Bobc163 Loc: Australia NSW

Hi everyone,
My wife has just surprised me telling me that we are going back to Hawaii in Sept this year, we are going to the the big island where the volcanoes are for 3 days. We will have our own hire car and would like some tips as to what to see.
I have said that I would like to do the scenic helicopter flight along the shore line and hope that someone out there can give a few tips as to the best choice of companies etc Also the tours of the volcanoes at night
We visited Oahu last Christmas and stayed at Turtle Bay for a week and thoroughly enjoyed that (with trips to all the usual sites)
I am taking my 5DMk111 along with a choice of lenses and would appreciate some recommendations as to what would possibly be appropriate
After Hawaii off to Tahiti and Bora Bora thence NZ and then home (cruising)

Thanks in advance
Bob

etcraig Loc: Chandler, Az

I lived on the Big Island for several years. One of my favorite spots is Akaka Falls state park, its a must as far as I am concerned. Its south of Hilo about 13 miles, good to get there early because of the tourists, think its a $5.00 charge. The market in Hilo is lame but the Makuu market north of Hilo on Sunday is well worth it--good to get there early. Needless to say Volcano National park is also a must, be sure to do Thurston's Lava Tube. On Kona side the Puuhonua O Honaunau Nat Park (place of refuge) is excellent as is the snorkeling/diving next to it. There is a lot to see----enjoy

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

I found Fromers travel paperback book an excellent resource.
It included sights and scenic drives.
Also, if crossing the island, consider drive times......
It may be too early for snow skiing...
And, send me a postcard!!
Pat

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I'm on my iPad now, but maybe I can remember to post more tomorrow when I get back on the computer.

I took the night tour of the volcano. Total waste of time and money. We rode in a van for hours each way. Then we have to walk with several bounded other people along a rough lava path, light our way with flashlights. Mine went dead. We were. It allowed to get close, so I don't know why they bothered at all. That was the only part of the trip I did not enjoy.

I took both a small plane tour and a chopper tour. The plane ride was half the price and twice the fun. I did that first and then did the helicopter.

You'll probably be staying on the west side of the island. The saddle road that cuts through he island used to be off limits for rental cars, but I don't think k many people paid attention the that. Driving from east to west, you go from virtual desert to virtual rain forest. Worth the trip. I understand the rebuilding of the road has been completed, so it should be OK to drive on it.

I bought a very good tour book when I was there the first time. I'll find the title tomorrow. Costco is the best place to buy gas and food, so have an Amex card when you arrive or get one at Costco - west coast.

I think that book is something like "The Big Island Revealed."

Bobc163 Loc: Australia NSW

will do thanks for the info
I am still sorting images from last trip Istanbul- Beijing on the silk road will see if i can post a link for the slideshow or do you know how to do that
Bob

Bobc163 Loc: Australia NSW

apparently we are staying in the volcano park and it is a short trip to a viewing area
I am trying to do some research on the flights so that we will have a good idea of what goes on
sounds nice and cold in the US at the moment pleasant 32Deg C here at present

BHC Loc: Strawberry Valley, JF, USA

Rainbow Falls (IN HILO)

Set your GPS for:

Rainbow Falls
70A Rainbow Dr
Hilo, HI 96720

Personally, I agree with Jerry. Unless there is a strong lava flow and you can get a boat, the whole volcano thing is a bust.

Billbobboy42 Loc: Center of Delmarva

I agree that Akaka Falls State Park is a must see. The falls are within a rain forest, so bring wet weather gear just in case. There are two large falls in the Park: Akaka and Kahuna.

Another must see for me was Kapoloa Falls (500ft total) located behind (if I remember right) Pololu Valley. The falls can only be observed by taking a tour, since one must traverse private property to access it. Tours are limited in size to what a van can carry, however, my info could be dated since it was 2001. The tour involves hiking to the falls, but it's an easy hike. Tour finished with beverages and Hawaiian finger foods (was a nice touch to end the tour).

Akaka Falls


Pololu Valley viewed from trail

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Other suggestions. Sunset on Mauna Kea, with all those huge telescopes. It takes several hours, and you get dinner on the way up and a star-watching show before you leave.

Remember "Gunsmoke," with James Arness? His racing catamaran has been modified and is used for a beautiful sunset dinner cruise. He named it "Seasmoke."

There is lava everywhere, and I loved looking at the different shapes and flows. A favorite spot for us was the Place of Refuge. It's a National Park, with picnic tables right by the shore - and lava.

Of course you will find an assortment of luaus, with all the complimentary mai tais you can drink before the show starts.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

Can not help you with the big island, but the helicopter trip we took on Kauai was with Mauna Loa. They are also on the big island. WE took a 'doors off' private (just my wife and I) charter tour. I used and love a new lens I bought for the trip, a Nikkor 18-200 VR ll, because with the doors off everything inside the helicopter must be secured. (NO Changing lenses). ABSOLUTELY AWESOME.
Duane

TGanner Loc: Haines, Alaska

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

JPL

Just remember to have a picture of you and the miss at the top of the worlds highest mountain!

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Now you know you're going to get challenged on that, and I'm sure you have the answer ready. :thumbup:

krashdragon

World's highest mountain measured from base of mountain... in this case under water... :0)
Mary