Fodor - Big Island 1-Day Itineraries
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
The volcano is not to be missed. How often do you have the chance to see earth being formed? Call ahead of time to check the lava activity and plan your time accordingly. If the volcano is very active, go straight to the lava flow area. If it's less active, find out the best times of day for seeing what lava glow there is and head to the active flows at that time. And don't forget that there's a lot more to see in the park. Hike on the Kilauea Iki trail, a 4-mile loop that takes you down through volcanic rain forests and then across the floor of a small vent, and check out the Thurston Lava Tube. Just before sunset, head down to the ocean via Chain of Craters Road; this is the best spot to see the nighttime lava show. Consider staying a night in Volcano village, especially if your home base is on the Kona side. It will give you the time to explore, without having to rush off for the long (over 2 hours), dark drive back to Kona.
Waipi'o Valley
Completely off the grid today, it's hard to believe that Waipi'o Valley was once home to a thriving little village, not to mention early Hawaiian royalty. Waipi'o is a uniquely Big Island experience -- untouched nature and a mystifying bit of island history. It's best to book a tour to see the valley either on horseback or from a jeep. Most tours last from two to four hours.
Hamakua Coast
This jagged stretch of coastline along the eastern side of the island embodies all things tropical. There are waterfalls galore, and the trees and plants are thick and bright green. It's wet, but it tends to rain most in the mornings and clear up in the afternoons. Plan to spend some time driving down the tiny roads that dart off the main highway. Anywhere you see a gulch, there's a waterfall waiting to be discovered. And keep your eyes peeled for rainbows.
Kohala Beach Day
Chances are that one of the main reasons you came to Hawai'i was to lie on the beach and work on your tan. You will not be disappointed with the Kohala Coast. Hapuna Beach has powdery soft white sand and crystal clear blue water. Or get an early start and hike into one of the Kohala Coast's unmarked beaches, like Kua Bay or Makalawena. Either way, end the day at a seaside restaurant in Kawaihae or Kailua-Kona, watching the sunset and sipping a mai tai.
Paniolo Country
Upcountry Waimea is not what pops to mind when you think Hawai'i -- rolling green hills, a chill in the morning, and ranches. Stop first at the old sugar-cane town of Hawi or at Pololu Valley. Then take Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) up the hill to Waimea, stopping along the way to snap pictures of the incredible view. There are several ranches in Waimea where you can go horseback or ATV riding. Plan on staying for dinner at one of Waimea's top-notch restaurants.
The volcano is not to be missed. How often do you have the chance to see earth being formed? Call ahead of time to check the lava activity and plan your time accordingly. If the volcano is very active, go straight to the lava flow area. If it's less active, find out the best times of day for seeing what lava glow there is and head to the active flows at that time. And don't forget that there's a lot more to see in the park. Hike on the Kilauea Iki trail, a 4-mile loop that takes you down through volcanic rain forests and then across the floor of a small vent, and check out the Thurston Lava Tube. Just before sunset, head down to the ocean via Chain of Craters Road; this is the best spot to see the nighttime lava show. Consider staying a night in Volcano village, especially if your home base is on the Kona side. It will give you the time to explore, without having to rush off for the long (over 2 hours), dark drive back to Kona.
Waipi'o Valley
Completely off the grid today, it's hard to believe that Waipi'o Valley was once home to a thriving little village, not to mention early Hawaiian royalty. Waipi'o is a uniquely Big Island experience -- untouched nature and a mystifying bit of island history. It's best to book a tour to see the valley either on horseback or from a jeep. Most tours last from two to four hours.
Hamakua Coast
This jagged stretch of coastline along the eastern side of the island embodies all things tropical. There are waterfalls galore, and the trees and plants are thick and bright green. It's wet, but it tends to rain most in the mornings and clear up in the afternoons. Plan to spend some time driving down the tiny roads that dart off the main highway. Anywhere you see a gulch, there's a waterfall waiting to be discovered. And keep your eyes peeled for rainbows.
Kohala Beach Day
Chances are that one of the main reasons you came to Hawai'i was to lie on the beach and work on your tan. You will not be disappointed with the Kohala Coast. Hapuna Beach has powdery soft white sand and crystal clear blue water. Or get an early start and hike into one of the Kohala Coast's unmarked beaches, like Kua Bay or Makalawena. Either way, end the day at a seaside restaurant in Kawaihae or Kailua-Kona, watching the sunset and sipping a mai tai.
Paniolo Country
Upcountry Waimea is not what pops to mind when you think Hawai'i -- rolling green hills, a chill in the morning, and ranches. Stop first at the old sugar-cane town of Hawi or at Pololu Valley. Then take Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) up the hill to Waimea, stopping along the way to snap pictures of the incredible view. There are several ranches in Waimea where you can go horseback or ATV riding. Plan on staying for dinner at one of Waimea's top-notch restaurants.
posted by Lynn @ 2:14 PM
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