Scenic vistas along the road the big island Hawaii
Jan 18th, 2017, 01:11 PM
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Scenic vistas along the road the big island Hawaii
Hi
We will be staying in volcano national park late January and then have three nights to spend anywhere on the Big Island with the main focus of driving around the island to discover and appreciate the beautiful scenic vistas along the way.
Laupahoehoe is one, possibly Akaka falls, perhaps Pololu Valley look out.
I'd like to know, coming from VNP, which road to travel and which are the most beautiful not to be missed scenic stops to make?
And then, where to stay which would make it easiest to see it all?
We can't stay longer than three nights to see whatever we can see on our 'drive around the island' plan.
I don't know very well the leeward side, what the beauty is there.
I've only done the drive from kona to the volcano once and that was too long ago but I remember it too us forever, for we kept stopping to appreciate the wild and scenic beauty, especially Laupahoehoe point...
We're on vacation in Oahu right now and this is last minute, extending our trip by 5 days to go to the big island. I have no guidebooks, so even though I hope to go out and find one, I'm hoping I can get some advice from the ever helpful fodorites in the meantime.
I know it's wet and rainy on that side of the island but feel it's okay because we'll be driving and it shouldn't impact the sites, right?
Thank you!!!
We will be staying in volcano national park late January and then have three nights to spend anywhere on the Big Island with the main focus of driving around the island to discover and appreciate the beautiful scenic vistas along the way.
Laupahoehoe is one, possibly Akaka falls, perhaps Pololu Valley look out.
I'd like to know, coming from VNP, which road to travel and which are the most beautiful not to be missed scenic stops to make?
And then, where to stay which would make it easiest to see it all?
We can't stay longer than three nights to see whatever we can see on our 'drive around the island' plan.
I don't know very well the leeward side, what the beauty is there.
I've only done the drive from kona to the volcano once and that was too long ago but I remember it too us forever, for we kept stopping to appreciate the wild and scenic beauty, especially Laupahoehoe point...
We're on vacation in Oahu right now and this is last minute, extending our trip by 5 days to go to the big island. I have no guidebooks, so even though I hope to go out and find one, I'm hoping I can get some advice from the ever helpful fodorites in the meantime.
I know it's wet and rainy on that side of the island but feel it's okay because we'll be driving and it shouldn't impact the sites, right?
Thank you!!!
Jan 18th, 2017, 07:53 PM
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Your route north from Hilo including Lapahoehoe and Akaka Falls is good. Try the north route through Waimea ( the old Mamalahoa road that parallels the main route is gorgeous, too) back to the west side, if you don't go Saddle Road (the fastest/easiest way). Waipio valley lookout is an additional 8 miles up the coast from the Waimea road.
Pololu Valley will be a drive when you are on the west side.
Pololu Valley will be a drive when you are on the west side.
Jan 22nd, 2017, 12:27 PM
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Thank you, how does this rough itinerary sound, to you? Is there a different order I should do this in? I'm hoping to leave the house we got on home away by 11 and head out, ultimately ending up in Kailua kona for our last three nights there.
Leave Volcano National Park
Go to Rainbow Falls
Akaka Falls
Laupahoehoe
Drive Hamakau Coast
Hawaiian Tropical botanical garden
Maybe see Waimea
Waipo Valley maybe
Hawi
Then to Kailua kona
Do you think we can see and do all of this in one day or should we plan to do only some of these and save some of the others for the next day from our hotel in Kailua kona?
Thank you!
Leave Volcano National Park
Go to Rainbow Falls
Akaka Falls
Laupahoehoe
Drive Hamakau Coast
Hawaiian Tropical botanical garden
Maybe see Waimea
Waipo Valley maybe
Hawi
Then to Kailua kona
Do you think we can see and do all of this in one day or should we plan to do only some of these and save some of the others for the next day from our hotel in Kailua kona?
Thank you!
Jan 23rd, 2017, 08:10 AM
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I'd scratch Rainbow Falls altogether, making your first stop Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens, about an hour's drive from VNP. You'll want at least an hour there (more if you enjoy photography). Waipi'o Valley will also take some time, which means Hawi (and Polulu Valley Lookout) will have to be another day. There's nothing really to "see" in Waimea, but you could plan some time there (maybe Big Island Brewhaus 
) on the day you return for Hawi and Pololu. And given that, I'm wondering if you might want to find a hotel on the south Kohala coast instead of in Kailua. That would shorten your drive times, and put you near the best beaches on the island.
) on the day you return for Hawi and Pololu. And given that, I'm wondering if you might want to find a hotel on the south Kohala coast instead of in Kailua. That would shorten your drive times, and put you near the best beaches on the island.
