jakeydog

I'm heading to the Big Island of Hawaii for 7-10 days in early April and am looking for itinerary suggestions. This will be my first trip to Hawaii.

The plan is to fly into Kona airport and rent a car, and I'm hoping to see:
- Volcanoes National Park, including the lava tubes
- green and black sand beaches
- observatory
- waterfalls on Hamakua Coast

My questions are:
1. What itinerary would allow for seeing all those sights?
2. Is there anything else you'd suggest seeing/doing on the Big Island?
3. What town(s) would you recommend staying in?
4. What hotels, B&Bs and/or condo rentals would you recommend?
(In terms of accommodations, am aiming for something reasonably priced -- $160-200/night).

Tabernash2

We have stayed several times at Sea Village, just below Kona. Very nicely-kept, smallish condo complex with a small pool, free tennis, BBQ pits, free parking, and gorgeous oceanfront views. No elevators, but they are only three-story buildings with wide, exterior stairways.

Most condos there are privately owned and you can find them several sites Prices are very reasonable.

Here's a sampling:
https://www.vrbo.com/vacation-rental...na/sea-village

Reviews:
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Re...ii_Hawaii.html

sylvia3

My personal preference is north of Kona, in the Waikoloa resort area. Many condo complexes well within your budget, near A-bay and shopping and dining, and in close proximity to the wonderful beaches of the Kohala coast.
Try VRBO (nice but budget friendly: Colony, Fairway Villas)

For seeing the other side of the island (Hilo is 1.5 hours from Waikoloa via Saddle Road (Daniel K. Inouye Highway, Route 200), I might stay overnight 2 nights (at least 1 night up at Volcano Village to see the crater glow at night). There's a lot to see on the east side (from south of Hilo up to Waipio overlook and back through Waimea).
So,
West side: beaches, up the coast to Hawi to the end of the road (and south to check out Kona, Place of Refuge, etc.)
Saddle Road has the Mauna Kea visitors center (and IMO great scenery)
East side: VNP and Chain of Craters road
Hilo waterfalls, north up the Hamakua coast (check out the botanic gardens, Akaka falls, Lapahoehoe, to name a few attractions). South of Hilo (Puna district) there's Lava Tree State Monument, Pahoa (see where the lava flow stopped recently at the transfer station), many other sights, such as Kapoho tide pools, Kalapana lava viewing area.

sf7307

Adding to Sylvia's list - if you hike, the hike down to the water at Pololu (just past Hawi) is gorgeous (the hike is steep but fairly short)

beanweb24

If you are in good shape (no neck/back injuries), do not get seasick, and love boats, I highly recommend seeing lava from the ocean. I recently went lava viewing with Lava Ocean Tours (http://www.lavaocean.com/) and it was one of the most amazing experiences I've had. Do note, though, that this trip is NOT for anyone but the heartiest...we had 12-15 foot swells and a ton of wind and it was the bumpiest ride I've ever been on in my life (+2 hours round trip). During our briefing, the captain said "some of you will never get on a boat again," and I do not believe he was exaggerating.

Other things I love:
* Kona Brewery
* ATV tours (really enjoyed Ride the Rim: http://www.ridetherim.com/)
* Zip Lining on the Hilo Side
* Snorkeling Two Step / visiting the Place of Refuge next to it
* Visit to cowboy country / Waimea

Inakauaidavidababy

beanweb, I am glad you enjoyed your boat trip. It does look enticing, Breathtaking.
However, I hope you didn't permanently damage your lungs by inhaling the glasslike shards that occur when lava hits ocean water. Did they offer you a mask to protect you? I wouldn't roll the dice on a boat trip. Have you seen footage of the latest delta/bench collapses?

http://www.bigislandvideonews.com/20...t-tours-cited/

I do appreciate your honesty and warnings, just wanted to add some more.

beanweb24

I did see the bench collapses on video and they were spectacular. Nope - did not wear a mask but I am comfortable with the risk I knowingly assumed.

The link you sent is an excellent reminder to go with a licensed operator; glad to see the tour I recommended was on the list. It was an intense trip and was as advertised/warned and I am thrilled I took advantage of the opportunity. But it's absolutely not for everyone.

sylvia3

I'd pay the $200 in a heartbeat to see the lava flow into the ocean. Almost any activity involving an active volcano involves inherent risk. Next visit, that's what I'm doing! (Unless the flow goes underground...)

Songdoc

Pu'uhonua O Honaunau Park (aka The Place of Refuge) was a favorite for me. I also really enjoyed the Ocean Rider Seahorse Farm which is not on many people's radar.

FaceInTheCrowd

First trip to Hawaii, or first trip to the Big Island? I ask because there's nothing in your plans about getting out on, or under, the water. So you may not know that the Big Island is the best in Hawaii for snorkeling and diving, or that there's as much to see underwater as there is on land.

Shar

"Flumin Kohala"....Kayak the old ditches and tunnels in Haw'i. Very fun. We did it in 2015. You get wet so be prepared.
Petroglyphs are very interesting to see,
Snorkel trip.
Agree about Pololu Beach. It is steep (but no strenuous) so wear the proper shoes. I have seen people walk down it with flip flops and kids sitting on their shoulders! it can be slippery and muddy and dangerous in flip flops.

You have a lot of ideas in these posts. Enjoy

DebitNM

One of the most memorable things we've done on the Big Island [or anywhere] is to do a night snorkel with manta rays. It was incredible. Highly recommend it.