cd

The boat Hula Kai that I recommended above for snorkeling goes to the Captain Cook Monument to snorkel.

martym

Here are a few comments re: things that you want to do on your vacation.

We have hiked the Kialuea Iki trail in VNP twice and suggest that you consider it. We did it once on a rare sunny day there and once in misty rain. I preferred the misty rainy day (really hot the other day)--we were wearing shorts and light shirts with sleeves and tennies and were comfortable. The hike takes about an hour or so. The easiest way is this--when you are standing at the overlook facing Kilauea Iki crater, take the trail to the right. That will take you through the rain forest, down some staircases and into the crater. Then out of the crater on the other side, through the rain forest and back to where you started. (I suggest this so you are going down on the steepest side).

The original building of the Manago Hotel is right on the highway, so be sure to get a room in the newer building behind it and on the third floor facing the ocean. We've never stayed there but a friend has and said the rooms were very clean and somewhat spartan and he missed having a TV . They have a pretty good inexpensive basic breakfast everyday but Monday, I think. And the lunches and dinners are and interesting mix of local and Japanese dishes.

Now as to snorkeling, I just talked to my DH about snorkeling in south Kona, which he does twice a year. He says that, first of all, you always need to be aware of the ocean conditions and that in January there is more chance of big swells and high surf—so depending on your swimming ability and your comfort with swimming in the open ocean—there may be some days the snorkeling is not a good idea. Now with that caveat out of the way—he says the coral and fish are probably the best in Honounau Bay (also called Two-Step locally-though you will not see name on any sign). It is right next to the Place of Refuge (also an interesting place to visit) http://www.nps.gov/puho/index.htm If the swell is a little high and you don’t feel comfortable entering off the lava, just go to the left and enter the bay where canoes put in.

He says some of the best coral is in front of the local village of Ke’ei. There is also a nice surfing break off the beach at Ke’ei. Again you will not see that name (Ke’ei) on any sign.

How you get to Ke’ei. Take Napoopoo Road down to the village of Napoopoo. When leaving the Manago Hotel, going north toward Kailua, not far from the hotel make a left turn on Napoopoo Road (it is marked) and take it all the way down to the village. When the road ends, take a left and follow it out of the village until you reach the waste collection station on the left. Turn around there and head back toward Napoopoo and take the first left (not far). That is the road to Ke’ei. It is very rough but just go slowly and you will be fine. There is a parking lot on the right just before you get to a ‘gate’ that says no cars beyond this point. To the right of the parking lot is a good place to put in for snorkeling. Or you can walk on down the road to the beach and put in from the beach.

If you want to snorkel in Kealakekua Bay, there is a good place to put in at Manini Beach park in Napoopoo. Directions—after you dead end at the end of Napoopoo Road in Napoopoo, turn left and then take the first right (it is a very narrow street between rock walls) which will take you to a tiny parking area. Manini Beach park has a little inlet when you can enter the bay and it also has shade a picnic tables. DH says the coral isn’t as good there as it was before the tsunami that occurred in 2011 ( a house and lots of debris was washed into the bay) but that it is still pretty good.

We have never gone to South Point and the green sand beach--just get good directions and take plenty of water--it is usually hot and very windy there.

taitai

The average temperature will be in the 50s...maybe 40s at night. Sounds like you are from a cold weather climate so you will have the right clothes for that weather. Personally, I wouldn't spend more than two nights in Volcano in winter but YMMV. Maybe if the lava starts flowing again I would add a day.

You can't take a rental car to Ka Lae or the Green Sand beach (Papakolea) so that is another hike for you all. Takes about an hour or so and it is very windy. Do not leave any valuables in your car. NONE at all. If seeing green sand is your thing, you will probably have a nice time. You cannot swim here.

You could visit one of the pretty swimmable beaches up north like Hapuna or Kuana'oa and then hit the Visitor's Center. You can't take a rental to the Summit but you could always do a tour to that.

Sounds like you have a nice trip planned for your family. Have fun.

tmodav

I keep reading responses about not being able to swim at certain areas. Is it just because we are going in January? I had read other places that you could swim at the Green Sand Beach and jump off at the southern point of the island. I don't think I want to drive down to the GSB if this is not possible. Also, some have also said this about snorkeling places. Is this also because of the time of year? We are strong swimmers but not into pushing safety limits. Will we know if it is a safe swimming area? Thanks

taitai

Well, there are a couple issues. First of all, you can't really drive down to the Green Sand Beach. South Point Road is prohibited by all rental agencies. So, even getting the parking area is going to be problematic. Then, you have to hike in to the beach which is often a very windy, long, hot hike. There is a 4WD trail but no rental agency will allow you to bring your car there and you need a permit from the gov't to legally use them anyway. If you drive a rental there you are not covered by any insurance at all so it could be an extremely expensive bill if you need to replace a rental car. If you make it this far, bring a lot of water for the hike. The ocean itself at the beach is quite prone to strong currents and rip tides. So, swimming there is not advised. Of course, you will hear a story about someone who did and had no problem but that is not the norm. The area is very isolated so getting help if you did get caught in a bad tide is not going to happen. There are no lifeguards. There is no one setting out red flags. It is just a tremendous amount of effort to see olive colored sand. However, if it is your thing, just go in knowing what you are getting yourself and your family into.

In terms of shore snorkeling in winter, just understand that large swells which are more common in winter can make that difficult. Either there will be poor visibility due to the swells or tough entry and exit (such as can happen at "Two Step"). If large swells are projected during your trip, switch gears and do something like the Fairwinds or Hula Kai which can motor to secluded coves where the swell issue won't be a problem.

If you are strong swimmers and enjoy snorkeling, try the Manta Ray Night Snorkel with Jack's Dive Locker. A very cool experience. Being comfortable in the water helps as there is a lot of kicking and jostling around in the cold dark ocean. It can make even the most avid snorkeler uncomfortable at first but it is a cool experience.

sylvia3

The road to South Point (the landmark) is paved and fine; it's the 4WD road that isn't allowed. Yes, you can jump in the water at the parking area, depending on conditions, but getting out again can be tricky. (After a hike to the green sand beach, yes you can swim, but it is as taitai states, not often advisable.)

Be wary wherever you want to swim or snorkel; it can be much rougher in the winter, or you might have splendid conditions (we snorkeled 69 one day, and went back the next to see people surfing the waves right over where we'd set up our chairs the day before!).

cd

We were in Hawaii, Big Island and Kauai, last Jan and Feb and there were 11 deaths due to drowning. Our son and friend had every intention of going to the Green Sand Beach but when they found out how much time was envolved and what they had to do to get there they decided their time was best spent elsewhere. I was very relieved.

taitai

I believe South Point Road was recently added to the no rental car list even though it is now paved (rental cars are prohibited on any unpaved roads). I think it could be due to all the break ins but I have no way of knowing for sure. Just double check with your rental agency when you get the car. Disallowed roads are listed on your contract and on the little driving map/magazine they give you. Not a ton especially now that the Saddle is allowed.

sylvia3

I don't think so; I scoured my last two rental contracts (2013, 2014) and found absolutely nothing stating that. (Breaks in occur everywhere.) At any rate, it wouldn't stop me from driving on a perfectly valid paved road leading to a well-known monument.