Big Island

[syr101]

We have 2 days on the big island. What should we do and see. We like the outdoors.

[Astro Flyer]

We have 2 days on the big island. What should we do and see. We like the outdoors.

Does that mean one day in Hilo and one day in Kona?

[CruiserBruce]

The Big Island is covered extensively down the board, using Hilo and Kona as ports.

 

The first that would leap to view would be the Volcanos Nat'l Park.

[syr101]

Yes, one Hilo and one in Kona.

[syr101]

Is it best to rent a car.

[CruiserBruce]

Is it best to rent a car.

 

Again, some reading down the board would reveal renting a car is a good idea. The Big Island is, well, pretty big. Is it "best"? That is a personal decision. What is best for you may be worst for me.

Edited May 1, 2014 by CruiserBruce

[Astro Flyer]

We have 2 days on the big island. What should we do and see. We like the outdoors.

 

Yes, one Hilo and one in Kona.

 

I'd recommend renting cars in Hilo & Kona but to allow plenty of time for traffic particularly in Kona. The last time in Kona we hit heavy traffic returning to town & got the last tender to the ship. :eek:

 

My experience has been that roads & traffic in Hilo are 'mo bettah'! ;) There are several easily accessible "outdoor" activities such as Volcanoes National Park which can take up most of your day. We hiked into the Kilauea caldera from the Visitor's Center which was amazing. The Thurston Lava Tube, Chain of Craters road, Halemaumau crater and the end of the road at the ocean to see recent lava flows are great. Conditions change but it's very rare to see actual lava flows except from the air.

 

On the way back there's the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut visitor's center with a small display showing the process & a store which has a great variety of macadamia nut product's which you probably won't find anywhere else. Although the prices at Long's Drugstore or Walmart are probably cheaper.

 

Going north from Hilo the Akaka Falls and the Rainbow Falls are different but both are interesting to view.

 

North of Kona near Waikoloa is a nice area which is easily accessible to view petroglyphs. The Kona area does not have many sandy beaches however it does have great visibility for snorkeling and scuba diving. :D Kealakekua Bay where Capt. Cook died is another excellent location to view the underwater world & is south of Kona. That area is famous for producing Kona coffee & you can check for coffee plantation tours if you might be interested in it. Unlike in Hilo, a short distance after getting off the tender from the ship you're in the middle of the nice little town of Kailua-Kona.

 

There's plenty of space to roam on the Big Island Hawaii which is larger than all the other Hawaiian Islands combined.

Edited May 1, 2014 by Astro Flyer

[Susan-M]

Agree with Astro Flyer's suggestions. With one day in Hilo, Volcanos National Park would be my top pick ... and if you like hiking, the Kilauea Iki trail is a great one. It would be easy to fill a day exploring at VNP.

 

For Kailua Kona - as he mentions, a number of interesting options, but knowing your interests will help others make recommendations that will work for you.

[Nancyquilts]

When we rented a car in Kona, it was from the King Kam hotel, right next to the tender dock. I think it was Dollar, but can't remember for sure.