"The Big Island Experience!" Hawaii (Big Island) by GracesTrips

Hawaii (Big Island) Travel Guide: 1,846 reviews and 4,392 photos

Kilauea Volcano Lava Flow

I had already been to Kauai, Oahu and Maui. So, the Big Island, Hawaii, was the next one to see in September 2010. Being the youngest of the Hawaiian Islands, it was quite visible to see the land has not eroded much and lava rocks are ALL OVER! The terrain is not pretty (except for the Waimea and Hilo sides of the island) and dry for the most part during our visit. But, what an experience. The highlight for me was seeing the lava flows up close, see my tip posted in Off the Beaten Path and check out my travelogue for more photos.

The Big Island Experience! - Hawaii (Big Island)

We also enjoyed the snorkeling. We went to a few various snorkeling areas and have to say City of Refuge was the best. Lots and lots of coral heads and if you go early enough in the morning, the spinner dolphins are close to the bay. I was surprised not to find sandy beaches. But we did manage to find a beautiful beach to hang out at the Mauna Kea Resort.

Our visit in September turned out to not be the high season and found our choices for restaurants very limited during the week in the Kailua-Kona area where we mainly stayed. We did manage to find a few great places so make sure to check out my restaurant tips.

We did go to the Hilo side of the island where it is more lush and tropical as you would expect when visiting Hawaii. However, Hilo doesn't have as much to offer vacationers as the Kailua-Kona side of the island. Over all, we had a good trip and I feel a sense of completion to my visit to the Hawaiian Islands.

Last visit to Hawaii (Big Island): Sep 2010
Intro Updated Apr 7, 2013
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Reviews (41)

Driving to Mauna Kea from Kona - Hawaii (Big Island)

Road Trip Things to Do (6)

This is a BIG island! So, inevitably, you will be driving a lot. The towns are spread out and you should consider... more travel advice

Visit North Kohala - Hawaii (Big Island)

Visit North Kohala Off The Beaten Path (4)

On the northern side of the island, it can easily be missed. It is not off the main highway. From HWY 19 approaching... more travel advice

Nice Shopping Center on Kona Side - Hawaii (Big Island)

Nice Shopping Center on Kona Side Shopping (4)

This is an upscale shopping center with some very nice stores and art galleries. There are two shoppings centers, one is... more travel advice

Waikoloa Beach Area Things to Do (6)

We had reservations for dinner at the Brown's Beach House located at the Fairmont Resort in the Waikoloa Village area.... more travel advice

Restaurants (15)
See All Fish & Chips, Local Fish!
Hotels (3)
See All Boo hoo bucks to stay here!
Sports & Outdoors (3)
See All One of a few Sandy Beaches on the Big...

Travelogues (5)

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Comments (3)

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Stine620 Jul 18, 2012 at 5:20 AM

Wow, ur pictures are really good!
you did just do that I wanted to go to Hawaii too!(sorry for the bad english)
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travelgourmet Dec 16, 2010 at 2:21 PM

Aloha Grace, Great dining on the Big Island from the Coffee Shack to the Fairmont Orchid's Brown's Beach House but hard to turn down the great Malasadas. I have a L&L near my hometown for Malasdas I devour about once a month. Ono! Larry
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Toshioohsako Oct 5, 2010 at 10:42 AM

Fantastic volcano photos, Grace. I only know Oafu where I lived for a year almost 30 years ago. I want to visit other islands, too sometime.