I will never forget the smell of plumerias after Iceland big! Once you exit the plane, you will be engulfed by the wonderful smell. The warm rays caressing your face as the gentle trade winds blowing. At that moment I knew I had found paradise.
My mother is originally from Oahu, but moved to the Big Island in 1996. I have visited regularly over the last 13 years. At that time I learned a lot about Big Iceland. So where are youtrying to wash, where, according to black sand beaches, where to find the turtles, and see how to find the magic green sand. In this article, I will, in the best quality Big that Iceland has to offer.
Getting there
The best way to travel to the Big Island is by air. There are people who cruise and sail even swim to the Big Island, but I recommend you arrive by plane in a Kona or Hilo. There are some airlines that I should fly to Hawaii and twoin particular, I would avoid at all costs. Hawaiian Airlines was founded in 1929 and is the longest airline that flies to and from Hawaii. They build on their reputation flight history and loyal customers to stay in business. Hawaiian Airlines is usually prompt and satisfactory customer service. Alaska Airlines has always treated me very well. They fly direct to Kona and Hilo on a number of cities on the west coast of the United States, have much more legroomSpace, and most of all that have a glass of wine, beer and Mai Tai before landing, something that has become rare in domestic flights. If you fly from Australia or New Zealand, Qantas and Air New Zealand, are both serious. If you're on a tight budget, look at Jetstar. Please note that Jetstar is a pay as you go airline. The flights are very cheap, because there is nothing extra you have to pay for (ie, ceiling, soft drinks, headphones, pillows, food, and basically everythingbut the toilet.) If you do not fly directly to Hilo or Kona, you may fly to Honolulu and an air transfer between the islands. Every time the airplane is necessary Terminal follow the signs to the inter-island ( Use the wiki wiki bus! You will save 20 minutes on foot in 80% humidity, will not be used.) The airline, which I recommend to travel between the islands is by Mokulele. They have an impeccable customer service, theirThe flights are on time, and still have juice punishment on short flights.
IMPORTANT: If you book the first flight, make sure you do not fly United. For flights between the islands and never fly Air Aloha These two companies have given me the most problems on an airline I've flown around the world. Customer service is atrocious, flights are routinely delayed or canceled, and is responsible for checked baggage. LESSAirlines!
Accommodation
There remain many hotels around Kona and Hilo, but I suggest you look at the host families and rental online. do this are usually private listings of local people who rent their home for some parts of the year. They tend to cost less than hotels and you can save by cooking at home. If you are backpacking, there are no hostels in Hilo, Kona and Volcano. The Holo Holo Inn is the best for your money in Volcano. Dorm beds start at $ 17. However,lets get to what you see the Big Island!
Volcano National Park
Volcano National Park is located 30 miles west of Hilo on Highway 11 is located. This is one of the few places in the world you can see a volcano erupting. In 1983, the Kilauea volcano began to erupt, and did not stop. Which is 16 years of continuous flow of lava! In the park you can have a more recent increase in the crater Halemaumau. Plumes of smoke rise of sulfur up to 1000 feet in the air and see the glow of the lava isfrom the famous Museum Jagger. Visitors can also decrease the chain of craters, old lava from previous eruptions, to where the lava meets the ocean. so visitors can go through the Thurston Lava Tube, a tunnel 100 meters behind lava travels beneath the earth. Note: Sometimes the lava flow changed direction, so to see a very long walk to the river to the ocean from the park. If this is the case, then ask for a park ranger for the direction of flow, the Kalapanais again on the way to Hilo.
Punalu'u
30 miles down the road from Volcano National Park is a call Punalu'u black sand beach (there are signs that gives you the mile highway 1). I love this beach! I actually do not recommend it for swimming or snorkeling, it's just beautiful. When you arrive, park your car, take off your shoes and go to the other end of the beach. Bring your slippers (sandals or flip flops), as the black sand can be very hot depending on thetime of day. On your right you will see local children playing in the water and waves breaking on the reef. On the left side, there is a small business, water, snacks and souvenirs were sold. Make sure all until the end of the beach walk! Here are the Honu (Turtle) is. Note: it is more likely to be there early in the morning. If you fancy a game, look for rocks like the sandy beach is not all that water. If you have small children, keep an eye on themthere is a moderate fire. must be rinsed when you are done freshwater spring at the other end of the beach. The water is cold!
South Point
Go to the South Point, you get to a small town called Na'alehu. We must come within two points here. First, the Punalu'u bakery. Desserts are amazing, including Malasadas, a traditional Hawaiian cake, which is to die. On the opposite side of the road (next to the field, public restrooms and basketball court) is the lunch Na'alehuShop. You Ono grinds (good food), especially the fish-burger, if available. After filling the room at about 5 miles on the highway and turn left at the sign that South Point (12 miles Highway) highlighted. Drive about 12 miles and take a right not marked when the road flattens out and follow it until the end. This is the farthest point south of SU 's really a magical place. To stay on the edge of America and literally be ableSting. I think if I go there. It measures 30 feet. Jump into the ocean. It seems a bit 'flat, but I assure you its not. Probably about 30 meters deep. I do not recommend this unless there are other people like to jump the ladder is very old and might not work when you arrive. After placing the thrill of cliff jump back to go off the road and turn right. Between one and two miles down the road is pulling another (unmarked as well - to get usedthis), where to park. This is the entrance to the path that leads to the magical green sand beach. If you have a four-wheel drive, you can continue. Otherwise, this is the end of the road for the car, and you must walk. Near the sea. Just when you reach the coast, out, bumpy road, turn left. Continue here for about two miles until you reach the top of a steep slope. Park here and walk to the beach. Warning! For hikers, you are going toa lot of sunscreen, water and sunglasses. This beach is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Have fun!
Kailua-Kona
On the road to Kona, you see a lot of lava. There are few places to see on the road. At Kealakekua Bay there is a monument to Captain Cook. This is the place where Captain Cook was the Hawaiians decided not allowed and they killed him. I suggest you rent canoes and kayaks in the bay. On the other hand, where the monument is the snorkelingExtraordinary! If you're lucky, Nia (Dolphins) to play in the bay and get to see the show!
Another great snorkeling spot, before arriving in Kona Honaunau National Park. You will get a share in the park in order to have money with you.
Kailua-Kona is a tourist town on the Big Iceland. If you are the nightlife, this is the city where to go. Actually it would be Honolulu, but because this is another island, Kona is doing. This ismake a good place to stop and shop, eat, use the bathroom, etc. I would be a few blocks Alii Dr. Park, then walk to get there, parking difficult without pay.
Hapuna State Park
Hapuna State Park is a beautiful white sand beach that is located about 30 miles north of Kona. If you want to spend and your family a great day on the beach, this would be. The only downside would be the mass. It 's a tourist beach and is often very crowded (for the Big Iceland). Move likeScreen and water. There are shops, rental rent boogie boards, towels and snorkeling equipment. This place is not very good for boogie boarding or snorkeling, so I do not recommend renting. Snorkeling seem dull compared to Honaunau and Kealakekua Bay.
Waipio Valley
The Waipio Valley saved for last. This place is incredible! Hapuna State Park, is about thirty minutes drive through the city and Waimea Waipio Honoka'a. Most people do not get what Waipio Valleyhas to offer, for two-wheel drive vehicles are not allowed to drive along the road. This is to avoid two miles, not bad, but going out is difficult to say the least. If the foot of the hill on the way to approach, turn right and continue until you reach the sea. Waipio is a sight to see the 1995 film Waterworld over. The valley has steep cliffs carved by millions of years of erosion. In the bottom of the valley, a waterfall rushes to the fields of taro. The riverwinds through the valley, directly into the sea. The black sand beach is located about a mile and horses graze on and off for the beach. Most of the valley is private land and through the geography of the country, the horses can move freely. You should not feed the horses! And be careful because they are known to make money. Waipio is known to be a great place for camping and surfing, too.
There are more to be seen on the Big Island that I have described. These are just some ofBig Island. One of my favorite things to do highlights, you explore the island. I encourage everyone to explore a lot of time there and see what the island is revealed. You'll be surprised what you find. Safe travels.
