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 283085 times)

Offline AJK

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 20K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Jun 2011
  • Posts: 25419
  • Total likes: 721
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 15
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Programs: United Concierge Key; Delta Global Services; American Chairman; US Airways 1K; Hilton Sapphire; Hyatt Tritium; Marriott Californium; Starwood Kryptonium; Hertz Plutonium; National Adamantium, Avis Executive Proactanium
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #280 on: January 18, 2015, 02:31:48 PM »
Wow.


2015: 116K bkd | 1.6M brnd | F: OZ,NH,AA,EK | J: UA,CA,TK,DL,TN,AF,VA | LIH,NRT,ROR,PEK,CNS,BOB,MEL,TLV & Pacific Hopper

Offline Drago

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 8388
  • Total likes: 74
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 18
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #281 on: January 19, 2015, 07:55:21 AM »
There's a reason the BI is cheaper.
Vog, lack of greenery, etc.  Not to say it doesn't have many of its own unique aspects, but it's not what you picture as a typical Hawaii vacation.
Yea, seeing SF's TRs makes me want to visit other islands, but this was the only flight available when I booked, so unless s/t opens up, and I want to spend the $300 in change fees, KOA it'll be. Unless I pay for a separate ticket to a different island.

But, I figure that with 3 days max, I'll be able to do plenty of 'green' activities, and chk out a volcano.

Online efflpetzel

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 2835
  • Total likes: 133
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Kauai, HI Master Thread
« Reply #282 on: January 19, 2015, 11:24:13 PM »
Wow.



you ain't gonna see this nowadays

Offline 3yummyboys

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 1736
  • Total likes: 32
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #283 on: January 20, 2015, 01:15:31 PM »
Any good lava to see nowadays?

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 #284 on: January 20, 2015, 05:06:32 PM »
Any good lava to see nowadays?

For the most part only from a helicopter unless you are willing to take it to the extreme.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline 3yummyboys

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 1736
  • Total likes: 32
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #285 on: January 20, 2015, 05:39:07 PM »
 :P don't want to do either

Offline LAXtraveler

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 1070
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: LAX
  • Programs: AAdvantage, DL Skymiles, SPG Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Avis Preferred, National Executive, Hertz #1 Club Gold
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #286 on: January 20, 2015, 08:24:14 PM »
There's a reason the BI is cheaper.
Vog, lack of greenery, etc.  Not to say it doesn't have many of its own unique aspects, but it's not what you picture as a typical Hawaii vacation.

Unless you can afford to stay at the 4S, then you could be in for a real treat!

For the most part only from a helicopter unless you are willing to take it to the extreme.

Either of these options still aren't that viable.  There is not that much lava these days that pours into the water apparently (as the video would have you believe).

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8708
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #287 on: January 20, 2015, 08:26:48 PM »
There is not that much lava these days that pours into the water apparently (as the video would have you believe).

Nothing is pouring into the ocean now. And it won't be for a long time.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

Offline LAXtraveler

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Sep 2010
  • Posts: 1070
  • Total likes: 2
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 4
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
  • Location: LAX
  • Programs: AAdvantage, DL Skymiles, SPG Gold, Hyatt Platinum, Avis Preferred, National Executive, Hertz #1 Club Gold
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #288 on: January 20, 2015, 08:28:47 PM »
Nothing is pouring into the ocean now. And it won't be for a long time.

So even less worthwhile to try and see  ;)

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 #289 on: January 20, 2015, 08:46:58 PM »
Unless you can afford to stay at the 4S, then you could be in for a real treat!

Either of these options still aren't that viable.
  There is not that much lava these days that pours into the water apparently (as the video would have you believe).

Says you.  Those in the know, know better.

What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline whYME

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 3213
  • Total likes: 1241
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #290 on: January 21, 2015, 12:38:26 AM »
I'll be in the big island for just under two days, All I plan on doing is driving up Mauna Kea and doing the volcano / chain of craters rd.
What kind of car should I be getting? A convertible?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67599
  • Total likes: 16912
  • 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 #291 on: January 21, 2015, 01:06:15 AM »
I'll be in the big island for just under two days, All I plan on doing is driving up Mauna Kea and doing the volcano / chain of craters rd.
What kind of car should I be getting? A convertible?
Convertible is fine assuming you have no interest in Waipio, green sands beach, or any hot springs.
A little washboardy going up MK, but nothing you can't handle.
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 whYME

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 3213
  • Total likes: 1241
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #292 on: January 21, 2015, 01:34:56 AM »
Convertible is fine assuming you have no interest in Waipio, green sands beach, or any hot springs.
A little washboardy going up MK, but nothing you can't handle.
Even if I wanted to do any of that stuff I'm pretty sure I won't have time.
Waipio and Green Sands are quite a bit out of the way from where I'll be.
Where are these hot springs? near chain of craters road?

What's ideal in your opinion? 4x4? I think that's what I'm gonna look for.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67599
  • Total likes: 16912
  • 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 #293 on: January 21, 2015, 01:39:09 AM »
There are several hot springs, but not around CoC IIRC.

If you're not going to those places then a 4x4 is likely overkill.
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 whYME

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 3213
  • Total likes: 1241
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #294 on: January 21, 2015, 01:48:18 AM »
If you're not going to those places then a 4x4 is likely overkill.
And a convertible? also overkill?

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67599
  • Total likes: 16912
  • 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 #295 on: January 21, 2015, 01:49:55 AM »
And a convertible? also overkill?
I like convertibles :)
However the Hilo side can be rainy.
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 whYME

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 3213
  • Total likes: 1241
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 3
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #296 on: January 21, 2015, 01:59:20 AM »
I like convertibles :)
However the Hilo side can be rainy.
ok, gotcha :)

Offline 3yummyboys

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Apr 2013
  • Posts: 1736
  • Total likes: 32
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #297 on: January 21, 2015, 11:48:41 AM »
We will hopefully be staying on Kona coast. Is one day enough volcanoes national park? How far is Hilo from there, is it worthwhile to go for an hour or two? What exactly can we do in Hilo?

Also, it seems that people consider Waipo Valley to be on the Hilo side, but from the map it looks like Waimea is closer to Kona and more north. We are trying to plan our itinerary

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 #298 on: January 21, 2015, 11:56:28 AM »
We will hopefully be staying on Kona coast. Is one day enough volcanoes national park? How far is Hilo from there, is it worthwhile to go for an hour or two? What exactly can we do in Hilo?

Also, it seems that people consider Waipo Valley to be on the Hilo side, but from the map it looks like Waimea is closer to Kona and more north. We are trying to plan our itinerary

You can see quite a bit of VNP in 1 day.  Of course, depending on your fitness level and interest, you can spend days there.  As for Hilo, there isn't much to do there.  There is a farmers market on Wednesday which some people enjoy but I personally found it to be lame.  That being said my wife liked it and wants to go back there.

VNP is 30 to 45 minutes away from Hilo.

Waipio is probably a day trip in and of itself if done properly.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8708
  • Total likes: 6077
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #299 on: January 21, 2015, 12:11:23 PM »
Also, it seems that people consider Waipo Valley to be on the Hilo side, but from the map it looks like Waimea is closer to Kona and more north. We are trying to plan our itinerary

"Hilo side" basically means east side.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons