A quick look at the Big Island of Hawai‘i
-Morgan Pumpa
Photo by Rachel Aubrey.
If the islands of Hawai‘i were brothers, the Big Island would be the tallest, rugged and most handsome brother. Like most of the islands there are two sides to every mountain. On the east side of Big Island is Hilo, wet, local and very tropical. While on the west side there is Kona, dry, sharp from dried lava fields, and a popular destination for tourists. As with all islands of Hawai‘i, while visiting, it is important to remember to treat the areas you visit with respect by picking up any trash you produce and staying on marked paths either while driving or walking so as not to damage the agriculture.
Kona and Hilo are at least a few four hours apart, but both have an airport, be sure you check your accommodation and flight details to make sure they’re both on the same side of the island.
If you decide to stay in Hilo, a great hostel is the Hilo Bay Hostel. Built in 1912, it’s quaint and renovated with a low price of $25 a night for a dorm room. With lovely staff and a Corona received on arrival ( 21+ only), you’ll feel right at home. If you are a Hawai‘i resident, be sure to ask the hostel staff upon booking or arrival if they offer Kama‘aina (resident) discounts and be prepared to show a valid Hawai‘i ID.
When traveling there are a lot of ups and downs, and you begin to feel a little tired with all those early mornings and late night talks with new roommates. After a while you’ll feel yourself not wanting to do much but rest. This is fine, but if you feel like you’re wasting your day a great way to relax and see the island is to jump on the public bus for $1 (free for seniors and students of Hawaii) and go for a round trip. Just make sure when you get on that the bus will be returning to your starting point. For more information on the Big Island bus system visit their website.
Big island’s attractions rely on the environment, so when you visit be aware that while you would like to see the volcano explode and put on a show for you, your tour guide can’t in fact make that happen. If you’ve never seen or been near a volcano before, it is still very interesting and the national park has lots of information on Volcanoes and the history of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s great for the kids and adults for a big day out. The best time to be at the National park lookout is at dusk, as it begins to get dark the magma begins to glow. Remember to take warm clothing as it is very windy at the top of the mountain. Volcano National Park Service Information.
Another popular attraction is the nighttime Manta ray dive in Kona. In recent months there have been 20 to 30 manta rays visiting the dive site, however there is a possibility that the one night you go diving, that they may not show-up. Your dive company will do what they can to make your time more enjoyable.
Big island is full of things to do, but feel free to relax as well. In Hilo there is the Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, which is a small peaceful Japanese garden by the water. If you’re feeling stressed, take along your ukulele and hang loose for a little bit before your next big adventure. Another outdoor attraction on the Hilo side is Ahalanui Park, located off the State Highway 11 heading south. In the park are naturally formed pools that are heated from buried lava tubes and are always warmed to 90 degrees and very relaxing. More information on Ahalanui Park visit the following site.
Kona and Hilo are at least a few four hours apart, but both have an airport, be sure you check your accommodation and flight details to make sure they’re both on the same side of the island.
If you decide to stay in Hilo, a great hostel is the Hilo Bay Hostel. Built in 1912, it’s quaint and renovated with a low price of $25 a night for a dorm room. With lovely staff and a Corona received on arrival ( 21+ only), you’ll feel right at home. If you are a Hawai‘i resident, be sure to ask the hostel staff upon booking or arrival if they offer Kama‘aina (resident) discounts and be prepared to show a valid Hawai‘i ID.
When traveling there are a lot of ups and downs, and you begin to feel a little tired with all those early mornings and late night talks with new roommates. After a while you’ll feel yourself not wanting to do much but rest. This is fine, but if you feel like you’re wasting your day a great way to relax and see the island is to jump on the public bus for $1 (free for seniors and students of Hawaii) and go for a round trip. Just make sure when you get on that the bus will be returning to your starting point. For more information on the Big Island bus system visit their website.
Big island’s attractions rely on the environment, so when you visit be aware that while you would like to see the volcano explode and put on a show for you, your tour guide can’t in fact make that happen. If you’ve never seen or been near a volcano before, it is still very interesting and the national park has lots of information on Volcanoes and the history of the Hawaiian Islands. It’s great for the kids and adults for a big day out. The best time to be at the National park lookout is at dusk, as it begins to get dark the magma begins to glow. Remember to take warm clothing as it is very windy at the top of the mountain. Volcano National Park Service Information.
Another popular attraction is the nighttime Manta ray dive in Kona. In recent months there have been 20 to 30 manta rays visiting the dive site, however there is a possibility that the one night you go diving, that they may not show-up. Your dive company will do what they can to make your time more enjoyable.
Big island is full of things to do, but feel free to relax as well. In Hilo there is the Liliuokalani Park and Gardens, which is a small peaceful Japanese garden by the water. If you’re feeling stressed, take along your ukulele and hang loose for a little bit before your next big adventure. Another outdoor attraction on the Hilo side is Ahalanui Park, located off the State Highway 11 heading south. In the park are naturally formed pools that are heated from buried lava tubes and are always warmed to 90 degrees and very relaxing. More information on Ahalanui Park visit the following site.
