My husband, 7-year-old son and I are making our first trip to the BI this December.

We are thinking the area around Kapoho tidal pools would be the best fit for us. Not looking for touristy things, just want a simple place to stay in rural Hawaii close to water where we can hear the water and enjoy the fauna. We'll cook for ourselves.

Is this a safe area? I keep reading about car break-ins. Suggestions? Comments?

Mahalo!

Martha

we spent a week there last year and had no problem. it was our fourth trip to that side. we rented a cottage right in the cluster of homes along the pools and it was great. stock up at the local supermarket in Hilo (not the chain) and get odds, ends and fresh fruit in pahoa. both hilo and pahoa have great farmer's markets.

checkout lava tree park and the warm pool park that are right down the road. a bit farther down -- before the lava closes the road -- is a great drive-in that has guva and other fresh fruit shakes and great local fish sandwiches.

there's great black sand beach (clothing optional) the road as well -- I think that's where the break-ins might be. It's a little hike down a bluff.

I enjoy that side of the island a lot, but it's nearly 180 degrees from the kona experience and we'll usually take a day or two over there.

Repete,

Thank you so much for your response and advice!

Staying in that area really appeals to me. We plan to stay 7 days there and 2 days over in the Kona-Kailua area.

Now all I have to do is put it all together!


Thanks again!

Martha

Car break-ins are a problem anywhere in Hawaii, never leave anything in your rental car.

There is a really beautiful drive from Kapoho (which is known locally as "Vacationland") to the Hawaiian Beaches subdivision through the area known as "WaaWaa". This is really old Hawaii with historical burial grounds and the most lush tropical forest. The first time I drove on this road, Hawaii became part of my heart.

The lagoons are wonderful for snorkling. Lots of coral formations and fish. The entry is over lava rocks (not beach) but they are calm and protected from surf. That is where I first learned to snorkle.

In Pahoa, try Luquins for Mexican food and Paolo's for Italian food. We tend to avoid the Black Rock Cafe.

Have a wonderful time. I love the Big Island!

We (myself, husband, and our 16 and 18 year old sons) spent 4 nights in the Kapoho area in July. It was a great area - never felt unsafe! We loved snorkeling in the tide pools. I agree with repete - stop at the Lava Tree Park; it was great and we had it all to ourselves. The Pahoa-Pohoiki Road was one of the prettiest drives we have ever made.