feel a bit uneasy about doing to many of those activities.
Hey - have him take swimming lessons. It's never too late to learn.
There are so many great things to do on BI that I hope you have read one or more of the many guide books and you can also wing it a bit after you arrive by picking up the 101 things to do on BI - usually at the airport. But if you are like moi - part of the fun is reviewing the many choices ahead of time.
Again, many involve the water and if I was with someone who didn't swim - I would feel a bit uneasy about doing to many of those activities.
Feb 24th, 2012, 02:35 AM
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And may have mentioned it - but north of Hilo is just a beautiful drive - with the green canyons coming down to the sea, and you walk through a botanical garden to get to Akaka falls.
There is also an old road below the main one (Maki - toward the beach) that goes through some beautiful rain forest, and old estates.
There are also plenty of things to see/do in Hilo - including taking a tour of the harbor where the big tidal wave swamped the area years ago.
If you can get to the fabled Waipio Valley - north of Hilo maybe 30? minutes - that would also be great, and you can check on taking a tour of this once verdant rice producing area (locals were moved out after tidal waves killed people) - or possibly take a mule ride there.
There is also an old road below the main one (Maki - toward the beach) that goes through some beautiful rain forest, and old estates.
There are also plenty of things to see/do in Hilo - including taking a tour of the harbor where the big tidal wave swamped the area years ago.
If you can get to the fabled Waipio Valley - north of Hilo maybe 30? minutes - that would also be great, and you can check on taking a tour of this once verdant rice producing area (locals were moved out after tidal waves killed people) - or possibly take a mule ride there.
Feb 24th, 2012, 02:39 AM
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And your accommodations look great. You can wonder around old town Hilo and savor the many treats, and we also stayed on Ali drive during our Honeymoon - and loved it. Many things to do along there, and there are also some restaurants above the drive (used to be a Don Drysdale one) which have great views. Kicking around Kona town is also fun, and you will be by the harbor where they start the Ironman - with the 2 mile swim, and then finish there after biking and running up the coast.
Feb 24th, 2012, 02:43 AM
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Here is some more about the fabled Waipio Valley:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waipio_Valley
http://tinyurl.com/6qclonc
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waipio_Valley
http://tinyurl.com/6qclonc
Feb 24th, 2012, 08:35 AM
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We're on the BI now and here's a bunch of information
Hilo—the largest town on the Big Island—has a wonderful farmer’s market on Saturday and Wednesday (it’s better on Saturday)-- http://www.hilofarmersmarket.com/ It’s a great place to buy fresh fruits and veggies and souvenirs
Volcano—it tends to be rainier and cooler in Volcano than where you will be staying—so take a sweatshirt or sweater, just in case
A hike we’ve done several times in the park is the Kilauea Iki hike—take plenty of water if it’s sunny. From the Kilauea Iki overlook, take the trail to the right—it’s easier that way IMO. And an hour and a half later you will be back at the same spot. The trail takes you through the rain forest, down into and across the crater and up the other side. http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/volcano/kilaueaiki.html
Lava Rock Café in Volcano Village is good for lunch—I always get chow fun
Also on the drive from Hilo to Volcano--there's Akatsuka's Orchid Greenhouses--gorgeous and quite varied orchids and clean restrooms
South Kona
Tour Kona coffee farm—we like Greenwell but there are many others http://www.greenwellfarms.com/kona-c...reenwell-farms
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau- http://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm also called Place of Refuge—beautiful location on Honaunau Bay—ancient Hawaiian sanctuary—also can snorkel at Honaunau Bay but probably not good for non swimmers —(called two-step by the locals) -directions—drive into the Place of Refuge parking lot—turn right before the ticket booth—follow the road until it turns—the area to the left is two-step where you put in—park along the road
Kealekakua Bay—snorkeling and kayaking—rent the kayak up on the highway before you drive down to the bay
Beaches we like—
On the Kohala Coast—north of the Kona airport
• Hapuna- north of the Hilton—classic white sand beach
• ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay (aka A Bay)-south of the Hilton—
• Kakaha Kai (formerly Kona Coast) State Park)-closed on Wed. access is down a very bumpy but usually passable road across the lava—we’ve done it in rental car—just go slow—we’ve been there on weekday mornings when no one else was there
• Kauna’oa Beach—it’s the beach at the Mauna Kea Resort—which is north of the Hilton Waikoloa—only 30 parking passes are available so go early—pull up to the entrance and ask the guy in the little building for a parking pass for the beach—and if they are all gone, drive south to Hapuna
In Kailua-Kona
Kahalu’u – right on Ali’i Drive south of the main part of Kailua-Kona—turtles and calm water for snorkeling—gets really crowded on weekends--this is the place for a beginning snorkeler--calm waters, turtles, lifeguards
Possible day trips
1. Hawi in North Kohala—take highway 19 to Kawaihae—you can visit Pu’ukohola Heiau—a structure built by Kamehameha the Great--it’s free. Continue up highway 270 to Hawi. If it’s clear you can see Maui with its dormant volcano-Haleakala looming to the west. Hawi is a charming little town with a few shops, one with Tropical Dreams ice cream-yum. We also like Bamboo Restaurant or Sushi Rock for lunch. We had lunch at sushi rock a couple of days ago--non-traditional sushi and the shitaki poppers were fabulous--Continue on highway 270 through Kapa’au (where the original King Kamehameha statue is located) to the end of the road at the Pololu Valley. http://tinyurl.com/l5ohh7 You can hike down into the valley—not really difficult—and go to the black sand beach that fronts the valley. I would not advise trying to swim there. The ocean is too dangerous. To return to Waikoloa—go back to Hawi and turn left onto highway 250 which will take you up over the extinct Kohala volcano– great views of the ocean and of Mauna Kea as you come down to highway 19 just west of Waimea. Take 19 back to where you are staying.
2. Hilo to Waipio Valley-- take highway 19 - a beautiful drive. Sights along the way:
a. Hawaiian Tropical Botanic Gardens http://www.htbg.com/ admission is a little pricy – but it is beautiful. b. Akaka Falls—440 ft waterfall—easy walk through the rain forest to get to the falls
c. Waipio Valley west of Honokaa – you can hike down a short but very steep road to get into the Valley or take a tour (we did this one a few years ago http://www.waipiovalleywagontours.com ). If you do hike down and are too tired to hike up. Hold up a ten dollar bill and a local who’s going up will probably give you a ride in his/her four wheel drive.
You didn't ask about restaurants, but here are some we like--
In Kailua Kona
• Kona Brewing Company http://www.konabrewingco.com/ a little hard to find (if you’re going south on highway 19 toward Kailua Kona—turn right on Kaiwi (before you get to the main intersection at Palani) then, in a few blocks, turn left on Pawai and follow it to the end which is the Kona Brewing Company parking lot—good pizza
• Killer Tacos in Kailua Kona on Luhia street- near Tyke’s Laundromat – get the kalua pork burrito
• Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill http://www.jackiereys.com/ --
In south Kona
• Manago Hotel dining room in south Kona—you’ll be eating with the locals—inexpensive—usually have good fresh fish
• Coffee Shack http://www.coffeeshack.com/ breakfast and lunch great view from the lanai
• Ke’ei Café—one of our favorite dinner places—also open for lunch-doesn’t take credit cards- just south of Kainiliu on the mauka (mountain) side of the highway
• Patz at Papparoni—great pizza
In Hilo
• Hilo Bay Café—great place for lunch in Hilo—located in the strip mall between Wal-Mart and Office Max
• Ken’s House of Pancakes http://www.kenshouseofpancakes-hilohi.com/ Great place to try loco moco, a local dish. Something to eat when you are really hungry-- I like it with broiled mahi--
Other restaurants
• Tex Drive-In in Honokaa on the Hamakua coast http://dutchhawaii.com/default.aspx burgers, plate lunches, malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts)
• Village Burger in Waimea http://www.villageburgerwaimea.com/ great burgers and milkshakes
• If you want to splurge, Merriman’s in Waimea is usually really good http://www.merrimanshawaii.com/ or the newer Allen's Table in Waimea is fantastic (Allen used to be the chef at Merriman's)http://www.facebook.com/AllensTable
Hilo—the largest town on the Big Island—has a wonderful farmer’s market on Saturday and Wednesday (it’s better on Saturday)-- http://www.hilofarmersmarket.com/ It’s a great place to buy fresh fruits and veggies and souvenirs
Volcano—it tends to be rainier and cooler in Volcano than where you will be staying—so take a sweatshirt or sweater, just in case
A hike we’ve done several times in the park is the Kilauea Iki hike—take plenty of water if it’s sunny. From the Kilauea Iki overlook, take the trail to the right—it’s easier that way IMO. And an hour and a half later you will be back at the same spot. The trail takes you through the rain forest, down into and across the crater and up the other side. http://www.letsgo-hawaii.com/volcano/kilaueaiki.html
Lava Rock Café in Volcano Village is good for lunch—I always get chow fun
Also on the drive from Hilo to Volcano--there's Akatsuka's Orchid Greenhouses--gorgeous and quite varied orchids and clean restrooms
South Kona
Tour Kona coffee farm—we like Greenwell but there are many others http://www.greenwellfarms.com/kona-c...reenwell-farms
Pu’uhonua o Honaunau- http://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm also called Place of Refuge—beautiful location on Honaunau Bay—ancient Hawaiian sanctuary—also can snorkel at Honaunau Bay but probably not good for non swimmers —(called two-step by the locals) -directions—drive into the Place of Refuge parking lot—turn right before the ticket booth—follow the road until it turns—the area to the left is two-step where you put in—park along the road
Kealekakua Bay—snorkeling and kayaking—rent the kayak up on the highway before you drive down to the bay
Beaches we like—
On the Kohala Coast—north of the Kona airport
• Hapuna- north of the Hilton—classic white sand beach
• ‘Anaeho’omalu Bay (aka A Bay)-south of the Hilton—
• Kakaha Kai (formerly Kona Coast) State Park)-closed on Wed. access is down a very bumpy but usually passable road across the lava—we’ve done it in rental car—just go slow—we’ve been there on weekday mornings when no one else was there
• Kauna’oa Beach—it’s the beach at the Mauna Kea Resort—which is north of the Hilton Waikoloa—only 30 parking passes are available so go early—pull up to the entrance and ask the guy in the little building for a parking pass for the beach—and if they are all gone, drive south to Hapuna
In Kailua-Kona
Kahalu’u – right on Ali’i Drive south of the main part of Kailua-Kona—turtles and calm water for snorkeling—gets really crowded on weekends--this is the place for a beginning snorkeler--calm waters, turtles, lifeguards
Possible day trips
1. Hawi in North Kohala—take highway 19 to Kawaihae—you can visit Pu’ukohola Heiau—a structure built by Kamehameha the Great--it’s free. Continue up highway 270 to Hawi. If it’s clear you can see Maui with its dormant volcano-Haleakala looming to the west. Hawi is a charming little town with a few shops, one with Tropical Dreams ice cream-yum. We also like Bamboo Restaurant or Sushi Rock for lunch. We had lunch at sushi rock a couple of days ago--non-traditional sushi and the shitaki poppers were fabulous--Continue on highway 270 through Kapa’au (where the original King Kamehameha statue is located) to the end of the road at the Pololu Valley. http://tinyurl.com/l5ohh7 You can hike down into the valley—not really difficult—and go to the black sand beach that fronts the valley. I would not advise trying to swim there. The ocean is too dangerous. To return to Waikoloa—go back to Hawi and turn left onto highway 250 which will take you up over the extinct Kohala volcano– great views of the ocean and of Mauna Kea as you come down to highway 19 just west of Waimea. Take 19 back to where you are staying.
2. Hilo to Waipio Valley-- take highway 19 - a beautiful drive. Sights along the way:
a. Hawaiian Tropical Botanic Gardens http://www.htbg.com/ admission is a little pricy – but it is beautiful. b. Akaka Falls—440 ft waterfall—easy walk through the rain forest to get to the falls
c. Waipio Valley west of Honokaa – you can hike down a short but very steep road to get into the Valley or take a tour (we did this one a few years ago http://www.waipiovalleywagontours.com ). If you do hike down and are too tired to hike up. Hold up a ten dollar bill and a local who’s going up will probably give you a ride in his/her four wheel drive.
You didn't ask about restaurants, but here are some we like--
In Kailua Kona
• Kona Brewing Company http://www.konabrewingco.com/ a little hard to find (if you’re going south on highway 19 toward Kailua Kona—turn right on Kaiwi (before you get to the main intersection at Palani) then, in a few blocks, turn left on Pawai and follow it to the end which is the Kona Brewing Company parking lot—good pizza
• Killer Tacos in Kailua Kona on Luhia street- near Tyke’s Laundromat – get the kalua pork burrito
• Jackie Rey’s Ohana Grill http://www.jackiereys.com/ --
In south Kona
• Manago Hotel dining room in south Kona—you’ll be eating with the locals—inexpensive—usually have good fresh fish
• Coffee Shack http://www.coffeeshack.com/ breakfast and lunch great view from the lanai
• Ke’ei Café—one of our favorite dinner places—also open for lunch-doesn’t take credit cards- just south of Kainiliu on the mauka (mountain) side of the highway
• Patz at Papparoni—great pizza
In Hilo
• Hilo Bay Café—great place for lunch in Hilo—located in the strip mall between Wal-Mart and Office Max
• Ken’s House of Pancakes http://www.kenshouseofpancakes-hilohi.com/ Great place to try loco moco, a local dish. Something to eat when you are really hungry-- I like it with broiled mahi--
Other restaurants
• Tex Drive-In in Honokaa on the Hamakua coast http://dutchhawaii.com/default.aspx burgers, plate lunches, malasadas (Portuguese doughnuts)
• Village Burger in Waimea http://www.villageburgerwaimea.com/ great burgers and milkshakes
• If you want to splurge, Merriman’s in Waimea is usually really good http://www.merrimanshawaii.com/ or the newer Allen's Table in Waimea is fantastic (Allen used to be the chef at Merriman's)http://www.facebook.com/AllensTable
Feb 24th, 2012, 10:16 AM
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We loved our stay on the Big Island. Here's the link to my brief trip report:
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...big-island.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...big-island.cfm
Feb 24th, 2012, 04:45 PM
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MartyM suggestions are all solid. Place of Refuge is beautiful. Depending on what the Volcano is doing, consider a flightseeing trip. Many take helicopters; we opted for a small plane trip out of Hilo airport, where we were able to see lava flow (some years ago).
We walked out over the lava years ago at night. At the time, the park service didn't sanction this at all, and I am not certain if you can do this now, or even if you should. Maybe other posters can provide an update on this practice.
Pretty neat artist town near Kona called Holualoa.
We walked out over the lava years ago at night. At the time, the park service didn't sanction this at all, and I am not certain if you can do this now, or even if you should. Maybe other posters can provide an update on this practice.
Pretty neat artist town near Kona called Holualoa.
Feb 25th, 2012, 02:42 AM
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Thanks everyone! It was a busy day and haven't had time to really study the replies yet.
I don't see me getting my husband into swimming lessons.
He's not a water person which I didn't know when I married him. Think I can get my money back after 40 years 
He won't be going snorkeling with out a life jacket.
Utahtea
I don't see me getting my husband into swimming lessons.
He's not a water person which I didn't know when I married him. Think I can get my money back after 40 years He won't be going snorkeling with out a life jacket. Utahtea
Feb 26th, 2012, 09:09 AM
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Great suggestions, especially martym's.
I'll just add that you might want to stop at Pu'ukohola on your way up to Hawi. It's a heiau built by King Kamehameha, and is near Kawaihae (where Waterworld was filmed). Café Pesto is a good & reliable restaurant nearby.
Pu'ukohola is a National Park and a nice place to walk and get a profound feeling for early Hawaiian history. http://www.nps.gov/puhe/index.htm
I also like Lapakahi, a historic fishing village and state park. Both of these are free and have restrooms, so you can stop for just a short bit while you're on your way. Both are also good places for whale watching if you're there December through April.
Also, try to scour local papers for festivals and opportunities to see free music and hula. Waikoloa King's & Queen's shops have really good free programs almost daily.
I'm based in Hawi, so I also love Bamboo & Sushi Rock. There's also a nice place across from the statue of King Kamehameha which serves good & inexpensive individual pizzas and sandwiches.
Hawi seems to be having more activities including a new zipline which is getting good reviews.
Aloha!
I'll just add that you might want to stop at Pu'ukohola on your way up to Hawi. It's a heiau built by King Kamehameha, and is near Kawaihae (where Waterworld was filmed). Café Pesto is a good & reliable restaurant nearby.
Pu'ukohola is a National Park and a nice place to walk and get a profound feeling for early Hawaiian history. http://www.nps.gov/puhe/index.htm
I also like Lapakahi, a historic fishing village and state park. Both of these are free and have restrooms, so you can stop for just a short bit while you're on your way. Both are also good places for whale watching if you're there December through April.
Also, try to scour local papers for festivals and opportunities to see free music and hula. Waikoloa King's & Queen's shops have really good free programs almost daily.
I'm based in Hawi, so I also love Bamboo & Sushi Rock. There's also a nice place across from the statue of King Kamehameha which serves good & inexpensive individual pizzas and sandwiches.
Hawi seems to be having more activities including a new zipline which is getting good reviews.
Aloha!
Feb 27th, 2012, 04:55 AM
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What great reviews - as good as I have evern read on a single thread - and they bring back so many memories. During our 2nd trip to Big Island - '86 - for the first full week of our Honeymoon - we stayed at the Volcano Village Inn for a couple of nights (we had flown into Hilo via Maui - after two days on Molokai) - and then had an oceanfront condo for 5? days on Ali Drive. While kicking back on Kona side - we went to the City of Rufuge to snorkel - and on the way - passed by the cute - renowned Hawaiian church - and also stopped at one of the little towns above/south of Hilo at a small - but well known Japanese restaurant. The LOL who ran it was legendary - and the WWII guys said part of what sustained them during their 442nd's GO FOR BROKE - heroic days in Europe (their unit was the most decorated - http://www.goforbroke.org/history/hi...rans_442nd.asp - was thinking of getting back to her place for great Japanese/home cooking food.
She was just a darling - and we were fortunate it wasn't real busy when we were there - and she even showed my wife ("What all new brides need to know") - how to properly make tea for her husband. I am sure she has passed on - but what a doll.
And UtahT- glad you will get a life preserver to keep Dear Hubby afload should a sneak/rogue wave float him out to sea.
She was just a darling - and we were fortunate it wasn't real busy when we were there - and she even showed my wife ("What all new brides need to know") - how to properly make tea for her husband.
I am sure she has passed on - but what a doll.And UtahT- glad you will get a life preserver to keep Dear Hubby afload should a sneak/rogue wave float him out to sea.
Feb 27th, 2012, 10:42 AM
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For an amazing sunset, be sure to make plans on visiting Hapuna Beach. It's consistently called America’s most beautiful beach.
Hapuna Beach is located in Hapuna Bay, at the north end of the beautiful Kohala Coast.
http://www.thelifeofluxury.com/hapun...sland-sunsets/
Hapuna Beach is located in Hapuna Bay, at the north end of the beautiful Kohala Coast.
http://www.thelifeofluxury.com/hapun...sland-sunsets/
Feb 28th, 2012, 04:11 PM
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utahtea: The Big Island is now my favorite island in the world! My husband just returned from our 30th anniversary trip to the Big Island a couple weeks ago! (January/February trip.) You click on my name to find my trip report.
From Hilo, be sure to take a day-trip to the Volcanoes National park! It's beautiful and fascinating. Stop at the visitor's center and also at the shop next door to the visitor's center which sells art by local artists!
If you like coffee, visit a coffee plantation up in the hills above Kona coast. There I tasted and bought the best dark roast Kona I've ever had, and its organic. Holualoa Kona Coffee Co, Kona Le'a Plantation, Holualoa: 77-6261 Mamalahoa Highway, Big Island.
Enjoy your trip!
From Hilo, be sure to take a day-trip to the Volcanoes National park! It's beautiful and fascinating. Stop at the visitor's center and also at the shop next door to the visitor's center which sells art by local artists!
If you like coffee, visit a coffee plantation up in the hills above Kona coast. There I tasted and bought the best dark roast Kona I've ever had, and its organic. Holualoa Kona Coffee Co, Kona Le'a Plantation, Holualoa: 77-6261 Mamalahoa Highway, Big Island.
Enjoy your trip!
