Big Island for a whole week?
 

I'm wondering whether I should stay on Big Island for a whole week or I should split the time on another island, like Maui? We have a long list of places to see in the world, and we don't have that much vacation time. It's unlikely we'll come back to Hawaii again. Please advise.

Also, the main thing I want to see on Big Island is the Volcano national park. Can you actually see lava flows there? Or it's very far away and hard to get to that most people won't be able to see it? Is it like on National Geographic?

We also like snorkeling a LOT, and have done it in many places around the world, including the Great Barrier Reef. Is Big Island a good place to do it? Please recommend snorkeling sites. I've read about kayaking to Cook Monument and snorkeling there. That sounds interesting.

Any advice you can impart, I'd appreciate it. It helps me decide whether I should go there this Nov.

My vote would go for 3 days Big Island, 4 days Maui (or Kaua`i). As you mentioned, Capt. Cook area has great snorkeling as does Honaunau Bay,&amp; Kahaluu Beach Park. Good snorkeling from Maui and Kaua'i beaches as well as Hanauma Bay on Oahu. The volcano varies day to day and probably not a violent eruption that you have seen on National Geographic, except for the brief ((~)) at the VNP visitor center, but rather a chance to see a gentle but impressive <font color="red">oozing of lava<font color="black"> if you are going as an average tourist. Suggest you inquire here about the lava flow conditions right before you go in Nov. to Hawaii in case someone has recently visited, we were there a couple years ago.

Here is a link to VNP map, also see lava viewing tips, and suggest you talk to the rangers at VNP about hiking conditions. We found it best to arrive in late afternoon-so one can hike out in the evening, the darker it gets the more impressive is the glowing lava, bring plenty of water and flashlights to hike out at dusk.
:S-
<font color="blue">www.nps.gov/havo/visitor/visit.htm
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You can still see alot at VNP in a day trip even if the flowing lava isn't viewable; including lava tubes, steam and sulfur vents, musuem, and the impressive Kilauea caldera. Eruption update link: <font color="blue"> hvo.wr.usgs.gov/kilauea/update/main.html

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The Big Island is amazing and you could spend weeks there and never be bored, but if you really think you'll never get back to Hawaii, I'd suggest adding another island. Personally, I think combining the Big Island and Oahu is a great trip (but I'm biased since I used to live on Oahu and the BI is my favorite Hawaiian island). A few days on Oahu will allow you to see the Arizona Memorial, the North Shore, Diamond Head, the beautiful beaches of teh Windward Side, the mountains, and you'll be able to get an idea of what Hawaiian life is like. Maui is OK, but IMO if you see the BI and Oahu you're not missing anything on Maui, whereas you would be missing something if you don't go to the BI and Oahu.

Regarding VNP, the lava flows change over time. When I was there, it was a one mile hike to see flowing lava, but sometimes it's way more. It certainly didn't look like it does on TV when they show flows, but we were there in the daytime when it's a little less impressive. Also, if the area around the flow isn't safe, they rope it off and you won't be able to get too close. It just depends on Pele's mood when you're there.

I loved snorkeling on the BI, although it didn't compare to the GBR. Lots of pretty coral and tons of turtles, and this was right from the beach of our hotel.

If you only have a week, stay on Big Island the whole time. One week will only give you taste of the island. FYI- When traveling between islands you lose 1/2 - 1 whole day (flights, transportation, check in etc). Enjoy!

I did 6 days on the BI and could have easily spent more (and we travel fast and do a lot). It's just so big and there are interesting things on all sides.
For current lava conditions and pics check out this site:
www.arnottslodge.com

When we went (Feb/Mar 2004) where unfortunately was no accessible lava. It was flowing, just no anywhere near where you could go. But VNP was still a huge highlight of the trip! We did an amazing hike, drove around the main crater, there's a lot to explore within the park other than the lava that's pretty unique.

The snorkeling on the BI is pretty good. We also have snorkeling the GBR, at Lizard Island and in Agincourt reef, the quality definitely varied! I'd say BI snorkeling wasn't as good as Lizard, but a lot better than the average day boat trip from Cairns/PD. Plus there are tons of turtles and way fewer reef sharks. :-)
On the BI we snorkeled from shore and also did a small boat/raft trip with SeaQuest (I hope that's right!) that went to Cap'n Cook site and the Place of refuge site. For some reason we're not good kayakers but that's a fantastic option too.

I wrote a long detailed trip report, but it's from early 2004 so may be hard to find. Try clicking on my name and going back a ways.

I did 6 days on the BI and could have easily spent more (and we travel fast and do a lot). It's just so big and there are interesting things on all sides.
For current lava conditions and pics check out this site:
www.arnottslodge.com

When we went (Feb/Mar 2004) where unfortunately was no accessible lava. It was flowing, just no anywhere near where you could go. But VNP was still a huge highlight of the trip! We did an amazing hike, drove around the main crater, there's a lot to explore within the park other than the lava that's pretty unique.

The snorkeling on the BI is pretty good. We also have snorkeling the GBR, at Lizard Island and in Agincourt reef, the quality definitely varied! I'd say BI snorkeling wasn't nearly as good as Lizard, but equal to or better than the average day boat trip from Cairns/PD. Plus there are tons of turtles and way fewer reef sharks. :-)
On the BI we snorkeled from shore and also did a small boat/raft trip with SeaQuest (I hope that's right!) that went to Cap'n Cook site and the Place of refuge site. For some reason we're not good kayakers but that's a fantastic option too.

I wrote a long detailed trip report, but it's from early 2004 so may be hard to find. Try clicking on my name and going back a ways.

I would recommend staying on one island the entire week. I find that the greatest diversity is not much island-to-island as it is different locations on EACH island. In general, the south shores of all islands tend to be hot and dry..often arid. The north of all islands is usually lush, green, and often wet. We enjoy going to one island, but splitting our stay into different areas on that island. On our next Big Island trip, for example, we are spending 3 nights on the lush Hamakua Coast, and 3 nights on the dry Kohala coast. For volcano viewing I acually prefer Haleakala on Maui. The views are tremendous, both into the crater and then down the slopes of the mountain to the ocean and island(s) beyond. And no sulfur fumes to sting the eyes and lungs. No red lava flowing, though. Captain Cook is the best snorkeling we've experienced in Hawaii...by far! There is a political issue now, though, that has hindered the private renting of kayaks from the park at the bay. You might want to consider one of the excellent smaller organized snorkel trips.

We spent 10 days on the Big Island and we still didn't get to do everything that we had wanted to do! The island itself is so big that you will spend a lot of time driving and exploring. We stayed 1 night in Volcano, 1 night in Hilo, and 8 nights in Kona area. I also made a day trip over to Oahu to see the Pearl Harbor area, which was well worth it!

Personally, I've never been to Maui, but I can't see how an extinct/dormant volcano compares to the active Kilauea area on BI. :-)

I was just on the big island this past February for six days staying with friends who live there. By the end of six days, I felt that we had more or less exhausted the potential of fun things to see. We toured the entire island and visited every important site.

In my opinion, you'd be doing yourself a favor if you visit another island.

I was three weeks in Hawaii for work, but had plenty of time to tour around. I was in Honolulu but took time to tour around Oahu and visit the Big Island. I spent 2 days in Volcano Village. That was enough time to see Volcano National Park. If you don't think you'll ever get back, I'd recommend Honolulu for a few days if only to see Pearl Harbor, but I really enjoyed the Polynesian Cultural Center on the north side of Oahu. I attempted to snorkel at the Cook Monument, but the surf was rough the day I was there. Here's what we were able to do in our 2 1/2 days on the Big Island:

Volcano National Park – Most of our time was spent here. There are several trails and lookout points all along the drives. We did the Crater Rim Drive and stopped at all of the look out points. We took the Chain of Craters road to the observation area. You can only see the lava after the sun goes down. Our best pictures were taken at dusk. After it gets dark all you can see is a glowing red patch, but very impressive. More adventurous people might go past the observation area, but the lava is difficult to cross. The only longer hike we did was the Kilauea Iki trail to the crater floor.

Puuhonua O Honaunau Sanctuary – This was a very interesting historic spot. Also there were several sea turtle that live in the cove and sunned themselves nearby. I’ve never gotten so close to a sea turtle before.

Hilo’s scenic drive – A 4 mile drive north of Hilo along the coast. Leave some time to explore some of the trails.

South Point – The southernmost point of the US. The road is rather rough, it took about a half hour each way just to go a few miles. There is a windmill farm along the route which is interesting to look at and listen to.

Here is where I stayed and some restaurants in Volcano:

Volcano Inn – A small bed and breakfast, but we were in the second property where they don’t serve breakfast, instead they gave us $10 voucher coupons for breakfast at the Lava Rock Caf&eacute;, which was very good. There are three guest rooms at the property, but we were the only one’s there for our two night stay so we had the whole house to ourselves which was very pleasant. It gets cool in the evenings at that altitude; bring back a bottle of wine to sip by the fireplace after dinner. There is a general store at the Lava Rock Caf&eacute; where you can get wine and other supplies.

Lava Rock Caf&eacute; – Good small diner, we only ate here for breakfast.

Thai Thai Restaurant – Strange to have a Thai restaurant here, but very good Thai food. Last seating is at 8:30.

Kiawe Kitchen – Open late by local standards, 9:30. Great pizza, but Italian style, crispy thin crusts. Good if you’re coming back late from the volcano.

JC98, I agree with the posters who suggest combining Oahu with the Big Island. I would do three days Oahu, then four days B.I. .... spending one night at VNP and three nights on the Kohala Coast. And I'm betting that if you visit Hawaii once, you'll be back! :-)

Thanks, all, for your helpful advice! Yes, I booked our tickets to the Big Island.

But I just realize that Hilo rains a lot, esp. in November. That gets me a bit worried. Will that pose any problem for driving around and hiking? The Volcano NP should have the same climate as Hilo?

And yes, I've been to Oahu many years ago, and look I'm now coming back to Hawaii. Never say never. :)

Thanks, all!

JC98, don't stay in Hilo for a week!!! Please ... unless you love to run around in the rain. Stay on the Kona/Kohala side most of your visit, and you'll have lots of sunshine. Just do one, at most, two nights at VNP! :-)

The Big Island is fantastic! It is so big, and it involves lots of driving, so one week is fine. We have been twice, and will probably go back next summer. It is unique and diverse, and the scenery is spectacular. Snorkeling is great there! I think one island per week is perfect, because it gives you time to relax, too.

Thanks, all, for your reply.

Now I realize the rain is going to hit the Hilo side hard in Nov (19 inches!). I wonder if I'll have enough stuff to do on BI for a whole week.

Is it worth it to fly to Kauai and spend half of the week there? Requires a roundtrip ticket.

I should have booked my ticket so that I fly into BI and fly out from Kauai. I could change it for a penalty fee, but not sure it's really worth it.

Please advise. Thanks.

JC98: There is DEFINITELY enough to do for a week, but I wouldn't spend the whole time in Hilo. A night or two to see the volcano, but then I would head to Kona or the Kohala Coast and pick one of the resorts there to spend the rest of your time. Believe me, you won't be bored. There are tons of things to do. As for whether or not to go to Kauai, only you can answer how active you want to be. The first time we went, we did 3 islands in 2 weeks. The next time, 2 islands in 2 weeks. We are going again next summer, and will probably do 2 again. Inter-island flights are fairly easy, but there is re-packing, checking in, security, etc...

If its likely to be your only trip to Hawaii, again, I believe it's worth it to do the Big Island for a few days and another island such as((R))Kaua`i.
:S-
The Big Island is Big and can involve driving more than an hour((o)) to reach places. Kaua`i is smaller and easier to cover in a few days with unforgetable scenery.

Stay the whole week. Move your reservations to the Kona side. Get a travel agent to find you an oceanfront condo...less expensive than a hotel...more room. You can stay in at night and snack or cook if you want, rather than go out every night to a restaurant. They mostly often have VCR's CD's, probably by now DVD players....and washer/dryers and very entertaining &quot;guest books&quot;.

Take your rental car completely around the island. Stay one night at the Volcano House, even if you have paid for your condo.

Drive through the Parker Ranch.

Take a guided bus tour for a few hours which takes you to the coffee plantations and the sea turtle preserve.

Don't rush it.

We have been to the BI, to Maui, and to Kauai. Also to Oahu. The first three we stayed an entire week each.

We put three days on Oahu at the end of one of those trips, which was okay, since we did the Cultural Center, a visit with friends, and the usual Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach thing. But for experiencing Hawaii, I think that popping from island to island is completely insane. Plan on going back. FWIW.

I don't snorkel, but I saw a LOT of snokelers from the balcony of our condo.

Have a good time digesting all of the advice on the forum and good luck deciding...&lt;grin&gt;.

carl170, did you stay in the Volcano Inn on Second St. This one is not reviewed anywhere, so I'm not sure it's legit. The famous Volcano Inn is somewhere else. Wonder why the one on 2nd St. adopts the same name as the other.

Anyone else who has stayed with Volcano Inn on 2nd St., please share your experience.

Else, please recommend a budget place to stay in Volcano.

Thanks!

When I visited Hawaii several years ago we went to Kauai and Maui. We much preferred Kauai; Maui was too built up with high rise condos and strip malls, although we had fabulous food there. Kauai was less developed and less chi-chi.

My humble opinion!

Liz