Topic Wiki

List of TR's:
JewJitSew, Something Fishy, Cbs, MendyP, PBaruch, mechayamom, 3yummyboys, PBaruch, shulem92, Yehoshua, CGR

Kosher Food/ Restaurants:

Synagogue:

Things to Do:
Lava (find out in advance what the best way is to see the lava):
  • Helicopter
  • Hike/Bike
    • Surface flow - depending on the conditions, it might be possible to hike to surface flow.  Inquire with Kalapana Cultural Tours.
    • Ocean entry - At the present time, there are three ways to access the area where lava is flowing into the ocean: (i) walk the approximately 10 miles round trip over the county emergency access road from Kalapana (you can also walk over the road from the National Park side as well) - UPDATE - you are now restricted to .5 miles from the surface flow due to dumb tourists putting themselves in danger and almost getting killed. As a result, viewing ocean entry from land is not as enjoyable as it used to be; (ii) rent a bicycle from one of several companies and ride to the ocean entry; or (iii) pay for Kalapana Cultural Tours (www.kalapanaculturaltours.com) to drive you most of the way and then hike or bike the remaining approximately 1.8 miles each way. 
  • Boat

Caves/lava tubes
  • Thurston Lava Tube (parking now restricted to 30 minutes)
  • Kaumana
  • ranger-led to?
  • Cave 3
  • Kazamura Caves http://kazumuracave.com/

Mountains
  • CAUTION: after SCUBA diving, wait 24 hours before going up the mountains
  • Mauna Loa
    • Mauna Loa Observatory - if this interests you, contact MLO to arrange tour; they'll ask, "you know we don't do astronomy, right?"; will give you code to gate; one-lane, seriously winding and undulating road
    • ways to summit:
      • day hike from parking lot just before MLO gate
      • minimum 3-5 day hike from Mauna Loa Access Road
  • Mauna Kea
    • visitor center for telescopes in evening
    • to do at summit
      • view sunset
      • Keck Observatory
      • Lake Waiau
      • adz quarry

Waterfalls

Historical/museums

Beaches
  • Waipio
  • Kalapana/Kaimu - black sand; 10(?) minute walk over lava rock
  • Punalu'u - black sand; good place to see turtles (I once saw 4)
  • Papakolea/Mahana/Green sand beach - there is a local family that shuttles folks from the parking area to the beach for a nominal fee.  Private tours can also be arranged to the beach and surrounding area.
  • Hapuna - has been rated #1 in US, top 10 international

Snorkeling

Snuba (ages 8+)
  • from shore
    • Snuba Doo available (ages 4-7)
  • Fair Wind snorkel trip to Kealakekua Bay
    • no Snuba Doo
    • may allow <8 if child has done Snuba Doo

SCUBA

Swimming with dolphins

Coffee Farm Tours

NPS sites
  • If you plan on going to more than one NPS site in your time in Hawaii, it probably makes sense to get a Hawaii Tri-Parks Pass, which costs $30 per year for all three parks that collect fees (HAVO,HALE,PUHO), instead of up to $25 for a few days for one park.
  • Hawaii Volcanoes NP (HVNP) (ALL BUT KAHUKU UNIT IS CLOSED FOR NOW)
    • Jaggar Museum/Halemaumau overlook
    • Thurston lava tube (Definitely do the dark end if open, but has been closed for years.)
    • Chain of Craters Rd. to Holei sea arch
    • Kahuku (only weekendsEXPANDED HOURS FOR NOW)
    • Easy hikes:  Sulphur Banks, Devastation Trail, Pu'u Loa Petroglyphs
  • Pu'uhonua o Honaunau NHP
  • Kaloko Honokohau NHP
  • Pu'ukohola Heiau NHS (heiau means temple)

Botanic Gardens
  • Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden htbg.com

Miscellany
  • Lava Tree State Monument CLOSED
  • Ahalanui (covered by lava, July 2018)
  • Seahorse Farm (great place for kids)- http://seahorse.com/
  • Cape Kumukahi Lighthouse - you can see where the lava came right up to the fence surrounding the lighthouse
  • South Point
  • Atlantis submarine
  • Hilo farmers market, Wednesdays (and Saturdays)
  • Pololu
  • Pana'ewa Rainforest Zoo
  • Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Visitor Center - skippable; more expensive than Walmart; Rabbi Chazanow, previously of the BI has said that nuts without any chocolate/dairy are PAREVE, including Dry Roasted and Honey Roasted, even when bearing the OU-D

Hotels:
  • Kohala
  • Kona
  • Volcano
  • Hilo

Getting Around:
  • rent a car
    • Harpers - only rental car company that allows you to drive anywhere on the island
  • Bus
  • tours
  • bike
  • hike

Notes:
« Last edited by cgr on February 24, 2022, 09:16:15 PM »

Author Topic: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread  (Read 283044 times)

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #100 on: October 29, 2013, 02:22:32 PM »
We booked something from VRBO
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline PBaruch

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2269
  • Total likes: 296
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: HutzNPlutz
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #101 on: October 29, 2013, 02:23:28 PM »
And I couldn't disagree more.  Unless you have no interest in any of those things I mentioned which all actually do require 4WD.

And if you're not interested in those things pretty much any car can make it up Mauna Kea.  Though the government would prefer you use 4WD up MK so that you don't ruin their road.

Other people disagree.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080627122715AA7DXms
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #102 on: October 29, 2013, 02:34:37 PM »
Other people disagree.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080627122715AA7DXms
I did it myself. 
And Hawaii Revealed has the same advice.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8707
  • Total likes: 6069
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #103 on: October 29, 2013, 03:07:42 PM »
As I understand it, until the visitors center a regular car is fine for sure, and past it a 4WD is recommend but not technically necessary.

Also remember that during the winter months it's quite common to have quite a bit of snow up there, so a 4WD would definitely be a good idea then.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #104 on: October 29, 2013, 03:10:48 PM »
As I understand it, until the visitors center a regular car is fine for sure, and past it a 4WD is recommend but not technically necessary.

Also remember that during the winter months it's quite common to have quite a bit of snow up there, so a 4WD would definitely be a good idea then.
I was there in January 2009.  There was snow on the side of the road but not on the road.
The road was a bit washboardy though I'm not sure a 4WD would have solved that.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline yos9694

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1903
  • Total likes: 899
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #105 on: October 30, 2013, 01:04:29 PM »
I'd say exactly the opposite.

I drove up Mauna Kea in a mustang without any issues.
But if you want to drive the road to the ocean, drive into waipio valley, drive to hidden volcanically heater waler holes, drive to green sands beach, etc, etc you need 4WD.

Hawaii Revealed no longer tells you how to get to the hidden volcanic hot springs, because of trespassing issues. Other previously published items are redacted/omitted (in Big Island and Oahu books) for similar CYA reasons.

I guess I could try to get the older editions too and cross reference, but it seems like too much trouble.

Offline Cbs

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 4466
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: HHonors Gold, Delta Diamond Medallion, AA Platinum Pro
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #106 on: October 30, 2013, 01:49:47 PM »
I personally wouldnt feel comfortable driving up to moana kea without a 4WD but its doable with anything, just be careful and go slow on way up and if u wait till sunset which is BEAUTIFUL, then itll be dark on way down so take it easy.

Thanks :-)
Any cheap hotels in Hilo?
I got on priceline a motel .

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #107 on: October 30, 2013, 03:17:29 PM »
Hawaii Revealed no longer tells you how to get to the hidden volcanic hot springs, because of trespassing issues. Other previously published items are redacted/omitted (in Big Island and Oahu books) for similar CYA reasons.

I guess I could try to get the older editions too and cross reference, but it seems like too much trouble.
Interesting.
Well worth it at any rate, was one of the highlights.
I can scan it if people want.

I personally wouldnt feel comfortable driving up to moana kea without a 4WD but its doable with anything, just be careful and go slow on way up and if u wait till sunset which is BEAUTIFUL, then itll be dark on way down so take it easy.
I got on priceline a motel .
We waited for sunset, which was the most beautiful I've seen in my life, and drove down right after while it was still light out.
Then watched the amazing constellation show at the visitors center halfway down. After that it's paved.
I don't think I even touched my gas pedal from the top of Mauna Kea until the end of saddle road in Hilo which is hours of driving.
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline yos9694

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1903
  • Total likes: 899
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #108 on: October 30, 2013, 04:32:37 PM »
Interesting.
Well worth it at any rate, was one of the highlights.
I can scan it if people want.

Want! That would be awesome if you could get a chance. Thanks.

The guidebook I have just mentions one champagne pond but basically discourages you from going there.

Offline Cbs

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 4466
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: HHonors Gold, Delta Diamond Medallion, AA Platinum Pro
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #109 on: October 30, 2013, 04:48:22 PM »
Interesting.
Well worth it at any rate, was one of the highlights.
I can scan it if people want.
We waited for sunset, which was the most beautiful I've seen in my life, and drove down right after while it was still light out.
Then watched the amazing constellation show at the visitors center halfway down. After that it's paved.
I don't think I even touched my gas pedal from the top of Mauna Kea until the end of saddle road in Hilo which is hours of driving.
+1

bring a coat cuz its FREEZING up there.

Offline Bostener

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 1502
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NYC
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #110 on: November 01, 2013, 02:08:46 AM »
You can, but better to hope they forget it and give you $200 for that.

I got $50 off of next united flight for 10 week old food on business Europe to JFK.
Airlines sending me "We're in this together" emails.

Bruh, where were you when my suitcase weighed it 51.50 pounds?

Offline moto

  • Dansdeals Platinum Elite + Lifetime Gold Elite
  • ******
  • Join Date: Jan 2012
  • Posts: 952
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 5
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #111 on: November 03, 2013, 06:59:11 PM »
Looking to stay one night in Hilo anyone know of a cheap hotel/motel/house I can rent for 5ppl thanks

Offline yos9694

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1903
  • Total likes: 899
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #112 on: December 06, 2013, 01:56:20 PM »
Just did the drive to the top of MK with a Jeep and I totally agree that there was absolutely no need for a Jeep to get up there. In fact, going up on the unpaved portion I experienced lots of fishtailing because of the low traction and would have probably been better off in 2WD mode.

Other than that, we came to see the volcano. Sadly, there was no lava entering the ocean occurring and also high SO2 conditions limiting access to much of the park. But it was a true highlight to stay in the Volcano House. If you can afford to spend the exorbitant rack rate of $330 per night to get a crater facing room, do it. Watching the glowing crater is mesmerizing (in the same way watching a fish tank is) and to be able to watch it lying in your hotel bed is uniquely fantastic.

Kona coffee is not that fantastic. I've bought better from French Press (in Lakewood) and from Gevalia's Limited Editions at lower prices.

Offline MLM

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jul 2010
  • Posts: 1206
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Location: NY
  • Programs: AA LT PLAT, UA LT PP, FPC LT PLAT, HH DIAMOND,
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #113 on: December 07, 2013, 09:02:32 PM »
Just did the drive to the top of MK with a Jeep and I totally agree that there was absolutely no need for a Jeep to get up there. In fact, going up on the unpaved portion I experienced lots of fishtailing because of the low traction and would have probably been better off in 2WD mode.

Other than that, we came to see the volcano. Sadly, there was no lava entering the ocean occurring and also high SO2 conditions limiting access to much of the park. But it was a true highlight to stay in the Volcano House. If you can afford to spend the exorbitant rack rate of $330 per night to get a crater facing room, do it. Watching the glowing crater is mesmerizing (in the same way watching a fish tank is) and to be able to watch it lying in your hotel bed is uniquely fantastic.

Kona coffee is not that fantastic. I've bought better from French Press (in Lakewood) and from Gevalia's Limited Editions at lower prices.

Is stayed at Volcano House also, it felt cool to be in the same place that Mark Twain stayed.

Offline yos9694

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1903
  • Total likes: 899
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #114 on: December 09, 2013, 01:05:46 PM »
Is stayed at Volcano House also, it felt cool to be in the same place that Mark Twain stayed.

er.. didn't it burn down in between you and him and get relocated?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Volcano_House#The_modern_hotel

Offline PBaruch

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2269
  • Total likes: 296
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: HutzNPlutz
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #115 on: December 09, 2013, 01:07:54 PM »
Is stayed at Volcano House also, it felt cool to be in the same place that Mark Twain stayed.

I'm sure Volcano House is nice but personally I wouldn't splurge on it.  I stay at a lodge in Volcano Village (160ish per night for 2 bedrooms) and spend my $ going to the lava lake and other general lava viewing activities.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67598
  • Total likes: 16909
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 16442
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: CLE
  • Programs: UA GS, AA EXP, DL Dirt, Hyatt Glob, Fairmont Lifetime Plat, DD Diamond, Blocked By @NeriaKraus
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #116 on: December 09, 2013, 01:17:25 PM »
Lots of amazing places to stay on VRBO
Save your time, I don't answer PM. Post it in the forum and a dedicated DDF'er will get back to you as soon as possible.

Offline yos9694

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1903
  • Total likes: 899
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #117 on: December 10, 2013, 04:10:04 PM »
I'm sure Volcano House is nice but personally I wouldn't splurge on it.  I stay at a lodge in Volcano Village (160ish per night for 2 bedrooms) and spend my $ going to the lava lake and other general lava viewing activities.

You're probably right but I'm glad I didn't. There was no lava entering the ocean when I was there, and not much to see in terms of surface flow either (some town near Hilo is currently in danger of being destroyed by lava and they are letting a certain number of people come view from a distance each day, but that was it). The hike to Pu'u O'o was not feasible for me. If I hadn't done Volcano House I would have been left with nothing.

Obviously, I have to go back when the lava show returns.

Offline PBaruch

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2013
  • Posts: 2269
  • Total likes: 296
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
    • View Profile
  • Location: HutzNPlutz
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #118 on: December 10, 2013, 04:12:39 PM »
You're probably right but I'm glad I didn't. There was no lava entering the ocean when I was there, and not much to see in terms of surface flow either (some town near Hilo is currently in danger of being destroyed by lava and they are letting a certain number of people come view from a distance each day, but that was it). The hike to Pu'u O'o was not feasible for me. If I hadn't done Volcano House I would have been left with nothing.

Obviously, I have to go back when the lava show returns.

My friend - you have so much to learn.  PM me for more info.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline yos9694

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 1903
  • Total likes: 899
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 6
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #119 on: December 10, 2013, 04:26:49 PM »
My friend - you have so much to learn.  PM me for more info.

You already shared a lot of info with me previously, and I hope I thanked you. But if nothing was happening, then nothing was happening, right? I can't make the lava perform, can I?