"Big Island Adventure" Hawaii (Big Island) by M0B1US

Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Guide: 2,108 reviews and 4,045 photos

Highlights

After O'ahu we flew out to Maui for a few days and then onto the Big Island, before returning back to O'ahu for a few days...

A true adventure destination, where snow capped peaks stand guard over lush tropical rainforests and magical waterfalls, which in turn cascade down on to pristine beaches with crystal clear waters teeming with life. You can swim, hike, climb, ride, fish, fly, or just relax – The Big Island has something for everyone…

Did I say the island of Hawai’i does things BIG? Mauna Loa is the World’s biggest mountain and the Big Island is larger than all the other islands put together! Some of the World’s largest Marlin have been caught off the coast of Kona weighing in at 1400+ lbs, The Mauna Loa Macademia Nut farm is the World’s largest, The Parker Ranch is the Nation’s largest private property taking up 10% of the island, Hilo is the US’s wettest city and South Point is the US’s southernmost point…

Volcano National Park is probably the main draw, with the Kailua-Kona strip, Hilo and the lush Kohala Peninsula also major attractions. The Big Island also has a rich history, it is here that King Kamehameha I was born and died – it is also here that Captain Cook met his untimely end over the matter of a stolen boat…

Quick Tips/Suggestions

Whilst it’s possible to spend your whole holiday in the vast and perfectly manicured grounds of the Hilton Waikoloa, it would be such a terrible waste to make it all this way without seeing the amazing sights the Big Island has to offer, the best way is with a car, but be warned – the other side of the island is half a day a way and a whole world apart!

Probably the best way to ‘do’ the island is by spending a few days in different locations around the island. Even if it’s just staying in Kona and Hilo, you will be breaking up you travelling distances. It is even possible to stay at the lodge in the Volcano National Park and the Manago Hotel in Captain Cook seems consistently well recommended!

A great resource is the ‘The Big Island Visitors Bureau’, which you can use to plan your holidays. They also give out "Hawaii's Big Island Driving Tour" which you can get if you call them (808) 329-7787. It's a step by step around the island driving tour.

Best Way to Get Around

See? I DID see some turtles!

If you want to do the island justice, you must hire a car! Although it’s “only an island”, we managed to clock up over 1,000 miles in under two weeks! If you can, get a 4x4 jeep, it’s an awesome way to travel.

Just remember that the weather can turn quickly – we’d taken the doors off and were only wearing shorts and t-shirts when we had to brave a one and a half hour night time journey in a cold and fine rain (the type that utterly drenches you!)…
Also, if you hire a car and are intending to tackle the saddle road between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea, or visit the observatory – make sure the rental firm will allow you on the policy!

Lastly, if you have the cash to splash – this is one of those special places where a helicopter tour is well worth the outlay!

Pros and Cons

Pros:Stunning natural scenery, Amazing variety
Cons:Expensive, far away

Last visit to Hawaii (Big Island): Apr 2002
Intro Updated Jun 15, 2004
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Reviews (18)

On the waterfront with Moku'aikaua Church - Hawaii (Big Island)

Kailua-Kona Things to Do (6)

Kailua-Kona is the hub of Big Island's western tourist strip, and athough heavily touristy there are a number of vivid... more travel advice

Read the sign - pay attention! - Hawaii (Big Island)

Volcanic Fumes (VOG) Warnings Or Dangers (2)

Kilauea National Park is situated in an active volcanic zone. As well as the obvious dangers of lava and treacherous... more travel advice

A 'Cottage' Industry! - Hawaii (Big Island)

Kona Coffee is not what it seems -... Tourist Traps (1)

When you buy coffee marked 'Kona', you expect to get Kona coffee. Wrong! Any bags sporting the word 'blend' (and most... more travel advice

Time for a good roasting! - Hawaii (Big Island)

Gourmet Hawai'i Kona Coffee Shopping (1)

These guys are friends of our host Mike and we were able to go along for a visit and to buy some of their famous Kona... more travel advice

Travelogues (5)

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Comments (12)

chewy3326 Jan 31, 2006 at 8:21 PM Report Abuse

Hawaii looks like such a beautiful place, I hope to visit someday.
morgane1692 Apr 2, 2005 at 5:51 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for the great Kona coffee farm tip...and I'll try not to fall into the touristy traps when I'm staying in Kailua-Kona...!
KiNyA Sep 6, 2004 at 7:35 AM Report Abuse

Fantastic page, I really enjoyed this place...
tpangelinan Jun 3, 2004 at 6:01 PM Report Abuse

Great page! Sounds like soo much fun! Wonderful photos and very helpful information! :o)
radz Apr 25, 2004 at 1:57 AM Report Abuse

Happy birthday.Great PAGE,wonderful pic on travalogue.
2rs Jan 15, 2004 at 6:36 PM Report Abuse

Great informative pages.
Wolverine_13 Jan 15, 2004 at 6:12 PM Report Abuse

Wow!! Amazing pics and tips!! Bugs suck! Slainte!
KaiM Jan 15, 2004 at 5:54 AM Report Abuse

A dream destination. Great page!
TropicGirl77 Jul 8, 2003 at 4:37 AM Report Abuse

This is an excellent page ... I especially loved the travelogue.
phil_uk_net Nov 7, 2002 at 10:48 AM Report Abuse

Nicely written page and great travelogue pics. It's a long way from the valleys :)