Bear Down Wildcats

Anyone ever been to the big Island? Any must do's or don't?

I've never been- only been to Maui and Honolulu... but we might have a free house to stay in Hilo in July. I know Hilo isn't the most touristy part of Hawaii... and for us that's probably a good thing

Love the Big Island - my favorite of the big 4 I have been lucky enough to visit.

Of course you have to go to Volcanoes National Park. If you are lucky you will get to see lava flowing, I've heard at night it's amazing.

A drive around the whole island is nice to do as well. Their are lots of waterfalls to visit along the way.

Kealakekua Bay is another good place to visit/snorkel. My favorite beach is Hapuna Beach up by Waikoloa. The Hilton up there is amazing, but could never afford to stay there. I have stayed twice in timeshares down in Kona (the dry side), never stayed on the Hilo (rainy) side.
Kona Brewery is there, we tried to go but was to crowded the night we tried.

They built a road across the island which is nice making trips between Kona and Hilo only about an hour and a half. My son and I did a zip line in Hilo while we were staying in Kona which made it very convenient. Also easier access to Mauna Kea summit. I haven't been all the way to the top but my wife and I went to the top of Haleakala in Maui and that was amazing.

Make sure you get some malasadas (Hawaian donuts).

I'm assuming you have done a luau before. If not, you should do one once, but they are pricey.

Hiking the lava tubes was something we did when there. We only had a day on a cruise excursion but it was really cool to see how the hot lava cut straight through rock. If you don’t like dark places though (you get headlamps to tour) it might not be much fun

Very interested in checking out Volcano Nat Park and lava tubes. Those are both on the must do list

We just finalized our plans. Staying a few days in Kono and a few in Hilo

We didn’t get the free house we thought we would in Hilo… this vacation is costing me a fortune…. But I could not convince anyone in my family to change our plans

Alieberman wrote: ↑Sun Apr 24, 2022 6:12 am We just finalized our plans. Staying a few days in Kono and a few in Hilo

We didn’t get the free house we thought we would in Hilo… this vacation is costing me a fortune…. But I could not convince anyone in my family to change our plans

The big Island is amazing, you will be very happy you did it. The memories are priceless.

I really really want to take my kids to Hawaii (any island). The distance from Chicago and cost has been prohibitive so far. But I spent a week in Maui when I was 9 and I’ve been fascinated with going back ever since.

Enjoy Ari! Your family was right to stand firm.

We went to Hawaii for our honeymoon approx 31 years ago.

Chicat wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:35 am Your family was right to stand firm.

Sure... take their side.....

Alieberman wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 1:33 pm

Chicat wrote: ↑Tue Apr 26, 2022 10:35 am Your family was right to stand firm.

Sure... take their side.....

Is there a free trip to Hawaii in it for me?

Leaving for the Island tomorrow.....

Somehow I missed this thread! The big island is beautiful. I went when I was a kid so I have nothing practical to offer, but you'll have a great trip!

Alieberman wrote: ↑Tue Jul 12, 2022 7:28 am Leaving for the Island tomorrow.....

Have a great trip buddy!

Alieberman wrote: ↑Tue Jul 12, 2022 7:28 am Leaving for the Island tomorrow.....

Getting ready to fly back today. The big island is amazing in every way. We explored all over and felt as if we transported into about 6 or 7 different ecosystems along the way. Hilo was by far our favorite town but visiting Volcano and seeing the volcano lava flowing at night was spectacular!