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Hawaii- Big Island


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  • 3 weeks later...
  • 9 months later...

Headed to the Big Island again in two months. Looking for anyone that’s done deep sea fishing there recently. It had fallen off the last several years but wanted to see what experiences people have had lately. 

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  • 1 year later...

I’ve only been once since living out here mainly to see Mauna Loa erupt but would highly recommend Two Step for snorkeling. I’ve snorkeled all of Maui and something about the lava rock and decreased tourist traffic makes the clarity/reef on BI better. Looking to get back for a week or so as I was only there 2 days. 

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  • 3 months later...

Guidebook (Big Island Revealed) strongly recommends renting a 4WD on the Big Island.  We haven't yet nailed down the exact attractions we want to visit (aside from Volcanoes NP and a helicopter tour), so I'm not sure at this point whether 4WD is really necessary.  Was wondering whether those who have visited the Big Island found 4WD to be necessary and/or helpful.

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3 minutes ago, Carl Spackler said:

Guidebook (Big Island Revealed) strongly recommends renting a 4WD on the Big Island.  We haven't yet nailed down the exact attractions we want to visit (aside from Volcanoes NP and a helicopter tour), so I'm not sure at this point whether 4WD is really necessary.  Was wondering whether those who have visited the Big Island found 4WD to be necessary and/or helpful.

I rented a convertible mustang.   It was perfect for us, except when we hit costco with our luggage still in the car.

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8 minutes ago, Carl Spackler said:

Guidebook (Big Island Revealed) strongly recommends renting a 4WD on the Big Island.  We haven't yet nailed down the exact attractions we want to visit (aside from Volcanoes NP and a helicopter tour), so I'm not sure at this point whether 4WD is really necessary.  Was wondering whether those who have visited the Big Island found 4WD to be necessary and/or helpful.

I got a four wheel drive and found is useful for the drive in and out of Waipio Valley. According to the googles, the road that accesses the valley is now closed except to locals. 

I recommend doing Mauna Kea at sunset at the mauna kea visitors center. When I was there in 2010, they would set up telescopes and volunteers would point out the stars with a laser pointer every night. Anyone could drive up and attend. It was a highlight of the trip. It appears that this is only done once a month and reservations are required. Bummer.

https://www.lovebigisland.com/stargazing/
 

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21 minutes ago, Carl Spackler said:

Guidebook (Big Island Revealed) strongly recommends renting a 4WD on the Big Island.  We haven't yet nailed down the exact attractions we want to visit (aside from Volcanoes NP and a helicopter tour), so I'm not sure at this point whether 4WD is really necessary.  Was wondering whether those who have visited the Big Island found 4WD to be necessary and/or helpful.

I wouldn't think 4WD is needed unless you are really gonna get off of the beaten path.  Saddle Road from the Hilo side across to the Kona side (State Route 200) has been much upgraded.  Some rental agencies wouldn't let you drive on that road in the past. 

We also drove a regular rental car up to the top Mauna Kea -- gravel road, but in good shape.  Have fun!

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2 hours ago, DalTxHornFan said:

I wouldn't think 4WD is needed unless you are really gonna get off of the beaten path.  Saddle Road from the Hilo side across to the Kona side (State Route 200) has been much upgraded.  Some rental agencies wouldn't let you drive on that road in the past. 

We also drove a regular rental car up to the top Mauna Kea -- gravel road, but in good shape.  Have fun!

Thanks.  In looking at some websites (including the one GenXer linked), it appears now that only 4WD vehicles are allowed on the portion of the road above the visitors center.  If true, that might be enough to get me to spring the extra $$ for a Jeep.    

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14 minutes ago, Carl Spackler said:

Thanks.  In looking at some websites (including the one GenXer linked), it appears now that only 4WD vehicles are allowed on the portion of the road above the visitors center.  If true, that might be enough to get me to spring the extra $$ for a Jeep.    

Cool.  I misspoke.  We didn't go past the visitors center.

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4 hours ago, DalTxHornFan said:

That's a pro move to hit Costco on the way out of the Kona airport!

Yeah, we had a condo for a week in Waikoloa, so we stocked up on beer, wine, snacks, sandwich stuff, etc. 

We drove all over the island, and we packed a picnic lunch on several mornings. It was great.  

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The Costco stores in Hawaii also have great local fish -- some fresh, some frozen.  We've done the condo route on Big Island, Maui, and Kuai and have always hit the local Costco on arrival for most all of our provisions like that (read: wine) and then do the local farmer's markets daily for fresh produce -- we enjoy cooking, especially on vacation!

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6 hours ago, Carl Spackler said:

Guidebook (Big Island Revealed) strongly recommends renting a 4WD on the Big Island.  We haven't yet nailed down the exact attractions we want to visit (aside from Volcanoes NP and a helicopter tour), so I'm not sure at this point whether 4WD is really necessary.  Was wondering whether those who have visited the Big Island found 4WD to be necessary and/or helpful.

No, it’s not.  Green Sand beach at south point is about the only thing you would need it for, but probably violates rental agreement.  I parked and walked.  My friends caught a ride for free from locals.

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1 minute ago, 6th Street said:

Taking the fam at the end of May for 6 nights. Is it best to set up home base on the West side Kona area for the week? Or do you guys recommend staying a couple of nights on the East side near Volcanos National Park/Hilo? 

I recommend most stays for trip around Waikoloa Beach area north of Kona with maybe one night near Volcano.

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Just now, Neonmoon said:

I will be going to Hilo this year to visit in-laws. Ughhhhhh

I am not being sarcastic. It will suck 

My favorite restaurant on island is “Pineapples,” in downtown Hilo.  “Cafe 100” is a great place for a lunch plate.  Hilo Brewing is there and Kona’s Ola Brew has a satellite location there.   Be sure to see Akaka Falls north of town and the falls right in town to just up hill to the west from downtown.  The botanical garden north of town is great too.  Banyan Drive is worth a visit.  Also head down to Puna to see the recent lava flows and new beaches.  And of course the National Park.   

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Just now, Sundodger said:

My favorite restaurant on island is “Pineapples,” in downtown Hilo.  “Cafe 100” is a great place for a lunch plate.  Hilo Brewing is there and Kona’s Ola Brew has a satellite location there.   Be sure to see Akaka Falls north of town and the falls right in town to just up hill to the west from downtown.  The botanical garden north of town is great too.  Banyan Drive is worth a visit.  Also head down to Puna to see the recent lava flows and new beaches.  And of course the National Park.   

I could do all this stuff and it will not take 5% of the suckage off the trip. (But thanks for recs)

Each trip our there just keeps getting worse 

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20 hours ago, Sundodger said:

Be sure to see Akaka Falls north of town and the falls right in town to just up hill to the west from downtown.  The botanical garden north of town is great too.  Banyan Drive is worth a visit.  Also head down to Puna to see the recent lava flows and new beaches.  And of course the National Park.   

If I was to add Waipi'o Valley to your list and drop the National Park (we're going to devote a full day just to seeing the Park), would it all be do-able in one day?  (We'd be based out of Hilo in this particular instance.)

Edited by Carl Spackler
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20 hours ago, Sundodger said:

I recommend most stays for trip around Waikoloa Beach area north of Kona with maybe one night near Volcano.

A night in Volcano makes sense. If you dont - you have to cut a lot of time in the Park if you try to make it a day trip from Kona.

lots of good BnB options in Volcano (in the jungle).. no hotels really to speak of though (at least 10 years ago, that is)

Edited by yoladu
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oh, we didnt stay in Hilo, just kind of did a drive by (helicopter was out of Hilo), but I thought it looked pretty interesting -  a totally different Hawaiian vibe than what you get on the Kona side.

More locals, interesting architecture, different landscape altogether, no long sandy beaches, and wet.

did i say wet? really wet.

Edited by yoladu
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2 hours ago, yoladu said:

oh, we didnt stay in Hilo, just kind of did a drive by (helicopter was out of Hilo), but I thought it looked pretty interesting -  a totally different Hawaiian vibe than what you get on the Kona side.

More locals, interesting architecture, different landscape altogether, no long sandy beaches, and wet.

did i say wet? really wet.

I found it to be a bit of a shithole.   

Rainbow falls is OK I guess.

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7 hours ago, Carl Spackler said:

If I was to add Waipi'o Valley to your list and drop the National Park (we're going to devote a full day just to seeing the Park), would it all be do-able in one day?  (We'd be based out of Hilo in this particular instance.)

Yes, it’s possible but you could easily skip Puna if need be.  I’ve only been to the rim at Waipi’o Valley, so don’t know much of the time investment involved venturing down.  

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13 hours ago, Gil Bang said:

I found it to be a bit of a shithole.   

Rainbow falls is OK I guess.

Hilo is a bit gritty, but I think in a good way.  Not so shiny and touristy, and decidedly more Asian than the Kona side of the island.

My wife drug me kicking and screaming to the botanical garden.  I ended up really enjoying it.

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On 1/23/2024 at 8:01 AM, DalTxHornFan said:

Hilo is a bit gritty, but I think in a good way.  Not so shiny and touristy, and decidedly more Asian than the Kona side of the island.

My wife drug me kicking and screaming to the botanical garden.  I ended up really enjoying it.

I really liked the farmers market in Hilo with fresh fruit and avocados that are the size of butternut squash.

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When doing Volcano NP google friends of the park. They do guided tours. It was well worth it for the wife and I. They are volunteers and the money goes to the park so bring cash to tip the guide. I recommend a hiking stick too. First thing our guide did was look at our footwear for what hike was appropriate.

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  • 10 months later...

Flying out on the 11th. Got a place in Honolulu since it’s close to work. Going to spend time much more time in nature again for the first time in a good long while. Looking forward to being able to travel to South Pacific countries like The Solomons and Palau. It was not feasible to do so living in NYC because of the amount of time it took to get there.

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19 hours ago, Gil Bang said:

you may be surprised to find out that Honolulu isn't on the "Big Island".  

OTOH, you might get to meet Rocko. 

I am aware of which one is the big island. I just didn’t feel like creating a whole new thread and used this one instead. I was just out there the first 10 days of November to find an apartment. I’d rather be on the actual Big Island, but the job and convenience of travel to other destinations is on Oahu. My next move will be as far into the South Pacific as I can get. For now though Hawaii is good by me.

I can’t even recall the last time I read about Rocko. Whatever happened to him?

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  • 3 weeks later...

Working on 1 1/2 maybe 2 weeks in Hawaii in June.  Thinking of Big Island, Oahu (although it sounds like a hassle) and maybe/maybe not adding in Molokai?

 

Traveled to many places all over the world but feeling a little lost.  Don't need to do super touristy stuff but am big on nature and beaches, hiking, etc.  don't really need glitz and trying to get my wife maybe used to Hawaii being more laid back than what she might like... like I'm definitely NOT booking some luxury resort.  Not happening.  Ideas?  This will not be a luxury trip.

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13 minutes ago, texasdago said:

Working on 1 1/2 maybe 2 weeks in Hawaii in June.  Thinking of Big Island, Oahu (although it sounds like a hassle) and maybe/maybe not adding in Molokai?

 

Traveled to many places all over the world but feeling a little lost.  Don't need to do super touristy stuff but am big on nature and beaches, hiking, etc.  don't really need glitz and trying to get my wife maybe used to Hawaii being more laid back than what she might like... like I'm definitely NOT booking some luxury resort.  Not happening.  Ideas?  This will not be a luxury trip.

 

We will be going to the the Big Island in March... will be staying in Volcano for the first half the trip and Kona the second. Plans are for two days of hiking in the national park. We've booked a trip to the Mauna Kea summit that includes a star party (full day event). Lots of things to see on the road from Hilo to Kona. We thought about the manta-ray-night snorkeling, but decided against. We will do a whale watching boat tour. Kilauea is currently erupting so I have hopes that we will see an active volcano but also hoping for no evacuations.

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Was doing some more digging last night. Molokai really looks like it would be a little rustic but pretty stunning nature wise.  So now I'm just trying to figure out if I fly in and out of Oahu and stick the big island in the middle or stick Molokai in the middle. If we do Oahu essentially twice, we may stay in two different parts of the island

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In 2010 we drove up to mauna kea before sunset and several amateur astronomers would set up about 10 telescopes at the visitors ststion below the summit. Once it got dark, one of them would use a laser pointer and describe the constellations and stars. Then, you’d go look through the telescopes at the constellations.

It was free and it was fantastic. We went ip there two separate nights.

There’s been protesting on mauna kea since then so I’m not sure if the amateur thing is still done. Maybe the star party mentioned upthread has replaced it. Regardless, I recommend seeing the stars on mauna kea. There’s only two other places on the planet that have that clear view: Chile and Antarctica. But they show the southern sky. 

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1 hour ago, GenXer said:

There’s been protesting on mauna kea since then so I’m not sure if the amateur thing is still done. Maybe the star party mentioned upthread has replaced it. Regardless, I recommend seeing the stars on mauna kea.  

Think it's a reservation-only thing now that is held on certain dates.  https://hilo.hawaii.edu/maunakea/kuene/stargazing.php

The wife and I went up to Mauna Kea this past May during daylight hours, and we both agreed it was definitely worth it.  Doing a nightime stargazing trip would be an awesome experience.

Definitely try to acclimate at the visitors center before attempting to drive up to the summit.  I've hiked and backpacked at high elevation on numerous occasions in the past with no effects, but going up to Mauna Kea summit sure gave me the dizzies, and that was after spending 1-2 hours down at the visitors center.  

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On 12/26/2024 at 2:17 PM, Woland said:

 

We will be going to the the Big Island in March... will be staying in Volcano for the first half the trip and Kona the second. Plans are for two days of hiking in the national park. We've booked a trip to the Mauna Kea summit that includes a star party (full day event). Lots of things to see on the road from Hilo to Kona. We thought about the manta-ray-night snorkeling, but decided against. We will do a whale watching boat tour. Kilauea is currently erupting so I have hopes that we will see an active volcano but also hoping for no evacuations.

We did the manta-ray-night thing a few years ago and it was the most incredible experience of the whole trip.  I've been on more than a dozen whale watches in my life - I very much enjoy a good whale watch - but i'd do the manta ray thing over a whale watch 10 out of 10 times.  FWIW

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On 12/27/2024 at 11:25 AM, texasdago said:

Was doing some more digging last night. Molokai really looks like it would be a little rustic but pretty stunning nature wise.  So now I'm just trying to figure out if I fly in and out of Oahu and stick the big island in the middle or stick Molokai in the middle. If we do Oahu essentially twice, we may stay in two different parts of the island


I did Oahu and Big Island with in laws a few years ago. Maybe I did it wrong, but Oahu wasn’t really for me (outside of one awesome day hanging out in Waimea Bay). Big Island was awesome. I would have liked to have paired it with a different island for the more beachy/chill part of the trip.

We flew from NYC to Honolulu and then immediately got on a 15 minute flight to big island. Very easy.

 

On 12/26/2024 at 2:53 PM, texasdago said:

Working on 1 1/2 maybe 2 weeks in Hawaii in June.  Thinking of Big Island, Oahu (although it sounds like a hassle) and maybe/maybe not adding in Molokai?

 

Traveled to many places all over the world but feeling a little lost.  Don't need to do super touristy stuff but am big on nature and beaches, hiking, etc.  don't really need glitz and trying to get my wife maybe used to Hawaii being more laid back than what she might like... like I'm definitely NOT booking some luxury resort.  Not happening.  Ideas?  This will not be a luxury trip.

In Oahu we stayed at a four seasons in Ko Olina. It was beautiful but just a little too suburban family vacation for my personal taste. 

In Big Island, we shared a rented house I think was pretty reasonable.

Rented a 4WD truck through Turo and drove to the top of Mauna Kea at sunset. That was awesome. Thought I was going to run out of gas going down that mountain in first gear.

Did a cliff jump into the ocean at the southern most point on the island. Terrific

Then used the truck to get to Waipi’o Black Sand Beach, which was also fun.

Walked around the volcano national park, which was just ok. Then did a helicopter tour that went over the volcano, and that was much cooler from a visual perspective. There were some more challenging hikes on my list I just didn’t have time to do.

Did the night manta ray thing with the fam. It was pretty cool.

Lot’s of good ceviche/poke etc at stands along the side of the road.

Edited by Reynolds Woodcock
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So I went ahead and booked a ticket flying into Honolulu and flying out of Kona. Right now I'm trying to figure out how much time we'll spend in Oahu with more time on the coast if possible. Leaning towards time on the east side of the island. 

If there's one thing I'm noticing about Hawaii is the absurd hotel and condo prices. I mean, seriously, you see one price and then you see the final price. With all the taxes and fees and garbage added on top. The first price is already overpriced and then it gets worse. Makes me reconsider a future trip to Switzerland.

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