What to do on the Big Island?

[SSSnail]

My first time there and will be staying on the Kona coast. Locals? Highlights? Must do/see/check out?

Thanks.

 

[Auric]

Kona = ghey epicenter. Not that there's anything wrong with that. Enjoy.

 

[jagec]

You mean Greenland?

 

[flxnimprtmscl]

Here's what you do. Catch a puddle jumper to Oahu.

 

[randym431]

Keep that dam Gilligan away from the radio. Toss the Howells off a clif and get their cash. (and do Ginger)

 

[WildHorse]

south of where you may be staying there are companies that ride people out at night to experience the giant manta rays.

You'll be in a small group forming a circle in the water. They send a diver down to shine a light up from the bottom, attracting the small fish, which attracts the giant mantas. Mantas swim up & down the vertical coulmn of light which you float around in a ring.

Spectacular. Worth the price. Memorable.

The lava tubes were closed this past summer, maybe open now, don't know. See that if open.

Of course you can always parasail towed behind the fast boat thing, go up high.

Could visit a coffee plantation.

 

[Alistar7]

http://www.us.totaltravel.com/...ii/directory/amusement

http://www.us.totaltravel.com/...na/directory/amusement

From another resort on the Kona Coast:

Area Attractions: Historic site Puuhonua o Honaunau (City of Refuge) Awesome Volcano National Park*s active Kilauea Caldera Kona coffee and macadamia nut and orchid farms The country*s largest privately owned cattle ranch, Parker Ranch in Wiamea.

Hope you enjoy your trip :beer:

 

[iamwiz82]

Originally posted by: flxnimprtmscl
Here's what you do. Catch a puddle jumper to Oahu.

To see hordes of asshole tourists who have no clue what anything other than Waikiki looks like?

OP, we have been there more than a few times. Do you have a rental car? It's pretty much required on the Big Island. BTW, what hotel?

You need to:

Hit the Volcano - plan on a day, at least. We have been there 4 times and still haven't seen it all. If the lava is flowing into the ocean it makes for a spectacular show if you don't mind a hike.

Pololu Valley - Take 19 to 270 and follow that til it ends. It's a little parking lot with an amazing overlook. Just past the parking lot is a pathway to a very nice black sand beach. On the way back take 250 (it's in 'downtown' Hawi) for a very scenic drive. Make sure to stop to look at Maui in the distance, Haleakala looks like it could swallow the Big Island from this part.

If your rental agreement allows it, take Saddle Road to the road leading to the top of Mauna Kea.

Visit Pu'uhonua O Honaunau, just south of Kona, it's a national park.

Even if you are not religious (which I am not) it's nice to stop by the Painted Church, which is just down the road from Pu'uhonua O Honaunau.

The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden. The road to this place is very scenic and the gardens are amazing.

Punalu'u Black Sand Beach. I have never not seen a sea turtle here. I dunno how it fared after the hurricane though.

Obligatory waterfalls, they are everywhere. Rainbow Falls and Akaka Falls are the two biggies. Rainbow Falls has a trail off to the left (go around the HUUUUGE Banyan) that takes you to the top where you can walk all the way up to the mouth of the falls, if you are adventurous. Both are touristy, so get there early to beat the crowds. There are a huge number of falls that are off the beaten path, so keep your eyes peeled.

Cool things to do if you have time:

Check out Kealakekua Bay music:I wanna go back to my little grass shack in Kealakakua Hawaii:music

There is a road East of Kona that runs up Hualalai that takes you to a place they call Cloud Forest. Very eerie

South Point (if your rental company allows it). Cool place, be sure not to take the road that collapsed.

Hilo Farmers Market. Lots of super cheap fruits to snack on.

 

[SSSnail]

Thanks Wiz! I do have a rental car, and will check out stuffs you mentioned. Not too much fond of the ass loads of tourists in Waikiki, or Honolulu so I won't be going there. Staying at Royal Kona, they have the best rate and I heard it's not that bad of a hotel either.

 

[MrChad]

I made some suggestions in this thread.