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 283165 times)

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67601
  • Total likes: 16913
  • 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 #200 on: February 23, 2014, 07:34:21 PM »
What activities will I be closer to when staying on the Hilo/Puna side of the island?

Volcanoes, rainforest, thermal ponds, black sand beach, anything else? Which side is closer to driving up mauna kea? Im getting the revealed book but trying to plan some details in the meantime.
Beaches are on the sunny kona side, all of the unique BI activities are nearer to the rainy Hilo side.
Did you read the DM report on the BI?
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 Bosco

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 228
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #201 on: February 23, 2014, 08:27:46 PM »
Beaches are on the sunny kona side, all of the unique BI activities are nearer to the rainy Hilo side.
Did you read the DM report on the BI?

Yea I read it. The thing is that, based on what I see on the maps, it looks like Mauna Kea, Waipio Valley and South Island are at least equidistant and possibly even closer to Kona than Hilo. That's the source of my confusion. it seems only the volcanoes, heated springs and black sand beach are closer to the eastern side, especially if Im going to stay in the southeast to be closer to the volcano national park.

Offline Dan

  • Administrator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime 50K Diamond Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: May 2008
  • Posts: 67601
  • Total likes: 16913
  • 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 #202 on: February 23, 2014, 08:33:56 PM »
Depends if you're actually staying in Kona or Kohala.
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 #203 on: February 23, 2014, 09:52:28 PM »
Howdy Something Fishy:

Here are some of the photographs I took from the helicopter.  It was way too much of a pain to resize them to post in a response.

You can view selected photographs here:

https://plus.google.com/111832938761827954525/photos

Please note that these photographs are copyrighted and any use whatsoever without my permission is strictly prohibited.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Online Something Fishy

  • Global Moderator
  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • **********
  • Join Date: Jan 2011
  • Posts: 8710
  • Total likes: 6078
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 44
    • View Profile
    • Kosher Horizons
  • Location: Iceland
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #204 on: February 23, 2014, 09:59:31 PM »
Howdy Something Fishy:

Here are some of the photographs I took from the helicopter.  It was way too much of a pain to resize them to post in a response.

You can view selected photographs here:

https://plus.google.com/111832938761827954525/photos

Please note that these photographs are copyrighted and any use whatsoever without my permission is strictly prohibited.

WOW.

I've never seen something like that vertical lava... thing. It looks like a demon factory or something :o :P. Total nightmare material.
Check out my site for epic kosher adventures: Kosher Horizons

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 #205 on: February 23, 2014, 10:02:24 PM »
WOW.

I've never seen something like that vertical lava... thing. It looks like a demon factory or something :o :P. Total nightmare material.

Nah - it is totally awesome.  No nightmares.  It's like feeling the yad hash-m.

I am a complete lava junky - can't get enough.  And this isn't even the best of what I have seen.

You are welcome to join in my future planned adventures.   ;D
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Bosco

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 228
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #206 on: February 23, 2014, 11:13:44 PM »
Depends if you're actually staying in Kona or Kohala.

If I stay in Kohala, will I be closer to things like Mauna Kea? Where does the drive up Mauna kea start? And what else would I be close to in Kohala over Kona besides the things I listed earlier?

Offline chevron

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2552
  • Total likes: 543
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #207 on: March 02, 2014, 11:52:36 AM »
#1 is there any way to get yo hilo besides the reg bus ? it runs sporadically.
#2 any on stay at kona seaside 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 #208 on: March 02, 2014, 12:13:53 PM »
#1 is there any way to get yo hilo besides the reg bus ? it runs sporadically.
#2 any on stay at kona seaside hotel?

English please. 
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline chevron

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2552
  • Total likes: 543
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #209 on: March 07, 2014, 01:02:59 PM »
English please.

please 2 typo's ?

Are there any modes of transportation from the kona coast to hilo besides the municipal bus which does not traverse the island on par with my itinerary, absent the renting of a motor vehicle which is not to my ability.

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 #210 on: March 07, 2014, 01:07:44 PM »
please 2 typo's ?

Are there any modes of transportation from the kona coast to hilo besides the municipal bus which does not traverse the island on par with my itinerary, absent the renting of a motor vehicle which is not to my ability.

Now that is better!  Way to go. 

Why do you want to take a bus?  Rent a car.  You won't be able to get around without a car. 
What do you do after your dreams come true?

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 #211 on: March 11, 2014, 06:26:49 PM »
Another article about Alex, for those who are interested:

http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/2014/03/snowstorm_in_hawaii_alex_sverdlov.php

Although I take offense at the comment that I do "touristy stuff."  Feh. 

PS:  I politely declined an interview.  For those who know, I have had my fill of being in the papers.
« Last Edit: March 11, 2014, 06:40:54 PM by PBaruch »
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline Bosco

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 228
  • Total likes: 3
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #212 on: March 19, 2014, 03:04:35 PM »
When looking For an apartment on the right side of the island, would people say that close to volcanoes national Park is the best location in terms of proximity to things to do on the right side?

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 #213 on: March 19, 2014, 03:05:25 PM »
When looking For an apartment on the right side of the island, would people say that close to volcanoes national Park is the best location in terms of proximity to things to do on the right side?

Isn't the right side of the island relative to where you are standing?   :P
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline chevron

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2552
  • Total likes: 543
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #214 on: April 01, 2014, 02:28:42 PM »
Aloha from kona.  2nd to last day here and bh been amazing. Rabbi Chazanow or Rabbi Chaz is epic amazing... Linked up with an Israeli kid Levi who is actually from Gush Etzion, an Israeli here with a store epic dude named Tal good friend of Rabbi Chaz lent us his car.

We were going to buy not rent a kayak, but then I dunno, but looking back we should have and stored it by chabad and let people rent it and give chabad say 50$ a day?

We kayaked out to captain cook, where we snorkeled. We went to place of refuge interesting but kind of lame in reconstructing any thing.

Yesterday we went to southeastern point of united states. Cliff jumping!! Green sands beach btw if you have no 4 x 4 there is a friend of Rabbi Chaz that will take you in his off road ranger for a fee.

Today Waipio valley!!

Guys, I was here shabbat, it was INCREDIBLE, ive been all over the world and im telling you, shabbat here is something.. such an elective crowd and amazing tefillot.

I am going to use this as a plug to request you hit the jar and help Avremel and Rivky Chazanow with their great work.. and trust me, its really great work!

http://jewishbigisland.org/ dont be shy.. I hit the can myself

Offline sky121

  • Dansdeals Lifetime 10K Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: May 2011
  • Posts: 11513
  • Total likes: 168
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 12
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #215 on: April 01, 2014, 03:14:31 PM »
Aloha from kona.  2nd to last day here and bh been amazing. Rabbi Chazanow or Rabbi Chaz is epic amazing... Linked up with an Israeli kid Levi who is actually from Gush Etzion, an Israeli here with a store epic dude named Tal good friend of Rabbi Chaz lent us his car.

We were going to buy not rent a kayak, but then I dunno, but looking back we should have and stored it by chabad and let people rent it and give chabad say 50$ a day?

We kayaked out to captain cook, where we snorkeled. We went to place of refuge interesting but kind of lame in reconstructing any thing.

Yesterday we went to southeastern point of united states. Cliff jumping!! Green sands beach btw if you have no 4 x 4 there is a friend of Rabbi Chaz that will take you in his off road ranger for a fee.

Today Waipio valley!!

Guys, I was here shabbat, it was INCREDIBLE, ive been all over the world and im telling you, shabbat here is something.. such an elective crowd and amazing tefillot.

I am going to use this as a plug to request you hit the jar and help Avremel and Rivky Chazanow with their great work.. and trust me, its really great work!

http://jewishbigisland.org/ dont be shy.. I hit the can myself

Sounds beautiful.
"Not all who wander are lost"

Offline chevron

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2552
  • Total likes: 543
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #216 on: April 01, 2014, 03:54:02 PM »
Sounds beautiful.

Yeah, sunsets though are tricky, some areas / days are foggy from the volcanoes.

BTW the shluchim are amazing cook's :)

Offline chevron

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2552
  • Total likes: 543
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #217 on: April 01, 2014, 06:03:42 PM »
Dan,
Seeing youre kona master post, jumping the south point cliff is nothing.. try it!! You just need to get pushed off if you dont want to jump. Not suggesting you dive, we have tons of video of it.

Green sands beach, ask Rabbi Chazanow to hook you up with his buddy with the off road ranger that lives in the area, we paid 50$ both ways.  Note that the hike down to green sides is tricky, you might want to wear good sandals etc. The green sands beach is very rough waves but the water towards the parking lot is calm.




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 #218 on: April 01, 2014, 06:05:35 PM »
Dan,
Seeing youre kona master post, jumping the south point cliff is nothing.. try it!! You just need to get pushed off if you dont want to jump. Not suggesting you dive, we have tons of video of it.

Green sands beach, ask Rabbi Chazanow to hook you up with his buddy with the off road ranger that lives in the area, we paid 50$ both ways.  Note that the hike down to green sides is tricky, you might want to wear good sandals etc. The green sands beach is very rough waves but the water towards the parking lot is calm.

Locals charge 15.00 pp round trip.  No need to pay 50.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline chevron

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Dec 2013
  • Posts: 2552
  • Total likes: 543
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 2
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #219 on: April 01, 2014, 06:12:31 PM »
Locals charge 15.00 pp round trip.  No need to pay 50.

We were 5 people to clarify. And then he took us to south point, we wanted to go back and he helped us find places to snorkel and other cliff jumps