…37 years after my last day here! Actually thought we might not make it at first. Pilot shot 3 missed approaches (to Kona) due to severe high/turbulent winds. Girls throughout the cabin were crying and I understand why - it was pretty cringe-worthy at times - and this comes from a former pilot who loved bouncing around the sky! We diverted to Maui, refueled, waited for winds to die down and returned, making a successful landing (cue clapping from happy passengers).
So I’ve got 30 days to fill - help me out with things to do and see while I am here (Big Island). Keep in mind that my budget is limited and I’m somewhat “disabled” with severe back issues and cardiac issues. i.e. I don’t think I’m going surfing or diving. I guess the best way to look at it is, is that they need to be “mellow” activities. My cousin took me to Bubba Gumps for dinner after I got in last night. It was okay food wise, not spectacular, but the view from the porch looking out over the ocean was wonderful! I do plan on going to Volcanoes National Park one day, driving to the top of Mauna Kea another, and flying over to Oahu to see the Arizona Memorial - something I should have done 37+ years ago when I was stationed at Barbers Point NAS. But this still leaves a lot of days and time to fill.
There is the volcano winery, and i think you can get a cheap cabin up there for a night too. There is this tiny hole in the wall sushi type restaurant in Havi, good spot to meet all the locals that are near the bike turnaround. Used to be a great breakfast/coffee joint up at capt. cook, not sure if it is still there. Too many little hole in the walls i have eaten at over the years, but highly recommended over the big box chains…
I’d allocate more than one day to Volcano NP. It is a long drive. If you take Monty’s advice and stay a night in Volcano you can see a more of the park. If the weather/wind/volcano activity allows, watching the lava after sunset at the end of Chain of Craters road can be worthwhile.
On the drive down or back from Volcano check out South Point. The green sand beach near here is worth a visit, but will take time if you don’t have 4WD and have to hike.
The Puna area at the SE corner of the island offers Red Road, tide pools and the Alahanui Park hot springs right at the coast.
It sounds like you are staying with your cousin in Kona. Closer to home check out snorkeling at Two Step and and the nearby Place of Refuge NP in Captain Cook (South Kona). I’d suggest checking out all the parks and beaches along the coast north of town, starting with the Old Airport, Harbor north side, Pine Trees, NEL, Kekaha Kai State Park/Makalewena, Kua Bay, etc. Besides the beaches there are some neat historical sites through here. Further north is Kiholo Bay which is the remnants of an huge fish pond. The Waikoloa and Mauna Lani beach resort areas have some cool sites as does Puako and Spencer Beach near Kawaihae.
Definitely visit Hawi and travel beyond to Pololu Valley Overlook. Travel back by way of the Kohala Mountain Road for some great views. This will take you through Waimea.
Head to the NE part of the island through Waimea and take the Old Mamalahoa Hawaii to Honokaa. Have a malasada at Tex Drive In in Honokaa and then head over to Waipio Valley. You can head back south along the east coast and see Akaka Falls and the scenic highway route north of Hilo. Lots to see in and around Hilo and easy to take the Saddle Road back to the west side of the island.
That’s my concise list. I’d recommend you visit Costco and pick up a copy of The Big Island Revealed for an excellent island guide and maps. There is an iPhone app of the book if that works easier.
we just got back from a week there
Got my boys certified diving (Jack’s dive shop) so they had their 4 checkout dives while I went with the certified divers
then we did the night manta ray dive - TOTALLY WORTH IT and non scuba folks can snorkel
volcano was fun, Hilo has rainbow falls and the boys favorite part of the trip was driving across on the new saddle road as the army shot and exploded something (boys will be boys)
Hilo side also has natural hot springs
south part of island black sand beach
end of the world (off ali’i) cliff diving
and we did kona eco adventures zip line - it was fun - the ranch they do it on has a miniature donkey that I was ready to take home and lots of other animals that the kids loved
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Poke Shack. Great local sushi/sashimi place. Located about 2 1/2 -3 miles down Ali’i drive at the Kona Bali Kai condos. Very small and informal, carry out or picnic tables outside. Food is awesome.
I recommend Keii Cafe for dinner in Kealekekua and the Coffee Shack in Captain Cook for breakfast. They are great local restaurants. You can try Donkey Balls around there too which are chocolate covered balls…tasty. Also, you can take a tour of one of the coffee farms and sample some Kona coffee. Kona Brewery has a restaurant as well.
We’ve stayed in Kapoho and the tide pools there are amazing to see. They are thermally heated pools you can snorkel in.
The Seahorse Farm at the Natural Energy Lab is an easy and fun diversion. If you are heading north, Cafe Pesto in Kawaihae is a local favorite for pizza. There are some good restaurants up in Waimea…Paniolo for breakfast/brunch. Merrimans (somewhat pricey). Parker Ranch Grill. I also just love buying fish from the grocery store and grilling it for dinner. The stuff is usually fresher than anything I get in California.