I got my best Astronomy views while doing a night visit to Volcano National Park. If you go, bring a decent flashlight and wear good shoes.

My best cup of coffee ever was sitting on the steps of a roasting shack on a Kona plantation, watching the fog lift over the coffee bushes.

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:
The island is MASSIVE, don't think you can drive around the entire island in a day, just don't.

Why? I've done it.

The only difficult part about it are the ridiculously low speed limits and the other drivers who go 10 under the ridiculously low speed limits.
From Kona south is the worst. I think road rage was invented on that stretch of road.

If you're heading to the east side, take the northern route through Hilo. It'll save a lot of time and aggravation.

There isn't much to see south of Kona anyway (IMO of course). Been there twice and for the life of me I'm not sure why I went the second time. I just didn't care for it at all. The west side is just an ugly moonscape dotted with resorts that brought in topsoil to grow grass and sand to build a beach. The north and east sides are kind of nice though. I did like Waimea (and north of it) and Hilo.

There's a couple of nice beaches on the east side. A black sand one that I think kkina referenced is one of them. There's a couple of clothing optional ones too over there if you're into that sort of thing.

Kona does have a decent Harley dealership though, so there's that.

I was there in 2008 and took a tour in a Panzgauer 6WD vehicle to some backwoods volcano crater. It was fun, but the road was very bad and anyone with a bad back should not take it. It was on private land. Photos of that trip to Kona: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157608674793760/.

In 2014 I visited the Big Island again and toured around Hilo and Mauna Kea: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631618432853/. A second day took a ride around Kona harbor in a glass-bottom boat and a boat cruise from Kona down to Kealakekua Bay: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631628322211/.

I did not have my own transportation.

flashguy

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:
The island is MASSIVE, don't think you can drive around the entire island in a day, just don't.

Why? I've done it.

The only difficult part about it are the ridiculously low speed limits and the other drivers who go 10 under the ridiculously low speed limits.
From Kona south is the worst. I think road rage was invented on that stretch of road.

If you're heading to the east side, take the northern route through Hilo. It'll save a lot of time and aggravation.

There isn't much to see south of Kona anyway (IMO of course). Been there twice and for the life of me I'm not sure why I went the second time. I just didn't care for it at all. The west side is just an ugly moonscape dotted with resorts that brought in topsoil to grow grass and sand to build a beach. The north and east sides are kind of nice though. I did like Waimea (and north of it) and Hilo.

It's certainly do-able, not impossible however, being two-lane all the way, mix-in all the stops and various congestion, it descends into an exhaustive affair. We went to two luau's on two separate trips, both times, the couple we shared a table with, he had his head on the table. Both thought driving around the island was a good idea. You can do it but, you're on vacation, why....

North of the airport, the only attractions are the resort spots of Waikoloa & Mauna Lani, and Hapuna Beach (best beach), otherwise, you're right on, it's an isolated moonscape compared to other parts of the island.

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
If you're heading to the east side, take the northern route through Hilo. It'll save a lot of time and aggravation.

Or better yet, flog your rental car across the saddle road.

I was in Maui a few weeks ago. Best time for the stars for me was 12am - 2am. But I was on the west side so had to wait for the Earth to rotate them into the best view. It was absolutely stunning and no where I’ve been comes close to that view. It was my favorite thing about the trip. Everyone goes to bed early (compared to home) so after 9:30 or 10pm, I had the beach and stars to myself.

quote:

Originally posted by 2000Z-71:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
If you're heading to the east side, take the northern route through Hilo. It'll save a lot of time and aggravation.

Or better yet, flog your rental car across the saddle road.

We are going end of May this year, we haven't been there since our honeymoon 11 years ago. Evidently the Saddle Rd. is in much better shape now. Back then they were still working on it, but most of it was a nice one lane road they painted a double no passing line in the middle off and half-assed a half a lane on each side to make it a half-assed 2 lane. Driving it in the dark after driving up Mauna Kea, in the fog, with cockroaches running across my sandaled feet because someone spilled some pineapple chunks in our rental Jeep Liberty is an experience I will always remember. I'm sure the EMS and Fire response time along there is somewhere north of half an hour...AFTER they receive the call when you are in a cell phone dead zone.

The Saddle Road is a nice, very driveable road. I also enjoy the drive South out of Kona to Hilo / VPN. Don't be in a rush and enjoy the views.

quote:

Originally posted by Scuba Steve Sig:

quote:

Originally posted by 2000Z-71:

quote:

Originally posted by Gustofer:
If you're heading to the east side, take the northern route through Hilo. It'll save a lot of time and aggravation.

Or better yet, flog your rental car across the saddle road.

We are going end of May this year, we haven't been there since our honeymoon 11 years ago. Evidently the Saddle Rd. is in much better shape now. Back then they were still working on it, but most of it was a nice one lane road they painted a double no passing line in the middle off and half-assed a half a lane on each side to make it a half-assed 2 lane. Driving it in the dark after driving up Mauna Kea, in the fog, with cockroaches running across my sandaled feet because someone spilled some pineapple chunks in our rental Jeep Liberty is an experience I will always remember. I'm sure the EMS and Fire response time along there is somewhere north of half an hour...AFTER they receive the call when you are in a cell phone dead zone.

Were those the flying "747" roaches, they get kinda big. If on the big island do try snorkeling at the Captain Cook monument, get there by kayak or rubber raft (rentals), just beautiful reef and fish of all kinds, crystal clear water, lots of parrot fish (Uhu)along the reef, but the water gets really deep (deep blue quickly), so it adds to the excitement of snorkeling. If you have prior boating experience you can actually rent a boat from Kona Boat Rentals a bit pricey (but not bad actually if you have a group of 4 or more), you can go up and down the coast, fishing, snorkeling or just sightseeing. http://www.konaboatrentals.com/

If no boating experience they can hook you up with a "captain", but book in advance, I learned the hard way!! If you coming to Hawaii, you gotta enjoy the water!! You'll remember the memories for a long time. Nothing quite like spending a day in or on the water, coming back having a drink or two and pupu's/dinner...ahhh paradise you made it if not for a few special moments.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
XLT is correct, much of the beaches on the B.I. is fairly stark coastline where lava met the sea. So get ready for that.

But, on the upside concerning beaches... in all Hawaii, genuine black sands beaches are only found on the Big Island. And probably the best example is Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. (If you decide to swim there, be very careful as there's some very powerful riptides. Stay close to shore.)

Aware of the coastline, actually one of the reasons I am wanting to go to the "Big Island". Black sand beach is one of my wife's "must do's" so hoping to hit a couple of them.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Ahh, waterfalls... Akaka Falls on the Hamakua Coast. 2 gorgeous waterfalls on one short hike, less than half-a-mile. (While in the area don't miss Waipio Valley Overlook and Onomea Bay.)

On the list, thanks!

quote:

Originally posted by SigM4:
If you’re around Waimea hit up Hawaiian Style Cafe for breakfast/lunch.

The Pu'u O Umi Natural Area Reserve is awesome but you need a 4x4 for sure and be ready to do some hiking. That whole area around Waimea is awesome and not what you expect to find in Hawaii.

I am toying with the idea of upgrading the rental to a 4x4. Not sure if it will be worth it though. My wife and I are 56 and not in the best physical shape so strenuous hiking is not in the plan. Reasonable flat terrain 2-3 miles is doable, not sure if we would really benefit from the area a 4x4 would open up to us.

quote:

Originally posted by kkina:
Are you also planning the drive up Mauna Kea to the astronomy center?

Definitely on the list

quote:

Originally posted by corsair:

I'll add, for first timers, divide the island into thirds: Kona-side from Kona all the way north to Kapaau, the Southern side, everything South of Kona up to Volacano and the Eastern-side everything east of Volcano, to include Hilo all the way north Honokaa. The island is MASSIVE, don't think you can drive around the entire island in a day, just don't.

Check-out all the National Park sites, there's a lot of interesting places and if you're into collecting passport stamps

Spend a night or, two in Volcano and/or Hilo, it's a long drive and there's a lot to see in the park and it's a long drive back or, around. There's a ton of hikes worth doing, right now, I understand there's a number of trails/areas that are closed due to the volcanic activity of the last year, the visitor center will clue you in. Bring a soft-shell/sweater and light rain jacket, you're at elevation and it gets cold, it's a complete weather change compared to when you step off the plane. You will need two wardrobes when visiting.

Best restaurant on Big Island, Merriman's, spendy but worth the splurge.

Best breakfast, hands down Ken's House of Pancakes. Located in Hilo this is THE place where everyone goes and it lives up to being Hawaiian.

Hawaii Tropical Botanical Gardens- Pretty spectacular place, you hike through the jungle environment from on the hillside all the way down to the oceanside. You hit the water and you think you're in a scene from Mutiny on the Bounty.

There's a juice smoothie shack nearby, the name escapes me (i'll edit later) but, it was fantastic. I don't know if it's me but fruit tastes a whole lot better when you're in a humid/jungle environment. Hawaii, particularly the Big Island has a lot of fruit stands and smoothie bars, take advantage, there's an abundance of fruit grown there.

All good info! I will probably get one or two late nights on my own. My wife isn't much of a star gazer, Volcanoes Park definitely on the list. Defniitely not looking for bonsai one-day trip around the island. We have seven full days to spend, so not in any rush.

Food is always a vacation treat. We are not "foodies" though. I like hearty stick to ribs food, not artsy fartsy foo-foo stuff.

Botanical gardens definitely on the list - Flowers are my wife's thing so planning on most of a day there.

quote:

Originally posted by zoom6zoom:
I got my best Astronomy views while doing a night visit to Volcano National Park. If you go, bring a decent flashlight and wear good shoes.

My best cup of coffee ever was sitting on the steps of a roasting shack on a Kona plantation, watching the fog lift over the coffee bushes.

Flashlight, boots, and warm clothing on my list. I've been to the top of Haleakala on Maui a couple of times and know how cold it gets up there.

quote:

Originally posted by flashguy:
I was there in 2008 and took a tour in a Panzgauer 6WD vehicle to some backwoods volcano crater. It was fun, but the road was very bad and anyone with a bad back should not take it. It was on private land. Photos of that trip to Kona: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157608674793760/.

In 2014 I visited the Big Island again and toured around Hilo and Mauna Kea: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631618432853/. A second day took a ride around Kona harbor in a glass-bottom boat and a boat cruise from Kona down to Kealakekua Bay: https://www.flickr.com/photos/...s/72157631628322211/.

Beautiful photos!

I think I cam across that or a similar tours website. It's on my list for further research. Thinking a tour like that might satisfy that terrain desire and nullify the need to rent a 4x4.

quote:

Originally posted by Prefontaine:
I was in Maui a few weeks ago. Best time for the stars for me was 12am - 2am. But I was on the west side so had to wait for the Earth to rotate them into the best view. It was absolutely stunning and no where I’ve been comes close to that view. It was my favorite thing about the trip. Everyone goes to bed early (compared to home) so after 9:30 or 10pm, I had the beach and stars to myself.

We will be on west side as well, hoping to get good shots without having to travers to far. One of my wants is Milky way over the beach with ocean in the foreground.

quote:

Originally posted by TomV:
The Saddle Road is a nice, very driveable road. I also enjoy the drive South out of Kona to Hilo / VPN. Don't be in a rush and enjoy the views.

Good to know. This is definitely a "stop and smell the flowers" trip.

quote:

Originally posted by rpm2010:

If no boating experience they can hook you up with a "captain", but book in advance, I learned the hard way!! If you coming to Hawaii, you gotta enjoy the water!! You'll remember the memories for a long time. Nothing quite like spending a day in or on the water, coming back having a drink or two and pupu's/dinner...ahhh paradise you made it if not for a few special moments.

We always take at least one snorkel trip. I used to dive many years/pounds ago but not current and snorkeling fits the bill. Looking into a Manta Ray swim as well, but my wife gets a bit skittish so we may just check them out from above.



Thanks all for the info! Anything else, please advise. We still have time and I am taking notes on everything and starting to fill in the trip planner.

The Saddle Road that most remember is now the most efficient way from Kona to Hilo. Too bad, now you miss out on Tex Drive-In.