The Big Island also known as Hawaii is the largest Island of the USA. With 2 active volcanos and beaches with different colored sands ( green, black and white), lush green rainforests and amazing snorkeling, it is a mesmerizing place.
There are two main areas I visited on the Big Island, Hilo and Kailua-Kona. From these two places it is not far to explore.
Things to do in Hilo
Take a trip to the Mauna Kea Observatory. At an altitude of 14770 ft, this is not for everyone. If you are planning to do the trip up be sure to stop at the Visitor Information Center to not only get adjusted to the altitude at 9200 feet but also to get the latest weather information. It is one of the only places in the world where you can drive from sea level to 14000 feet in about 2 hours. Also be sure to dress warm as it is really cold up there. The views are amazing and if you are lucky you will able to go inside the observatory and have a look.
How to get here from Hilo
This is about a 2.5 hour drive. However google maps will tell you different.
- Head East out of town to Saddle Rd
- Turn Right onto Mauna Kea Access Rd.
- Make sure you stop at the information center to get not only the weather report but also to climatize yourself with the alititude.
Akaka Falls State Park. There are 2 waterfalls within the park Akaka Falls at 442 feet and Kahuna Falls at 100 feet. This is an easy .4 mile hike uphill to reach the falls. The falls here a beautiful. You will first reach Kahuna falls and just around the bend Akaka. Akaka falls is by far my favorite to visit.
How to get here from Hilo
This is a 20 minute drive 12.7 miles to get to the Park from town.
- Take HI-19 North
- Turn left on Kaupakuea Homestead Rd
- Slight right onto Lauhulu Rd
- Turn left onto State Hwy 220 and the Park will be on your left
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The park is large and there is so much to see. We spent 5 hours driving around to the different locations within here you can get some steam action, See old lava trails and while we were here it was still active.
First stop is the steam vents along the crater rim trail. Be prepared for every type of weather. Pack shorts, pants, t-shirt, long sleeve and a raincoat.
Next stop was the April 2003 eruption. This one covered the road and has become a photo op for thousands. It was incredible to see what mother nature can do and the force behind her fiery.
Making our way to the lava tube. This was such a crazy experience. To think I was walking into something created by such force. The thing I found most interesting was what they become. For the native locals this was a place to store food, even use as shelter. This is a most see in the park.
During your time at the park you will come across lava fields. The number one rule leave the lava where it is. It is said to be bad luck if you take even a pebble. As much as we think it is beautiful (lava) it comes at a cost. Lives and homes are taken. Mother nature is a beautiful thing but she at times comes with a cost.
Things to do in Kona
Surfing. When I was 16 I said I was going to surf my first wave in Hawaii. Growing up in Ontario Canada we didn’t really have waves to surf. Also Hawaii is an amazing place to learn. The day we arrived in Kona I went straight to Kona Surf Company where I met a son and father team. This was the best day! I cannot tell you how many times I got up because they were such great instructors. If you have never surfed or you are a pro looking for spots check them out.
Snorkeling. Kona is not just about the waves. Take a journey under the sea. Swim along side a puffer fish or check out the amazing coral that surrounds the Island.
Walk around town. Kona is known for a lot of things. The one day I was sitting on the ledge looking at the water and Somewhere Over The Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole start to play at a restaurant near by. I knew right there and then I was truly in Hawaii.
Before you leave here make sure you get some Kona coffee. You will thank me later.
Mahalo