Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread

[Dan]

We booked something from VRBO

[PBaruch]

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

[Dan]

Other people disagree.

http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20080627122715AA7DXms

I did it myself. 
And Hawaii Revealed has the same advice.

[Something Fishy]

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.

[Dan]

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.

[yos9694]

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.

[Cbs]

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 .

[Dan]

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.

[yos9694]

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.

[Cbs]

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.

[Bostener]

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.

[moto]

Looking to stay one night in Hilo anyone know of a cheap hotel/motel/house I can rent for 5ppl thanks

[yos9694]

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.

[MLM]

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.

[yos9694]

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

[PBaruch]

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.

[Dan]

Lots of amazing places to stay on VRBO

[yos9694]

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.

[PBaruch]

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.

[yos9694]

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?