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 283122 times)

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 #220 on: May 04, 2014, 11:00:54 AM »
can someone who has older versions of the revealed book possibly email me pages on private thermal pools beaches etc.? Ive heard theres a lot more info in older versions. thanks.

Offline itsallgood

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2014
  • Posts: 117
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #221 on: May 04, 2014, 06:22:51 PM »
Hey all! A bit of help over here would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking to hop on an interisland one-way flight with my wife from Kauai to Honolulu and the only flights I can find with Hawaiian Airlines and Island air are going to be almost $250 each ticket.

I have about 14000 UR points and about 20000 Aeroplan points. Do any of you have any suggestions on how you think I can use points or find a cheaper flight to get from LIH to HNL?

Edit: This is for 5/26/2014 preferably early or late afternoon flight
« Last Edit: May 04, 2014, 06:33:28 PM by itsallgood »

Offline chucksterace

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Presidential Platinum Elite
  • *********
  • Join Date: Jul 2012
  • Posts: 6880
  • Total likes: 19
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 40
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
    • LYNX IT Consulting
  • Location: Chicago, Jerusalem
  • Programs: AA Exec Plat; UA Premier 1K; ; LY Plat; Hyatt Platinum; Hertz President's Circle; Avis President's Club
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #222 on: May 04, 2014, 06:23:51 PM »

Hey all! A bit of help over here would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking to hop on an interisland one-way flight with my wife from Kauai to Honolulu and the only flights I can find with Hawaiian Airlines and Island air are going to be almost $250 each ticket.

I have about 14000 UR points and about 20000 Aeroplan points. Do any of you have any suggestions on how you think I can use points or find a cheaper flight to get from LIH to HNL?

Posting a date might help.
You may not hold me responsible for any actions taken that were recommended from my account or username.

Offline itsallgood

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2014
  • Posts: 117
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #223 on: May 04, 2014, 06:28:33 PM »
Re: my post above. 5/26/2014
« Last Edit: May 04, 2014, 06:32:52 PM by itsallgood »

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 #224 on: May 04, 2014, 06:50:29 PM »
Hey all! A bit of help over here would be greatly appreciated.

I am looking to hop on an interisland one-way flight with my wife from Kauai to Honolulu and the only flights I can find with Hawaiian Airlines and Island air are going to be almost $250 each ticket.

I have about 14000 UR points and about 20000 Aeroplan points. Do any of you have any suggestions on how you think I can use points or find a cheaper flight to get from LIH to HNL?

Edit: This is for 5/26/2014 preferably early or late afternoon flight

United wants 6k miles pp for a 1 way flight from LIH to HNL.  Transfer 12k UR points to your United account and you'll be fine.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline efflpetzel

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 2836
  • Total likes: 133
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #225 on: May 04, 2014, 06:53:26 PM »
Your best bet is to transfer 12K UR to United, enough for two tickets

Offline itsallgood

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2014
  • Posts: 117
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #226 on: May 04, 2014, 07:25:09 PM »
United wants 6k miles pp for a 1 way flight from LIH to HNL.  Transfer 12k UR points to your United account and you'll be fine.
Your best bet is to transfer 12K UR to United, enough for two tickets

Thanks guys, this does seem like the best idea. Will do. Can't Wait!

I wish Aeroplan --> United was transferable or if I could only book this flight via Aeroplan website.

Offline efflpetzel

  • Dansdeals Presidential Platinum Elite
  • ********
  • Join Date: Aug 2012
  • Posts: 2836
  • Total likes: 133
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #227 on: May 04, 2014, 07:33:42 PM »

Thanks guys, this does seem like the best idea. Will do. Can't Wait!

I wish Aeroplan --> United was transferable or if I could only book this flight via Aeroplan website.
bear in mind that the only direct flights are early morning

Offline itsallgood

  • Dansdeals Gold Elite
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2014
  • Posts: 117
  • Total likes: 1
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
  • Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Hilton Diamond
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #228 on: May 04, 2014, 07:38:35 PM »
bear in mind that the only direct flights are early morning
Yeah I see that, not gonna leave that early. Considering stopping off in Maui for 4.5 hr stopover before heading to Honolulu (same miles price).

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 #229 on: May 13, 2014, 12:39:34 PM »
Just called Korean about partner availability to Hawaii.  CS representative I spoke with said they are not a partner with United - only Delta, Alaska and Hawaiian.   In either event, they also had no availability for F on Hawaiian.  So much for using Korean miles to fly to Hawaii, unless I am missing something.
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 #230 on: May 18, 2014, 09:31:05 AM »
Does anyone know if the costco in Kona has kosher bread/wraps? What about kosher dairy products (including chalav stam)? And do they carry their atlantic salmon there?

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 #231 on: May 18, 2014, 09:39:20 AM »
Does anyone know if the costco in Kona has kosher bread/wraps? What about kosher dairy products (including chalav stam)? And do they carry their atlantic salmon there?

You will be very hard pressed to find any bread with a hechser in Hawaii.  I was only able to find Thomas Brand English Muffins and that sort of stuff.  I did once find another brand (don't recall name) at a supermarket, but it was already beyond the expiration date.  Rabbi Chazanow was trying to convince a local Hawaiian brand to put a hechser on, but last I checked he was not successful.  Lets hope he succeeds in convincing them.  Perhaps if a bunch of folks write to the company, they will do it.

Island Naturals does have Rudy's Organic Breads, but they were frozen and I didn't feel like buying them.

I suggest buying a bunch of bread and bringing it along, if that is possible.  You can also buy rolls from Rabbi Chazanow, along with wraps and other food that he sells.

As far as dairy products go, you can find cholov stam cream cheese, yogurts and the like.

Not sure about salmon.  I do know that Costco carries (last I checked) kosher cornish hens.

This is as locals say, the "price of paradise."  They, however, refer to this because of the cost of food.

If anyone else has some additional information, I'd like to know as well.
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline momo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 1493
  • Total likes: 88
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #232 on: May 18, 2014, 10:08:02 AM »
You will be very hard pressed to find any bread with a hechser in Hawaii.  I was only able to find Thomas Brand English Muffins and that sort of stuff.  I did once find another brand (don't recall name) at a supermarket, but it was already beyond the expiration date.  Rabbi Chazanow was trying to convince a local Hawaiian brand to put a hechser on, but last I checked he was not successful.  Lets hope he succeeds in convincing them.  Perhaps if a bunch of folks write to the company, they will do it.

Island Naturals does have Rudy's Organic Breads, but they were frozen and I didn't feel like buying them.

I suggest buying a bunch of bread and bringing it along, if that is possible.  You can also buy rolls from Rabbi Chazanow, along with wraps and other food that he sells.

As far as dairy products go, you can find cholov stam cream cheese, yogurts and the like.

Not sure about salmon.  I do know that Costco carries (last I checked) kosher cornish hens.

This is as locals say, the "price of paradise."  They, however, refer to this because of the cost of food.

If anyone else has some additional information, I'd like to know as well.
When i was in kauaii, in 2012, costco had the kosher salmon.

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 #233 on: May 18, 2014, 10:21:50 AM »
When i was in kauaii, in 2012, costco had the kosher salmon.
They still do.
I think they have kosher bread also, never looked into it too closely though.
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 momo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 1493
  • Total likes: 88
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #234 on: May 18, 2014, 10:23:20 AM »
They still do.
I think they have kosher bread also, never looked into it too closely though.
I know that they have the frozen half baked la brea bread, that you can ask for.I do not recall seeing any other kosher bread.

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 #235 on: May 18, 2014, 10:48:41 AM »
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 momo

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2008
  • Posts: 1493
  • Total likes: 88
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 1
  • Gender: Male
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #236 on: May 18, 2014, 11:07:59 AM »
http://jewishmaui.com/home/kosher-food-on-maui/
Guess i will have to look a bit more in depth, in a couple of months.

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 #237 on: June 27, 2014, 12:32:49 PM »
Thanks to the Dan and the recent DDS, I just got 5 United F tickets from HNL to EWR for $3339.55.  Tickets purchased used PRG (3x ppd) plus we will all earn 6,445 UA miles each.  Baby flying in F in his own seat.   :)
« Last Edit: June 27, 2014, 12:37:42 PM by PBaruch »
What do you do after your dreams come true?

Offline sam28

  • Dansdeals Lifetime Platinum Elite
  • *******
  • Join Date: Jun 2010
  • Posts: 1876
  • Total likes: 137
  • DansDeals.com Hat Tips 0
    • View Profile
Re: Big Island Of Hawaii Master Thread
« Reply #238 on: June 27, 2014, 12:39:06 PM »
Thanks to the Dan and the recent DDS, I just got 5 United F tickets from HNL to EWR for $3339.55.  Tickets purchased used PRG (3x ppd) plus we will all earn 6,445 UA miles each.  Baby flying in F in his own seat.   :)

nice can u please tell me how u did that ?

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 #239 on: June 27, 2014, 12:40:04 PM »
nice can u please tell me how u did that ?

What happens at DDS stays at DDS.  Please do not ask me to post this information in a public forum.  Thanks.
What do you do after your dreams come true?