Big Island Itinerary
 

Leaving for the Big Island Friday and I'm trying to finalize my rough itinerary. Realizing that I have way too little time to spend, I'm trying to maximize my visit without forgetting that this IS a vacation. I would appreciate any advice or comments on what I have planned. Thanks!

Day 1 (Saturday)
Arrive Kona 12:55 pm
Check in Keauhou Beach Resort
Place of Refuge
Kona Coffee Farm
Painted Church
Snorkel Kahalau?u Beach Park
Dinner in Kona


Day 2 (Sunday)
South on 11
South Point
Honomalino Bay
Green sand beach
Black sand beach
Volcanoes National Park
Devastation Trail
Thurston Lava Tube
Pu'u Loa Petroglyph trail
Chain of craters road for sunset viewing
Dinner?
Drive back to KBR
Is north or south route better at night?


DAY 3: (Monday)
Drive north on 190
Parker Ranch
Waimea
Pololu Valley overlook
Waipio Valley overlook
Mauna Kea summit
Sunset dinner at Pahu?ia

North route is better at night since it isn't so winding as the south route.

You can't get to the green sand beach by land. It is only accessible by air or water. :-(

Do dinner Sunday night at the Volcano House in the VNP. Their lunch buffets are packed and crowded, but dinner is much quieter and the food is great.

You can skip the Devastation Trail hike. Not much to be seen on it.

Unless you are renting a 4WD vehicle, or taking a group tour, you can't get to the Mauna Kea summit.

Christie: The green sand beach is definitely accessible by land. You just drive to the end of South Point Rd. and start hiking east. It's about 2.5 miles to the beach.

If you have a 4WD vehicle it's even easier. Just take the wide unpaved trail going east, about 1/4 mile before the end of South Point Rd. It'll take you almost all the way to the green sand beach. Don't try this trail in a 2WD vehicle, you might get stuck.

Travelbug: Snorkeling on the Kona Coast is much more enjoyable if you can get an early start. By midday the tourist boats arrive and the environment is anything but tranquil. Since you're also headed south on Day 2, you'd be better off leaving early and snorkeling at Kealakekua Bay.

Also, you have a LOT of activity crammed into Days 2 and 3. I'll venture a prediction that you won't get through it all. But have a great time trying! :)

My bad! We only had a regular car, and we were told "it's not accessible." We did get to see it from our air tour, and it was lovely!

I agree that travelbug has too much planned on day 2. I'd make the volcano a priority!

Thanks for the advice!

travelbug1221, I would travel the Northern route to VNP, planning stops at the Falls and Waipio Valley on the way, not the Southern route. That Northern route, IMO, is the most beautiful part of the Big Island. If my time were limited on there, I would not do the Southern route. JMHO, but I think you'd be in the car too much, considering the scenery along the way. Maybe save the Southern tip for another trip....... I do think you've planned A LOT to do daily, but you'll have fun trying! :-)

I agree about day two. If you are that busy how about a nice pizza in your room to chill out with after a very long day? It'll save some time. Aloha, Larry

An alternative for dinner on day two is the Kileaua Lodge just outside of the park. Some say it is the best food on the Big Island. You will for sure need a reservation. Also, since your hotel is south of downtown Kona, the southern route back from the park may be the best choice for you (IMHO). On day one, I'm not sure if you know, but Kahalu'u Beach Park is right next to your hotel. That's great for you to be able to walk to this wonderful snorkling spot. There is also great snorkling at "Two Steps", just outside of the entrance to the Place of Refuge. The ranger at the gate will tell you exactly where. We were at both spots last week and they were terrific - both have easy entry, lots of fish and turtles. Have a wonderful time!

Thanks again for all the advice. It's really very helpful in prioritizing what we'll do in such a limited amount of time. Maui is next, but we've got 6 days there so I don't feel like we're going to miss out on so much.