Big Island Experts: Itinerary Comments, please

Ok, so keeping in mind that we like to do and see everything to a greater extent than we like to lay around/relax, here's our Big Island game plan. We've never been, so comments or suggestions for different activities or tour operators is welcome.

Arrive from Oahu Monday, settle in to timeshare (Kings Land).

Tuesday: Hang at resort, Mauna Kea summit excursion, pick up 2:40. Hawaii Forest and Trail

Wednesday: Beach, night Manta ray snorkel, Big Island Divers. Which beach would be better- Hapuna, Kikaua, something else?

Thursday: Check out very early, drive to Volcano NP, southern route. Morning snorkel excursion Kealakekua Bay, Sea Quest Snorkeling. Possibly stop by pu'uhonua o honaunau (how long should we devote to this if we do?). Punaluu black sand beach for a hour or so in afternoon. Arrive Volcano Village around 4:30-5pm.

Friday: Volcano NP. Typical sights, plus hike Kilauea Iki crater, and go where lava is flowing, if it is flowing, if not maybe a lava tube tour? It's only $10 each for the lave tube guided hike. We are thinking Kazumura for the lava tube tour, but only if no lava flowing, that is the higher priority, we'll have to wait until we are there to decide for sure, but advice/comments welcome.

Sat: Check out, drive back to Kohala via northern route. A few short waterfall hikes, if possible Waipio Valley tour- mule wagon or horseback? I think we'd prefer horseback, but the timing of the tour is less ideal than the mule wagon. Anyone familiar enough with either to comment? Check in to Fairmont Orchid, maybe attend their luau, The Gathering of the Kings. Is this worth it?

Sun: Redeye flight home. Relaxing day at the Fairmont or a Kohala area beach.

Thanks in advance for any help.

H

Looks pretty good to me. I would probably add a trip to the Place of Refuge. I would also take a trip over the saddle around the island to Hilo. Visit an orchid farm. A coffee plantation is good as well.

You got my 2 favorite things first. Mauna Kea and Manta Ray dive. I would recommend the scuba over the snorkel, though.

I would skip the beach on Wed. You waste a whole day.

We were just there in October. You have a lot planned for the week. We like
to relax a little more but you said you like to be on the go so your plan looks
fine.

As far as the snorkel tour, we chose Fair Winds and thought it was great. The
boat wasn't stuffed full of people and the staff was great.

We went to the Place of Refuge and we liked that alot also. If your big into
some Hawaii history and taking some pictures of artifacts, you could spend a
couple of hours there but if your not into it you can walk through in 15 minutes.
We spent about an hour and a half there and then walked over and snorkeled
at 2 step. So, we were there most of the day.

As far as your Wednesday, I would go to Hapuna. I just liked it best.

What time of the year are you going? Your going to have a great time. The
Big Island is great. If you want a reasonable lunch, go to Da Poke Shack for
some authentic Hawaiian Poke. Extremely fresh. If you get there early, you
can see the fishermen bringing in the fish. 2 fish tacos and 2 sides for $8.99.
My wife had the Poke plate for the same price. Keep us updated on your
plans.

BocaBum99 said:

Looks pretty good to me. I would probably add a trip to the Place of Refuge. I would also take a trip over the saddle around the island to Hilo. Visit an orchid farm. A coffee plantation is good as well.

You got my 2 favorite things first. Mauna Kea and Manta Ray dive. I would recommend the scuba over the snorkel, though.

I would skip the beach on Wed. You waste a whole day.

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Thanks Boca. I don't dive, but actually wondered for a minute if I maybe had time to get certified before leaving Jan 13. Yikes, that is maybe over the top preparation for a vacation. Mr. H does dive, though, I am trying to get him to dive while I snorkel but he thinks it will be more fun if we do it together. How much better is the dive? Maybe I should insist he dive?

pu'uhonua o honaunau = place of refuge

Will read up on orchids & coffee, I certainly like both of them extremely much.

H

You have 2 of our faves on your list...the Mauna Kea excursion and Volcanoes Nat'l Park.

Ingrid

slip said:

We went to the Place of Refuge and we liked that alot also. If your big into
some Hawaii history and taking some pictures of artifacts, you could spend a
couple of hours there but if your not into it you can walk through in 15 minutes.
We spent about an hour and a half there and then walked over and snorkeled
at 2 step. So, we were there most of the day.

As far as your Wednesday, I would go to Hapuna. I just liked it best.

What time of the year are you going? plans.

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I really like cultural sites, especially if they are well done and you can understand what you are seeing. I was planning on 30 minutes at P of R, will figure an hour now and we'll just stay longer if we really like it. I'd just want to get to Volcano Village before sunset (6 pm-ish) and still have time to swim at Punaluu if the water is not too rough. I hear there are sometimes lots of turtles there.

We are in Oahu Jan 13-16 and then the BI Jan 16-22. Next time, two weeks for sure!


H

Instead of the manta ray snorkel, we did a day time snorkel with the dolphins and had a great time. We saw mantas while we were there so felt like we got a two for one deal.

I wish I were going back!

Deb

That is an awful lot to pack into a week - it is also whale season here so you may want to take that into account. Please check with the Hawaii Forest and Trail rules for going up to the summit and then snorkeling the next day. Diving is definitely out of the question that soon after going to the summit.

For those of you who will be on the Big Island in 2012 and staying up in Kohala, Hawaii Ocean Sports is running a great promotion on their website, certificate for 2 for any of their catamaran tours.

www.hawaiioceansports.com

As to the Waipio Valley, the horseback ride is wonderful.

A few comments:

1. On the way through Naalehu, stop and have a snack at the Punalu'u Bake Shop. Awesome homemade stuff. http://www.bakeshophawaii.com/

2. If you have some time to spend, between Naalehu and Punalu'u, a side trip to South Point is interesting, with or without the hike over to the Green Sand Beach. It's kind of weird knowing that due south from South Point the next stop is Antarctica... http://www.gohawaii.com/big-island/regions-neighborhoods/kau/ka-lae-south-point

3. The Punaluu Black Sand beach will be interesting, if the turtles are there. If not, it's a pretty quick stop.

4. On the way down the highway from Volcano to Hilo, stop at Akatsuka Orchid Garden - it's on the right, just off the highway, and free to visit. They have amazing flowers, and will pack/ship home for you, if you find something you like. Nice folks, too. http://www.akatsukaorchid.com/

5. If you're at all interested in macadamia nut farming, the Mauna Loa macadamia factory is along the same stretch of highway. Worth a visit, where you can see how it happens. They sell a variety of flavored macadamia nut varieties, too. Kind of a kick, if you want Hawaiian kitsch. http://shop.maunaloa.com/?gclid=CJ_FnpDIgK0CFQg1hwodp3kOTQ

6. In Hilo, have lunch at Cafe Pesto. (Great sandwiches.) See the Tsunami Museum. Visit Akaka Falls.

7. Enjoy every minute of your trip. The Big Island is awesome.

Dave

lynne said:

it is also whale season here so you may want to take that into account.l.

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Glad you brought that up, when I was researching this trip, I read Maui is really the place for whale watching, not so much BI & Oahu. We would be very interested in a whale watch tour, just couldn't decide if it was worth it or if we should just plan on it when we go to Maui sometime in the future. What would you recommend, given our time constraints? We plan on Maui in 18-24 months.

H

One bit of wisdom that I will add from our visit two weeks ago.

For planning purposes assume a speed limit of 35 mph and some very heavy traffic at times. Most of the roads are two lane.

FWIW, the official name of the Place of Refuge is now Honaunau.

One of the really outstanding gardens we visited was the Peace Garden on Painted Church Road in Captain Cook. It has "shrines" based on all the religions of the world, as well as a model of the universe done in plants. After Kiluea, this is now number 2 on my list.

Within walking distance of the Fairmont Ochid is another historical site with petroglyphs.

Art

heathpack said:

Glad you brought that up, when I was researching this trip, I read Maui is really the place for whale watching, not so much BI & Oahu. We would be very interested in a whale watch tour, just couldn't decide if it was worth it or if we should just plan on it when we go to Maui sometime in the future. What would you recommend, given our time constraints? We plan on Maui in 18-24 months.

H

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On the whale watch trips from A-Bay and Kawaihae, you should be successful. Yes, you are correct - Maui is THE PLACE for whale watching but they are here in numbers Jan - March.

From the shore, you can also be very successful at snorkeling, seeing spinner dolphins and seeing whale tails and blows. Our favorite snorkeling is on the zodiacs down at Honokohau Marina.

This is a very big island and there is so much to see - we love living here!

BMWguynw said:

A few comments:

1. On the way through Naalehu, stop and have a snack at the Punalu'u Bake Shop. Awesome homemade stuff. http://www.bakeshophawaii.com/

4. On the way down the highway from Volcano to Hilo, stop at Akatsuka Orchid Garden - it's on the right, just off the highway, and free to visit. They have amazing flowers, and will pack/ship home for you, if you find something you like. Nice folks, too. http://www.akatsukaorchid.com/

5. If you're at all interested in macadamia nut farming, the Mauna Loa macadamia factory is along the same stretch of highway. Worth a visit, where you can see how it happens. They sell a variety of flavored macadamia nut varieties, too. Kind of a kick, if you want Hawaiian kitsch. http://shop.maunaloa.com/?gclid=CJ_FnpDIgK0CFQg1hwodp3kOTQ

Dave

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1. Sweet bread, peanut butter & jelly for our crater hike the next day.

2. We should have time for the Orchid Farm

3. Quite interested in the Mac nut. How long for this?

H

heathpack said:

1. Sweet bread, peanut butter & jelly for our crater hike the next day.

2. We should have time for the Orchid Farm

3. Quite interested in the Mac nut. How long for this?

H

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The Mac Nut place is worth it. Only need an hour or so.

heathpack said:

Thanks Boca. I don't dive, but actually wondered for a minute if I maybe had time to get certified before leaving Jan 13. Yikes, that is maybe over the top preparation for a vacation. Mr. H does dive, though, I am trying to get him to dive while I snorkel but he thinks it will be more fun if we do it together. How much better is the dive? Maybe I should insist he dive?

pu'uhonua o honaunau = place of refuge

Will read up on orchids & coffee, I certainly like both of them extremely much.

H

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You never go deeper than 30 feet. You can get by with a resort dive level certification which is basically 1/2 session with a master diver.

The difference between scuba and snorkling is like the difference between color and black and white. When you scuba dive, you are 30 feet down planted into the sand. The lights go up and the mantas come right at you. You can see right into their open jaws. Then, the brush up against you.

When you snorkel, you are at the surface looking down and the people seeing the real show.

BocaBum99 said:

You never go deeper than 30 feet. You can get by with a resort dive level certification which is basically 1/2 session with a master diver.

The difference between scuba and snorkling is like the difference between color and black and white. When you scuba dive, you are 30 feet down planted into the sand. The lights go up and the mantas come right at you. You can see right into their open jaws. Then, the brush up against you.

When you snorkel, you are at the surface looking down and the people seeing the real show.

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Would something like this be sufficient? I could probably get that done before I go.

H

Hey, my quote disappeared! Would something like THIS be sufficient?

Discover Scuba
*
What will I do?
You will start your experience at Ocean Adventures with your equipment fitting. You will then be briefed on basic safety precautions. The Discover Scuba Diving program lets you experience the thrill of diving under the supervision of a PADI Professional in a pool or pool-like conditions first. During your adventure, you'll master some basic concepts and scuba skills.

Pool Experience Only: Includes all equipment and an instructor supervised dive in the pool. $149.
How long will it take?
Just the pool experience will take about half a day

H

The last two times we were on the big island, we took a private tour of the lava fields with Ken of Kupahua Adventures and really enjoyed it. The first time in October 2010 we were able to see lava flowing into the ocean and the second time in August 2011 we were not able to see lava flowing. On the second hike we were able to visit a small lava tube.

http://onegreatearth.com/kupahua/

The water at Punalu'u tends to be cold! We went there in July, and the water was so cold even my boys wouldn't go in. Plus, with the black sand the water isn't clear at all, so it's not enticing for swimming. If you want to swim with turtles, there are MANY other places where they are abundant and the water is crystal clear. At Punalu'u there are often turtles on the beach.....but then again that is common all over the Kona side of the BI. Sooooooooo, it is a black sand beach! Otherwise, agree that it is just a quick stop and leave the swimsuits in the car.

hibbeln said:

The water at Punalu'u tends to be cold! We went there in July, and the water was so cold even my boys wouldn't go in. Plus, with the black sand the water isn't clear at all, so it's not enticing for swimming. If you want to swim with turtles, there are MANY other places where they are abundant and the water is crystal clear. At Punalu'u there are often turtles on the beach.....but then again that is common all over the Kona side of the BI. Sooooooooo, it is a black sand beach! Otherwise, agree that it is just a quick stop and leave the swimsuits in the car.

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Thanks so much, this is a very helpful response! We will spend more time, then, at Place of Refuge and just stop and take a look at the black sand beach.

H

riverdees05 said:

The last two times we were on the big island, we took a private tour of the lava fields with Ken of Kupahua Adventures and really enjoyed it. The first time in October 2010 we were able to see lava flowing into the ocean and the second time in August 2011 we were not able to see lava flowing. On the second hike we were able to visit a small lava tube.

http://onegreatearth.com/kupahua/

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TOTALLY WANT TO DO THIS.

Maybe we could sub this for Chain of Craters road and our crater hike. We just have the one day in the park. Ken's current surface lava hikes are taking 7-8 hours and are strenuous, so we can't really (shouldn't) really do two hikes that day. We might have to wait until closer in, see what the lava is doing when we are there.

TUG totally rocks!

H

If you are interested, you probably should email Ken and ask what the current status is and what tours he is doing.

Don't resort drive unless....

Years ago I taught scuba classes and to be certified you had to pass difficult tests do three ocean dives,go thru heavy surf and about 1/3rd of each class did not get certified.They could take a future class free.A resort certification would be safe IF YOU WENT WITH A HIGHLY EXPERIENCED DIVER WITH OCTOPUS EQUIPMENT. You do not want your first ocean dive to also be your last one.

heathpack said:

Would something like this be sufficient? I could probably get that done before I go.

H

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You can only do it if you find a place that actually does the manta dive with you. I don't know of one. You can get certified within a day or two. However, like someone else mentioned, you don't want to short cut your training. The manta dive is a very easy one. It's a 30 foot dive in a protected area. However, there are a lot of people around. I wouldn't do it without a trained master diver who runs a program.

heathpack said:

TOTALLY WANT TO DO THIS.

Maybe we could sub this for Chain of Craters road and our crater hike. We just have the one day in the park.

TUG totally rocks!

H

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Is Chain of Craters road open? For some reason, I thought that part of the park was closed. If it IS open, then take note of the pull-out at the Petroglyphs sign alongside the left side of the road down on the lower part of it. There is an easy 15-minute walk back to a wooden circular walkway that shows you some petroglyphs. But here's a major insider's secret:

If you step off the far end of the circular walkway, and continue walking to the outcropping of rocks dead ahead, (maybe 200 feet), and then go around to the far side of those rocks, you'll see THOUSANDS of petroglyphs! They're everywhere back there - many more than you can see from the wooden walkway. It's pretty cool, since it's real, and the ancient Hawaiians never intended this for tourists. This was for them only.

Also, if Chain of Craters is open, you should be able to get to Thurston Lava Tube, along Crater Rim Drive inside the park. if you want to see a lave tube, this one is pretty good. Take shoes and a flashlight.

Dave