Going to the Big Island, anybody been there?

[Jim Anderson]

Next week me and mine are going to the Big Island (aka Hawaii.) "Mine" include my wife, my 10 year old (today) and my 2 year old, and we're staying on the west side of the island. Has anybody been there and can offer some opinions/ suggestions/experiences?

And from the map the island looks too big to drive around in one day, is that true?

[MTI]

It is possible to drive around the island in a day, but you won't be able to stop much along the way. Luckily you missed the flash floods that hit the island Tuesday and yesterday.

The west side (Kona-Keahou-Waikoloa) is typically the arid dry side of the island due to geography, but thanks to the modern miracle of irrigation, golf courses and lush resort grounds dot the large expanses of old lava flows.

Some of the best beaches in the state, possibly the nation, are over there, but despite its size, the "Big Island" is best described as a bunch of very small rural towns.

While there, get some macadamias, kona coffee . . . and "Donkey Balls"

[elau]

My brother used to live in the Big Island but I never visited. I went to Kaui and Maui instead. He told me the Big Island lost most of its natural beauty and is too commercialized and congested. Oh, and expansive. Most places are too much like the Mainland, except the beaches, that is.

If you happen to stop by Maui, don't pass the chance to dine at Mama's Fishhouse on the northern part of the island. Address is 799 Poho Place, Pala, Maui, HI. Very pricey, but worth every penny. I stop there every trip.

[Flash Gordon]

Year ago when my kids were young, we spend a few days in the Big Island. We rented a car and drove around the island. It is definitely worthwhile to visit the volcano area. However, don't be disappointed with Rainbow Falls. After almost twenty years, my family still remember the joke about Rainbow Falls. When got to the island, my wife insisted on seeing the Falls first. When we got there and saw the Falls, you should see the disappointed look on her face. It was a very narrow stream of water from a hill. I started laughing and the kids joined in. Yes, don't miss the Rainbow Falls

[MTI]

Rainbow Falls


Akaka Falls


Both on the Northeastern side of the island.

[Jim Anderson]

I heard Kilauea was flowing. Would that be worth the effort to see? And how long would it take to get there from Kona?


Mahalo

[MTI]

Kilauea has been flowing for the past 20+ years. The only place to see an active flow is either from the air via a helicopter tour, or to drive down the Chain of Craters Road to the ocean where the flow enters the ocean. A recent flow entering the ocean is reported to be within a half mile walk from the parking area, whereas in the past it was over a mile away. The Information Center at the park is the best place for current information. From the Kona side, there are two routes to the park. The long way is around the south perimeter of the the island, which will take you past the coffee farms, the City of Refuge (old Hawaiian "Get Out of Jail Free" place) and South Point (southern most point in the US) till you head north to the park. The drive, 90 or so miles non-stop, is about 2 hours each way. The "other way" is to take the Saddle Road, which goes between Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. While a little faster, it's a "driver's road" if you know what I mean. I'd take that route if I driving alone with an AMG 55 anything to take the curves, dips and climbs, but not with the wife and child.