Big Island for Ten Days, with Kids
Nov 29th, 2017, 04:47 PM
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Big Island for Ten Days, with Kids
I'm starting to plan 10 days (+/-) on the Big Island in late June 2018. Our group will be me and DH (celebrating our 70th birthdays), plus DS, DDIL, and our granddaughters, who will be turning 4 y/o and 8 y/o in late August. The 7 y/o has been really interested in volcanoes and lava; and I want to see the lava flowing into the ocean. (The boat tours sound amazing, but there's not enough Dramamine in the world, for me to enjoy that experience!)
Last time I visited the Big Island, you weren't permitted to drive rental cars over the saddleback from Kona to Hilo ... it's been a while! I'm looking at vrbo accommodation, from Hapuna beach, down past the Place of Refuge. Perhaps I should plan a couple of nights in Hilo/Volcano in order to see the lava at night, and not drive back to Kona at the end of the day? The houses/condos that I've bookmarked run between $300--$400 per night; plus a heck of a lot of additional taxes and fees.
It looks like vog can be a problem, if you rent too far south. Is this also true of Hilo and Volcano? Are there any luaus that you'd recommend? Rent a van, or two cars? DH and I are getting up there, but are still fine with hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling, etc. I'd like to plan one excursion for each day and would really appreciate any suggestions and recommendations about what to do and which area/s to stay.
Last time I visited the Big Island, you weren't permitted to drive rental cars over the saddleback from Kona to Hilo ... it's been a while! I'm looking at vrbo accommodation, from Hapuna beach, down past the Place of Refuge. Perhaps I should plan a couple of nights in Hilo/Volcano in order to see the lava at night, and not drive back to Kona at the end of the day? The houses/condos that I've bookmarked run between $300--$400 per night; plus a heck of a lot of additional taxes and fees.
It looks like vog can be a problem, if you rent too far south. Is this also true of Hilo and Volcano? Are there any luaus that you'd recommend? Rent a van, or two cars? DH and I are getting up there, but are still fine with hikes, kayaking, and snorkeling, etc. I'd like to plan one excursion for each day and would really appreciate any suggestions and recommendations about what to do and which area/s to stay.
Nov 29th, 2017, 11:24 PM
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Rental cars were never prohibited on Saddle Road (we read contracts very carefully); that was a myth that was promulgated (they wouldn't guarantee pick up if you were stranded). At any rate, it's totally repaved (and relocated in part) and well worth the trip in itself. There was an interesting article on sights to see along the road this week in the newspaper West Hawaii Today website.
No lava flowing into the ocean right now. But that could change.
Staying overnight in the park or nearby is a nice way to relax and see the park in the daylight and the glow at night.
Vog depends on the wind; the national park website has info.
There are several archaeological sites on the west side of the island (north of the airport to the end of the road), from petroglyphs to heiaus to an ancient fishing village.
We prefer Waikoloa resort, lots of condos, food, shopping, nice beach at A-Bay and easy access to other beaches.
So much to do and see on the Big Island!
No lava flowing into the ocean right now. But that could change.
Staying overnight in the park or nearby is a nice way to relax and see the park in the daylight and the glow at night.
Vog depends on the wind; the national park website has info.
There are several archaeological sites on the west side of the island (north of the airport to the end of the road), from petroglyphs to heiaus to an ancient fishing village.
We prefer Waikoloa resort, lots of condos, food, shopping, nice beach at A-Bay and easy access to other beaches.
So much to do and see on the Big Island!
Nov 30th, 2017, 05:08 AM
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We suggest splitting your time at between the Kona and Hilo sides, maybe 6 and 4. Your admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (HVNP)is good for 7 days and the park is open 24 hours. Go back a couple times! There are over 150 miles of hiking trails, ranger programs, cultural programs and much more. The typical day tripper from Kona can't even scratch the surface.
Staying in Volcanoes area, even in June, can be cold...we've seen 50 to 60 degree days there at that time of year, misty rain. Changes dramatically as you go to lower elevation.
Hilo gets an undeserved bad rap for the rain - there is a lot of rain but it's not as horrible as one might think - and there are great things to do there, the beaches are diverse and beautiful along Kalanianaole Ave and you are in closer distance to the entire Hamakua Coast and Volcano region.
Driving back to anywhere in Kona or Kohala coast area at night is going to be a tough drive for most people. You could be looking at about 2 hours...and that's on the back of getting up early to drive there in the first place, fighting your jet lag after dark and exploring all day.
We have a condo in Ka'u at Sea Mountain - it's a remote, rural location close to HVNP. We've popped in on clear nights to see the splendor of the Kīlauea Caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater under more stars than you will have ever imagined. Ours is a vacation rental, but, only holds two guests...there are a number of other rentals in our complex that are much bigger. It is a great family destination. You can check out the Sea Mountain complex / location and see if it might be someplace of interest to you on our site https://beachwoodhawaiicondo.wordpress.com/
Our spot, on the coast at Punalu'u (black sand) Beach, is almost always vog free...can't say the same for the Kona side. Some days when we were last there, the visible and detectable haze was pretty thick. Here's a vog forecast site...varies by tradewinds...unless someone in your group has a sensitive breathing allergy or condition, I wouldn't let this concern you too much. It's part of an active volcanic island.
http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/hysplit/
As the prior reply mentioned, ocean entry comes and goes. Our niece and nephew visited last June and we rented bikes to go see lava ocean entry at night - they both said it was the best part of their trip. It was beautiful and incredible.
Here is a link to NPS with current info
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm
We love the big island...so much to see! Ten days is a good start and will allow you to dig in and really explore.
Staying in Volcanoes area, even in June, can be cold...we've seen 50 to 60 degree days there at that time of year, misty rain. Changes dramatically as you go to lower elevation.
Hilo gets an undeserved bad rap for the rain - there is a lot of rain but it's not as horrible as one might think - and there are great things to do there, the beaches are diverse and beautiful along Kalanianaole Ave and you are in closer distance to the entire Hamakua Coast and Volcano region.
Driving back to anywhere in Kona or Kohala coast area at night is going to be a tough drive for most people. You could be looking at about 2 hours...and that's on the back of getting up early to drive there in the first place, fighting your jet lag after dark and exploring all day.
We have a condo in Ka'u at Sea Mountain - it's a remote, rural location close to HVNP. We've popped in on clear nights to see the splendor of the Kīlauea Caldera and Halema'uma'u Crater under more stars than you will have ever imagined. Ours is a vacation rental, but, only holds two guests...there are a number of other rentals in our complex that are much bigger. It is a great family destination. You can check out the Sea Mountain complex / location and see if it might be someplace of interest to you on our site https://beachwoodhawaiicondo.wordpress.com/
Our spot, on the coast at Punalu'u (black sand) Beach, is almost always vog free...can't say the same for the Kona side. Some days when we were last there, the visible and detectable haze was pretty thick. Here's a vog forecast site...varies by tradewinds...unless someone in your group has a sensitive breathing allergy or condition, I wouldn't let this concern you too much. It's part of an active volcanic island.
http://weather.hawaii.edu/vmap/hysplit/
As the prior reply mentioned, ocean entry comes and goes. Our niece and nephew visited last June and we rented bikes to go see lava ocean entry at night - they both said it was the best part of their trip. It was beautiful and incredible.
Here is a link to NPS with current info
https://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/lava2.htm
We love the big island...so much to see! Ten days is a good start and will allow you to dig in and really explore.
Nov 30th, 2017, 09:47 AM
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Thank you for your quick responses. I'll check out those helpful suggestions. It didn't occur to me that I can use my senior pass national parks pass that I just bought in August! I'm thinking that 6 days around Kona and 4 near Hilo sounds like the basis of a great plan.
Nov 30th, 2017, 11:54 AM
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Big Island's beaches are along the South Kohala Coast (NW). Ironically, this area often escapes any vog, even when the whole rest of the chain of islands is socked in with it. (Happens to us in winter on South Maui.)
Most visitors fly into KOA and out of ITO -- or the reverse. You can explore the entire west side of the island from a condo on the Kohala Coast, then spend a night or two in the town of Volcano (SE). I wouldn't stay Kailua-Kona and south. I'm not crazy about Hilo (commercial port and government town -- and *damp*).
Think twice about exposing a Four to the toxic fumes at Volcanoes National Park. Children's lungs are so small. No respiratory issues?
The kids would like an afternoon at the Hilton Waikoloa -- very "Disney". I wouldn't stay there. (Don't let them see the captive dolphins.) Waimea is ranches -- llamas, too, last I knew.
Drive south of tacky Kona to Place of Refuge. (I never remember if it's "City" or "Place".)
If you want to see one of the most beautiful hotels in Hawaii, Four Seasons Hualalai is it!
Most visitors fly into KOA and out of ITO -- or the reverse. You can explore the entire west side of the island from a condo on the Kohala Coast, then spend a night or two in the town of Volcano (SE). I wouldn't stay Kailua-Kona and south. I'm not crazy about Hilo (commercial port and government town -- and *damp*).
Think twice about exposing a Four to the toxic fumes at Volcanoes National Park. Children's lungs are so small. No respiratory issues?
The kids would like an afternoon at the Hilton Waikoloa -- very "Disney". I wouldn't stay there. (Don't let them see the captive dolphins.) Waimea is ranches -- llamas, too, last I knew.
Drive south of tacky Kona to Place of Refuge. (I never remember if it's "City" or "Place".)
If you want to see one of the most beautiful hotels in Hawaii, Four Seasons Hualalai is it!
Nov 30th, 2017, 02:22 PM
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"Most visitors fly into KOA and out of ITO -- or the reverse"
That's not true, although there's nothing wrong with the idea.
Remember that there's no free parking at various resorts; be prepared to pay to view, for example, the art at the Mauna Kea.
Although the idea of captive dolphins is offensive to most, it could be educational to visit that part of the Hilton complex. (Nothing much else to do there but walk around.)
There's lots to see north of Hilo on the east side (waterfalls, botanic gardens, Lapahoehoe memorial park), and south there's Lava Tree State Park.
That's not true, although there's nothing wrong with the idea.
Remember that there's no free parking at various resorts; be prepared to pay to view, for example, the art at the Mauna Kea.
Although the idea of captive dolphins is offensive to most, it could be educational to visit that part of the Hilton complex. (Nothing much else to do there but walk around.)
There's lots to see north of Hilo on the east side (waterfalls, botanic gardens, Lapahoehoe memorial park), and south there's Lava Tree State Park.
Nov 30th, 2017, 04:51 PM
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Agreed that South Kohala coast is stunning and the resorts along there equally magnificent. But, every time we go through there, I can't help but think that folks who stay there and don't venture beyond the manicured grounds are missing so much. They are a bit of a reach from everywhere - even Kailua Kona (which I agree is a bit seedy for my tastes any more).
Jan 20th, 2018, 05:34 PM
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Thanks for all the excellent ideas, which started me looking at various assorted accommodation options. We added a few days to our vacation and are now staying 7 nights oceanfront, five miles south of Kona; 4 nights by the Kapoho Tidepools; and 5 nights, oceanfront, a quarter mile from downtown Kona. I spent hours looking at the Waikoloa resorts, but couldn't find the right condo; it's all a bit too golf-centric, for me. We will get a couple of early starts and drive up the coast, to spend time at those glorious white sand beaches; and down to Captain Cook, to hang out with non-captive dolphins.
I've bookmarked the sites for vog reports, and lava flow information, and am compiling a long list of day trips, and activities. We'll be sure to look out for the 4 y/o's lungs, at Volcano, even if it means leaving her behind at the tide pools. (DH is a little anxious about being too close to lava, so he'd happily volunteer to stay.) We'll drive over the Saddle Road to go to Hilo, and probably return to Kona around the top of the island.
Now the accommodations and flights are sorted, I'm moving on to the day-to-day activities ... any recommendations for a luau, and a hula dance class for the little girls?
I've bookmarked the sites for vog reports, and lava flow information, and am compiling a long list of day trips, and activities. We'll be sure to look out for the 4 y/o's lungs, at Volcano, even if it means leaving her behind at the tide pools. (DH is a little anxious about being too close to lava, so he'd happily volunteer to stay.) We'll drive over the Saddle Road to go to Hilo, and probably return to Kona around the top of the island.
Now the accommodations and flights are sorted, I'm moving on to the day-to-day activities ... any recommendations for a luau, and a hula dance class for the little girls?
Jan 21st, 2018, 02:04 AM
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You also might want to read about the water purity (cesspools entering the seawater) at Kapoho and quality levels at other popular warm pools in Puna (just to be aware). There's December 2017 info at Hawaii.gov (division of aquatic resources) and other sites.
btw, you'd have to really exert yourself (8 to 10 mile or more round trip difficult hike) to get anywhere near lava, no need for anxiety.
btw, you'd have to really exert yourself (8 to 10 mile or more round trip difficult hike) to get anywhere near lava, no need for anxiety.
Jan 21st, 2018, 01:39 PM
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Egads, sylvia3, it's always the questions I didn't know to ask ... bacteria levels in the tide pools! Thanks for the heads-up. I did look at the information at Hawaii.gov, and will certainly review it, in June. We all have water shoes, and will purchase Neosporin in case of any scrapes. Maybe some light gloves, too, and take freshwater showers whenever leaving the pools/ponds. We were in Santa Cruz, CA, last week, and the beach had recently been closed, due to the bacteria levels. Civilization and oceanfront are on a collision course.
Re DH's anxiety around lava, and all things volcano: his radius of concern actually encompasses the entire island chain! It is what it is. BTW, I read your trip report from a few years back. Great ideas. Too bad those prices aren't still in effect.
Re DH's anxiety around lava, and all things volcano: his radius of concern actually encompasses the entire island chain! It is what it is. BTW, I read your trip report from a few years back. Great ideas. Too bad those prices aren't still in effect.
Jan 22nd, 2018, 08:21 AM
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Re prices: On the positive, gas is about $3/gal at the Kona Costco, you can probably eat better and cheaper grilling your own burgers and fresh fish(get the Safeway, and other local grocery, loyalty cards when you get there if you don't have one), and picnics with a group are always better than picking a restaurant (getting all there at the same time, ordering, waiting, then (urgh) paying!)
At volcano, you might consider the cabins (rented through the Volcano House website), or if you have veteran's status consider the (multibedroom cabin) options at the Kilauea Military camp (even if you don't stay there, the mess hall breakfast is a steal and open to all).
If the little ones need a (Kona) McDonald's fix, at least they serve Kona coffee!
And if in Hilo, for a nice meal (local sourced) with a wonderful view, the Hilo Bay Cafe is (fairly) reasonable (for lunch).
Up at Kawaihae harbor, the van at the fish market (east side across from the gas station and mini-mall) has terrific fresh fish lunches.
At volcano, you might consider the cabins (rented through the Volcano House website), or if you have veteran's status consider the (multibedroom cabin) options at the Kilauea Military camp (even if you don't stay there, the mess hall breakfast is a steal and open to all).
If the little ones need a (Kona) McDonald's fix, at least they serve Kona coffee!
And if in Hilo, for a nice meal (local sourced) with a wonderful view, the Hilo Bay Cafe is (fairly) reasonable (for lunch).
Up at Kawaihae harbor, the van at the fish market (east side across from the gas station and mini-mall) has terrific fresh fish lunches.
May 2nd, 2018, 11:00 AM
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Lots of "active alerts" from the USGS. Could be the sum of all fears, for DH, as we're preparing to go there! He was quite happy with a little bit of steam and vog ... not so much, rumbling, shaking and new lava flows.
May 2nd, 2018, 02:42 PM
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Lots of helpful info on this thread on TA
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...ii_Hawaii.html
I personally would avoid lodging in Kopoho or the Puna district in general. Wouldn't risk getting stranded, but that's me Pele is stretching her legs.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopi...ii_Hawaii.html
I personally would avoid lodging in Kopoho or the Puna district in general. Wouldn't risk getting stranded, but that's me Pele is stretching her legs.
May 3rd, 2018, 08:30 AM
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The Puna district is on alert for evacuations right now due to increased seismic activity and signs that magma is moving that way. Very similar to the precursor activity of the 1955 eruption. The park remains open, although about 15,000 acres have been closed.
the kalapana viewing area is closed, and no boats are allowed acess to the area (no lava entering the sea right now, anyway).
I'm going up today to see the increased levels in the crater (and hopefully feel a tremor, although activity seems to be heading away and to the southeast since yesterday evening).
the kalapana viewing area is closed, and no boats are allowed acess to the area (no lava entering the sea right now, anyway).
I'm going up today to see the increased levels in the crater (and hopefully feel a tremor, although activity seems to be heading away and to the southeast since yesterday evening).
May 4th, 2018, 04:54 AM
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And so it begins. Nothing says 'living like a local' like being evacuated to an emergency shelter. A real hidden gem experience. Bless them all, who don't know if they'll see their homes again. scary
Last edited by Inakauaidavidababy; May 4th, 2018 at 05:10 AM.
May 4th, 2018, 03:35 PM
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As eruptions and earthquakes continue I am condidering sending some blankets to the shelter. This is a cool company in which you can offer people comfort.
https://northeastfleece.com/charities/
https://northeastfleece.com/charities/
May 4th, 2018, 10:17 PM
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We won't be on the east side of the island till June 14, but it sounds like this type of event historically goes on for months, before becoming dormant again. That said, our Kapoho Tidepools reservation sounds like a really bad idea. I still have a week to cancel the vrbo reservation and get 50% of my money back; plus, I have trip insurance, which might kick in. So, I'm now looking at rentals around and above Hilo ... I realize the whole island is a volcano, but is Hilo a smarter location ... or should we simply plan to stay on the Kona side? I really wanted to "see the volcano" ... but, as always, you should be careful what you wish for!
May 5th, 2018, 12:55 AM
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I would cancel immediately, There are now 6 fissures erupting. No telling how long this event will be but it will be catastrophic for many. It is my understanding that the only access road open is Government Beach road which is not accessible to rental cars.This eruption came in hot and fast. No telling what it will do. Normally I would suggest Volcano Village but the park has been evacuated because of the 6.9 earthquake. Hopefully that will settle but who knows. Hopefully the homeowners will do right by you, but understand they are in crisis mode and may not be able to communicate. Realize I am only reporting to you what I have read. I am not local and no expert.
May 5th, 2018, 07:47 AM
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Cancel NOW. I would stay NW along the Kohala Coast -- unless another island is an option for you. I would not choose Hilo or Kailua-Kona (or anything south of it). VNP is likely closed due to noxious fumes more than earthquake/landslide issues. Even in the best of times, fumes from Kilauea can be harmful to small children and people with lung issues. A sudden shift in the wind...even non-compromised people can be overcome.
