Big Island-Hilo vs. Kona

[cbedics]

We only have 3 days on each side of the island. What are the best things to do on either side besides the volcano of course. Thanks.

[CruiserBruce]

What are your interests? Budget? Limitations? Are you getting around by car? Hard to recommend anything without knowing anything about you.

 

The Volcano is probably number 1 on the list...

[Budget Queen]

Are you snorkeling? I would plan on at least 1 day kayaking across K Bay and snorkeling, 2 would be better.

 

Frankly, I would suggest you figure out what you are doing, while it still may be possible to adjust your days. Verify the access into Volcanos National park, and determine, if you are looking for multi day entry, hiking etc. Mauna Kea?? touring?

[kapoho2]

The $10 entry fee per passenger vehicle into Volcanoes Nat'l Park is valid for multiple entries over 7 days. So. while on the Hilo side of the Big Island, you could visit the park during the day and come back for a night time visit.

 

While in Hilo, be sure to visit the Puna area and enjoy the warm ponds and tidal pools. But we really need to know your interests to point you in the right direction.

[cbedics]

Yes we have a car and are pretty much game for anything. Hiking,snorkling,sightseeing,whatever.

 

 

uote=CruiserBruce;34430904]What are your interests? Budget? Limitations? Are you getting around by car? Hard to recommend anything without knowing anything about you.

 

The Volcano is probably number 1 on the list...

[Kartgv]

Go to your local bookstore or library and pick up a copy of "Big Island Revealed" for extensive coverage of every activity and location on the island. Personally, I'd split the time differently - 2 days on the Hilo side (one day south to the volcano, and one day north to the Hawaii Botanical Gardens, Akaka Falls, and Tex's Drive-In for malasadas) and 4 days on the Kona side (snorkeling, Place of Refuge, more snorkeling, sea horse farm, zip-line, horse back riding).

[mandyq1030]

I would recommend Captain Zodiac at Kona. It's quite the adventure riding on a speed boat, watching dolphins that are very close to the ship and snorkeling in a marine preserve. We actually saw a sleeping shark while there. http://www.captainzodiac.com/

[hexdragon]

One thing I would do in Hilo is head to Hawaiian Tropic Botanical Gardens and Akaka Falls.

[HiloSunshine]

So many things....google it. The world wide web gives a mass of information of things to do and places to see. Rent a car and travel at your own pace. Rent a GPS and don't get lost. Want someone else to drive you... contact C Big Island Tours. They do tours (land and water) all over the island.