"The Big Island" Hawaii (Big Island) by keida84

Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Guide: 2,109 reviews and 4,064 photos

Devastation Trail 2006

Take me back to my little grass shack.............

Aloha and Mahalo (Thank you) for stopping by my Big Island of Hawai'i page.

In 2006 we stayed at the ResortQuest Colony Villas up in Waikoloa on the South Kohala coast of the Big Island. This is a short drive from the airport but it is worth it as we escaped the noise and crowds in the Kailua-Kona area.

The opening picture you see is the Devastation trail in Hawaii''s Volcano National Park. Kilauea crater erupted in 1959 (the year I was born) and devastated this region. This photo taken by me in August of 2006 shows the return of foliage to the area 47 years after the last eruption. The following picture also taken by me in 1988 shows the devastation trail 30 years after the last eruption. click on picture #2 and you should get a fairly good side by side comparrison of the Devastation Trail Sorry the second photo is a bit washed out.

The Big Island is 300 miles circumfrentially--about the size of the state of Conneticut.

So much to see and do

Devastation Trail 1988

We covered just about every place we wanted to see as well as experience. I laughed because we literally ate our way through the Big Island of Hawai'i. This is something I would not have done on my own but I found it enjoyable nonetheless. It is great to go to places with first timers and see the Islands through different eyes. Always something new and exciting to see.

Petroglyphs

Ancient Hawaiian petroglyph

Pros and Cons

Cons:Over Development just like the other islands
In a nutshell:New land is born everyday

Last visit to Hawaii (Big Island): Jul 2006
Intro Updated Aug 20, 2006
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Reviews (20)

Hawaiian chocolate & kona coffee crepe - Hawaii (Big Island)

Chocolate Hawaiian Style Things to Do (9)

When we took our trip to the Big Island it was Kris' 1st time there. I naturally deferred to what she wanted to do. She... more travel advice

Volcano Winery...yes it is true! Off The Beaten Path (4)

Blink and you will miss it! Driving back from the volcano viewing Kris wanted to stop and check out the Volcano Winery... more travel advice

Man on horse with shining sun petroglyph - Hawaii (Big Island)

Ancient Petroglyphs Off The Beaten Path (4)

Up in Waikoloa area just next to the King's Shops lies an open field of lava rocks and the "Kings Trail" or the... more travel advice

Captain Cook Memorial - Hawaii (Big Island)

Fair Wind and Fair Seas Things to Do (9)

Snorkeling is what I enjoy doing when visiting the Hawaiian Islands. I was looking at the different local cruise... more travel advice

Travelogues (2)

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Comments (32)

feag May 28, 2009 at 8:27 AM Report Abuse

due to go this sept - i will look through all your pages asap! thanks any advice on flying united airlines we going from london via LA :)
hopang Mar 25, 2009 at 2:28 AM Report Abuse

Superb Hawaii page with terrific tips especially on Volcanoes National Park. Thanks for sharing. We hope we will able to visit Hawaii one day! ~ho & pang
junecorlett Feb 4, 2009 at 9:04 AM Report Abuse

Nice tip, thanks
807Wheaton Jun 7, 2007 at 11:44 AM Report Abuse

Thanx for the hotel tips. The Royal Kona has pretty much the same reviews at tripadvisor.com. The Villas sound much better. Best Wishes ~ Marcia
Jenniflower Apr 23, 2007 at 10:18 AM Report Abuse

I can see why you recommended Hawaii to us! Would love to experience the black beaches, volcanoes etc. Really sounds like our kinda place Kat! :)
cnango Apr 21, 2007 at 10:30 AM Report Abuse

Your information packed,well researched tips have taught me a lot.Gr8 coral rock message as well. I'm getting into the Hawaiian spirit : )
Hexepatty Apr 9, 2007 at 7:41 PM Report Abuse

Ellielou gave me this tip: Mark Bittman's "How to Cook Everything" I googled it; seems pretty good. I have about 7 vegetarian cookbooks that I like. I'm guessing Farmer won't dig 'em.
deecat Feb 27, 2007 at 4:01 PM Report Abuse

What a horrid experience at the one resort! This is quite a wonderful page with tons of valuable information, insights, descriptions, and warnings. Thanks for such dedication to detail. Appreciated, indeed.
Dabs Aug 20, 2006 at 8:55 AM Report Abuse

Ha, ha, that rocks story reminds me of the Brady Bunch episode where they take the idol from the burial grounds ;-) Looks like you had an excellent vacation!!!!
tini58de Aug 15, 2006 at 4:42 AM Report Abuse

Excellent page! While my collegue is actually there at the moment, I decided to take a virtual tour - thanks for showing me around!