Hawaii is a destination, like no other, that has lured travelers to its shores from far and wide for well over 100 years. In fact, the most recent tourism data proves this point. 2017 data shows that 10 million visitors arrived in the 50th state by air alone. So if you are seeking solitude, you can bet you won’t be alone. But you can find a number of places and things to do to get away from the crowds and explore the rich cultural heritage that is Hawaii.
Hawaii, known for it’s beaches and stellar surf offers travelers diverse opportunities to enrich their vacation time and unleash their inner trekker while on the islands. This destination, while considered a paradise, offers pretty much anything that you would want to do and more.
Getting There
With only two ways to get to the Big Island, odds are that you will be traveling by air. Most visitors to the island will fly into one of the two international airports on the island, either Hilo or Kona. While the island is quite small compared to the mainland U.S., it takes a bit of time to travel around the island. You are going to have to base it on where you’ll be spending most of your time.
A quick look at late August (2019) flights from Nashville found an average of $600 to Kona and $725 to Hilo. Keep in mind that was a very quick flight search, you may find a better deal with a little Googling. Check out our Finding Travel Deals post for a few tips. Be sure to book your car rental when you book your flights.
So, let’s look at what’s available and then make your decision. I would not base the decision solely on cost unless there is a big fare difference.
The Explore Hawaii Blog series will explore the offerings that are unique to four of the chain’s Islands. In this Post we are going to trek along the coasts of the Big Island of Hawaii and hopefully, help you find some opportunities to get out and enjoy the natural beauty of this island destination.
Driving on the Island
Be advised, roads on the island are typically winding and narrow causing drive time to be a longer than you are probably accustomed. Its about 55 miles from Hilo to Waimea along the Mamalahoa Hwy. (Hwy. 19) but it typically takes about an hour and 20 minutes without stops.
The East Coast
Let’s begin our road journey in Hilo, the second most populous city in Hawaii behind Honolulu. Overlooking Hilo Bay, the city lies at the base of two shield volcanoes, Mauna Loa, an active volcano, and Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano.
The Hilo airport (east) is the closest to Volcanoes National Park and much of the back country hiking. This side of the island typically gets more rain and is definitely the lushest side of the island, which can also mean a few extra mosquitos. Also, most of the waterfalls can be found on the eastern side. If you are a fan of botanical gardens you will want to make a stop at gardens like Nani Mau or Hawaii Tropical gardens.
If you are looking for beaches, there’s really only a couple of options in this area one of which is Onekahakaha Beach Park and another is Richardson Ocean Park both in close proximity to the airport.
Usually the word free and Hawaii are rarely used in the same sentence but there are a few free fun things for families. The Discovery Science Center in downtown and Panaewa Rainforest Zoo is off of Mamalahoa Hwy., just to the south.
West of Hilo you can see two of the area’s more accessible natural beauty attractions, Rainbow Falls and Kaumana Caves. The Falls are small by many standards and the caves are lava tubes from an 1881 eruption.
Northward
Heading north along the coast there a number of State Forrest Reserves where spectacular backcountry hiking and camping be found. If you are up to some strenuous trekking, it’s definitely worth the stop. Keep in mind that many of these areas require a 4×4 with good ground clearance. You are not going to make it with a standard AWD vehicle so, don’t even consider it.
Continuing our journey north to Hakalau, take in the sights of Honomu and Kahuna Falls, accessible but a little remote. Just to the north, Umauma Falls Zipline and Rappel Experience offers a number of adrenaline producing activities like cliff jumping and 4×4 ATV trails.
There are several beach parks offering access to the water like Hakalau Bay, Laupahoehoe and Okala.
The North Coast
On the north coast near the town of Waimea are the truly spectacular Hiilawe Falls in the Pu’u O Umi Natural Area and the Waipo Valley. At 1400 feet high, they are the tallest on the island but also the most difficult to view up close. 4×4 definitely needed.
Most visitors to the island stay along the north and west coast where many of the beach resorts can be found.
The West Coast
We now make the southerly turn on 19 to Waikui and a must see historical site, the Pu’ukohola Heiau National Historic Site. A location known for it’s ruins, hiking trails and museum.
As you leave the more remote parts of the island, there are a number of beach parks and resorts that dot this part of the coast for much of the drive to the south. Kona, the second largest city on the island is home to the Kailua/Kona airport, which is closest to most of the island’s resorts. Keep an eye out for the route number change, Hwy. 19 turns into Hwy. 11 as you continue south, you’re not lost.
OK, I’ll mention it, coffee. If you are a big coffee fan, the Kona coast is home to much of the coffee grown on the island. So, pick a place and stop, coffee is everywhere.
South of Kona is Captain Cook, the home of the Waiohinu Ka’u Forrest Perserve and the Captain Cook Monument, noting the expedition’s general landing spot along the coast.
Nearby in keokea is another must stop historical site, the Pu’uhonua O Honaunau National Historic Park. Originally, a place of refuge for law breakers is considered a sacred site by native Hawaiians.
The South Coast
Swinging to the south a must stop is the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach. Get serious, you can’t go to Hawaii and not stop at a black sand beach. The public park is located near the small town of Naalehu not far off of Hwy. 11. Its a great place for a picnic and a truly unique beach experience.
Save a couple of days for a visit to the Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park. A good bit of the park’s infrastructure was damaged during the recent eruption but more is reopening to the public each day. Unfortunately, the Jaggar Museum remains closed but a lot of the exhibits have been moved to the visitor center. A lot has changed since the 2018 eruption and the volcano is still an eruption risk. So, stay tuned in to events at the park and the south end of the island.
Wrapping up the loop be sure to stop at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory and then back in Hilo, one of my bride’s favorites, Big Island Candies.
Drive Times
As I mentioned earlier, it does take longer to go from point A to point on the island so, adjust accordingly when heading out to see the sights. I’ve put together a bit of a guide of drive times for your reference:
- Hilo to Waimea – Approx. 55 miles takes an average of 1 hr. 20 min.
- Waimea to Kailua – Approx. 52 miles takes an average of 1 hr.
- Kailua to Volcano – Approx. 100 miles takes an average of 2hrs. 20 min.
- Volcano to Hilo – Approx. 28 miles takes an average of 50 min
Keep in mind that these are averages and are straight driving without stops.
Other Items of Interest
Many of the island’s tour operators and ranches offer opportunities for seeing the island’s natural beauty from horseback.
- Waipo Valley
- Kahua Ranch
- Umauma Falls
Helicopter tours are another great way to see the island and many of the more remote areas. Tours are regionally based and can be found at the following locations:
- Hilo Airport
- Waikoloa Heliport
- Kona Airport
Cruises are another great way to see some of the remote areas along the coast. Cruise operators can be found in:
- Kona
- Waimea
- Hilo
Stargazing opportunities are another great family thing to do on the island with the observatories on Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Both offer programs but call before you head out and take a coat. It can get chilly at the higher altitudes.
Finally
A short post such as this one can never do the island justice and while you are there seeing the sights, be sure to spend some time learning the rich cultural heritage of the islands.
Enjoy your visit and “Unleash your inner trekker,” ALOHA!
If you like island adventure, check out our Caribbean Adventures post for more info. Also, see our post on Oahu.