Two Big Island questions
 

Is South Point a neat place to visit? We'll be driving this southern route from Volcano Village to Keauhou anyway but has anyone been really glad they made the detour? Impressions? We won't be making the trek to Green Sand Beach.

After our horseback ride through Waipio Valley 1:00 pm to 3:30 pm, is it unrealistic to think we might be able to take Kohala Mtn. Road up to Hawi for a quick ice cream break at Tropical Dreams, gaze into Pololu Valley from the overlook, then head down the northwest coast for dinner at Cafe Pesto before our return to Hapuna Beach Resort? Don't mind getting back to the resort after dark but would like to make Cafe Pesto before sunset... If it's really crowded we've even thought about getting takeout.

It's doable, but it would be kind of pushing it to try go up to see Pololu after the horseride and then expect to be at Pesto by sunset. The Kohala Mountain road is a two laner - don't expect to be able to speed on that road, or any other for that matter, especially around Waimea and Kohala (Hawi to Polulu and back).

OK, remember - you'll be in Hawaii - what's the rush? :-)

Actually, this might be our only day to see the Pololu Valley Lookout. I know it's unrealistic to try to see the whole Big Island in a week - in fact, impossible. There are certain things I really wanted to see and do that I may just have to cross off the list. We only have two full days on this part of the island - one for Waipio and one for Mauna Kea. The next day we're off to Volcano Village via the northern route and you KNOW there's a lot to see on that day!

If you're planning to do this in the summer, you should have enough daylight. You'll be rushing though.

Crazy,
Everything you described we did on our last trip to the BI but I don't see you making that all in one day. I was really disappointed with South Point. Basically the most interesting part of South Point is finding the tree that is in the Maui Revealed that is bent over due to the wind. You have a wind farm and then as you get closer to South Point there are a bunch of squatters living in vans and mobile homes. South Point literally is a light post. I would rather enjoy making it 2 scoops at the Ice Cream place. There is some shop all about bamboo across the street in Hawi. Enjoy

I believe South Point was worth the visit((Y)) and can be seen without spending much((o)) at the southern most point in the U.S.**== and additionally found the wind farm on the way to be oddly memorable:?

South point ((P))link: <font color="blue"> www.segruts.com/gallery/south_point?page=1</font>

Thanks, JohnD! Great pictures.

crazy4Hawaii, virtually all the travel guides that I have (and I have most of them!) on Hawaii do not encourage you to go to South Point if you're at all pressed for time. So much barren landscape taking so much driving time ... I would not take the time to do it, myself. There's so much else interesting and beautiful on the island. Have a wonderful trip! I understand about trying to pack everything in .... You'll just HAVE to go back (to see the rest! ;;)

More contrasting views:S- and ((P)):
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractio...ii_Hawaii.html

JohnD -
Did you have a 4WD vehicle? I didn't think I needed one unless I was going to go the extra distance to get closer to Green Sand Beach. But that road looks pretty primitive!

Aloha <font color="blue">Crazy4HI</font>, we usually rent an SUV moreso for handling luggage than for 4WD. I believe you are referring to South Point Access which did not require a 4WD, though if it((R))((R)) I imagine one could possibly get stuck if you decide to turn off the road for some reason beyond the main visiting area. IMHO with common8} sense you should be OK in a Front wheel drive, front engine vehicle.