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| Hawaii (Big Island) | Is 7 days enough to visit the Big Island? Posted: Fri July 25, 2008 09:43 PM UTC
I'll be on Hawaii from 5-15 October (10 full days). I will arrive in Honolulu in the evening, and plan to fly to the Big Island (Hilo) immediately the next morning. Would it be enough to be on the Big Island for 7 days, if I would like to see/do the following things:
Akaka falls, Waipio-Waimanu-Pololu valley, dive with the manta's in Kona, kayak and snorkel in Kealakekua Bay (Captain Cook), see the green sand beach at South Point, visit hawaii Volcanoes national Park (including seeing the red lava flowing into the see) and drive up to Manu Kea via the Saddle Road (I know that's not allowed by most car rental agencies but I think it must be great...) Is this feasible, could I manage in less time or do I need more time? If I can manage in 7 days, I would still have 2 1/2 day on Oahu and might be able to visit Laniakea Beach for the green turtles. Do you thinks this would be a good plan, am I missing highlights or do you advise to skip something (and if so, what?) Thanks for your help and advice! |
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| REPLIES to IS 7 DAYS ENOUGH TO VISIT THE BIG ISLAND? (1 - 4) |
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| Hawaii (Big Island) | Re: Is 7 days enough to visit the Big Island? Posted: Sun July 27, 2008 12:37 AM UTC
You have most of the best highlights chosen. But that is a very aggressive schedule. You need to realize the expanse of land you need to cover just driving to all those places. And remember that many places around the island you will have speed limits of only 25, 35, or 45 MPH for long distances. so the miles are not great, but time becomes skewed.
Then there are the hikes required for some of them once you have driven all those hours to get there. It's not entirely impossible, but you will definitely be exhausted. You'll need a vacation to rest up after your vacation.:) My wife and I were on the Big Isle back in April. We spent 9 nights; 3 near Hilo, 4 in Kona, and 2 in Waipio. And we accomplished less than half of what you plan. However, we were planning a leisurely pace. For a review, look here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/17144603@N02/collections/ Almost everyone of those photos are mapped. See if that helps. Let me know how it all works out for you if you decide to keep that schedule. Seriously, I'd like to know.
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| Hawaii (Big Island) | Re: Is 7 days enough to visit the Big Island? Posted: Sun July 27, 2008 04:51 PM UTC
As the previous post says, your plan is very ambitious. But yes, you can see much of the island in one week. It looks like you have done plenty of research, so you will know to stay not just on one side of the island. I've heard of some travelers who think they can base in one place and make day trips all over the island, and that just isn't feasible.
I'd only suggest, as with any trip, that you keep a little flexibility in your plan so that if something grabs your interest and you spend more time with it, you just give in and let something else go. I am usually guilty of over-planning myself, and my wife makes me slow down and soak in a place more. We never got to South Point on our Big Island trip. Oh well, reason to return. One further suggestion, if you haven't already read up on it, is to take time to visit Kekaha Kai State Park, a little north of the airport at Kona. The road is rather rugged getting there off the highway, but I think they have some of the prettiest beaches on the island. Directions are in one of my tips.
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| Hawaii (Big Island) | Re: Is 7 days enough to visit the Big Island? Posted: Fri August 1, 2008 05:21 PM UTC
If you land in Hilo and fly out from Kona or vice versa, you'll be much more likely to accomplish your plan.
Arnotts Lodge is doing lavatours out of hilo as well as Mauna Kea summit tours. If you want to drive mauna kea yourself you need an expensive 4x4. My 2001 Big Island 9-day itinerary: Day 1 - Arrive Kona Airport in the evening. Stayed in an appartment at Patey's Place in Kailua Kona. Day 2 - Drive north along the Kohala Coast. Day 3 - Snorkeling at Kahulu beach Day 4 - Place of Refuge. Stayed at Hotel Manago in Captain Cook. Day 5 - Kayaking and snorkeling at Kealekekua Bay Day 6 - Volcanoes National Park. Stayed at Volcano House in the VNP. Day 7 - Hilo, Manua Kea summit tour. Stayed at Arnott's Lodge in Hilo. Day 8 - Hamakua Coast, Waipio Valley Day 9 - Interisland flight to Honolulu with Pacific Wings, spotted whales from above and had a great view of the islands on the way.
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| Hawaii (Big Island) | Re: Is 7 days enough to visit the Big Island? Posted: Sat September 6, 2008 10:59 AM UTC
GO FOR IT. My recommendation is to skip the time in Oahu if you have to (and that is where I Live). Seeing the lava flow at night is the best but will take 3x longer than planned, trust me. You have to do though, amazing. One of the mist amazing things you will ever see. Diving with the mantas you will see as many fish as captain cook, although I snorkel that place everytime because it's so great.
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