Go Visit Hawaii

My friend Brian Ricker recently returned from a Big Island live aboard scuba diving trip on the Kona Aggressor. He’s a total diving enthusiast. He’s practically been around the world on diving trips. So I was anxious to hear what he thought about his Big Island dives. The night dive with the manta rays was the highlight of his trip. “Night diving off the Big Island is a fantastic experience. From the largest mantas to the smallest nudibranch [sea slugs], the diversity of sea life provides divers an unparalleled opportunity for adventure.”

Brian’s a great underwater photographer, so be sure and check out his photo set from his Hawaii dives. In fact, Brian provided the photo of the manta ray at the top. Brian estimates that the wing span on this particular manta ray was 15 feet. Whoa!

You’ll find several reputable diving companies near Kona who will take you out for night dives with mantas. Some even bring snorkelers, too. As you may recall, I can be a bit of a chicken when it comes to being in the water, but I may have to overcome my fear some day to see these graceful creatures at night.

If you are a diving enthusiast, then check out The Right Blue written by Bobbie and Jerry who are are expert divers.  They live on the Big Island and frequently write about local marine life and diving points.

Mahalo to Brian for sharing his photos and experience with us!

I just read the most recent Hawaii hotel occupancy and rate report and I’m surprised to see that rates on the Big Island are down 10% from this same time last year. The occupancy rate is 55.5% - down 30 percentage points from last year.

I’m quite surprised that the Big Island rates are down this low during peak summer travel season, especially since the volcano is putting on such a fiery show.

If you’ve been wanting to visit the Big Island of Hawaii, now is a fantastic time to do so. You’ll save money and escape the crowds. Just take a look at my Big Island vacation guide to get a glimpse of what to do and see on the Big Island.

• Hawaii’s Prince Hotels have announced their “Fall into Winter” promotion. You’ll find Prince resorts in great locations on Maui, Oahu, and the Big Island. Rates start at $224 per night and include your choice of daily breakfast buffet for two or a daily $50 resort credit.
• Volcano Bike Tours on the Big Island is offering an exciting new bike tour to see the active lava flow.  The tour is called Bike to Pele and you can read more about it towards the bottom of this Web page.
• Another cool new tour combines a helicopter ride with a hike into a remote area of the lush Kohala coast. The hike will take you to waterfalls that have plunge pools. Blue Hawaiian Helicopter and Hawaii Forest & Trail have teamed up for this Waterfall HeliHike Adventure.  For more information, see this link.

These are really exciting times around Kilauea Volcano on the Big Island of Hawaii.  I check the Hawaii Volcano Observatory Kilauea updates and web camera images fairly regularly.  For quite a while there’s not been much going on incandescence-wise at Puu Oo, but take a look at the above image that I captured from the observatory’s web cam just this morning.

It was a year ago that Pu’u O’o was a large lava lake.  Take a look at the images captured last year.

In other Kilauea updates:

• There’s an amazing lava pond and fountain that is shooting waves of lava up to 45 feet high.  Scientists say it’s been years since they’ve seen lava fountains as impressive as this one.  The lava fountain is located 2 miles from the Kilauea summit and 6 miles from the ocean.  It is inaccessible by foot.  The best way to see lava fountains is by helicopter tour.  KGMB has a great story and video.
• The lava tube system that had been transporting lava to the ocean at Waikupanaha entry point seems to have been blocked and now there are only “dribbles” lava flowing to the ocean., per KITV No plume has been reported for a couple of days now.  The tube blockage is producing surface flows.  UPDATE:  more recent reports indicate that lava is flowing back to the ocean at a good steady rate.
• Halemaumau crater located in the Volcanoes National Park continues to produce it’s impressive plume.

It’s absolutely amazing!  Isn’t it?

Whoa!  You’ve got to check out these two tremendous videos of Kilauea volcano activity.  The first video was shot over the past couple of days. (Credit for this video find to Bobbie at the Virtual Scratchpad.)  This week, the Hawaii Volcano Observatory began reporting that some of the lava tubes that had been carrying lava to the ocean had ruptured and so lava started surfacing again near the former Royal Gardens subdivision. In the video, you can see that some trees are being consumed by the new surface flows. Some of the lava tubes are still intact and continue to carry lava to the ocean at the Waikupanaha entry near the end of Highway 130.

There have been some dramatic explosions of lava meeting the ocean at the Waikupanaha entry per the HVO.  Here’s a video that’s been loaded recently of the  Waikupanaha entry.  I’d estimate it was shot on or about June 30th. 

What an exciting time to be visiting the Big Island!  If you’re going and want to see the lava flowing, please see these tips for viewing the lava flow.  For the latest on the current lava viewing area at the end of Highway 130, see this link and the HVO daily reports. 

Hawaii’s Big Island is truly big and much too large to see the island’s highlights in a days time.  As there are two major airports and cruise ship stops on the Big Island - one in Kona and one in Hilo - I’m creating two separate one day sight-seeing itineraries for the Big Island. We’ve already looked at my recommendations for what to see in one day from the Kona side.  Now, let’s look at what to see from the Hilo side. 

Before we dive into the details, I’d like to say that I think the Hilo side of Hawaii tends to be underrated.  The Hilo side is rich in beauty and culture. The pace tends to move a bit slower around here and personally, I like it.  Another point I want to mention is that it is a bit of a challenge trying to narrow all the great sight-seeing plans to just one day.  I’ve found that the Hilo side has been particularly challenging.  So, I’m going to focus in on my top choice and then mention some other ideas for you to consider.

Okay, now for some details.  One of the most fascinating natural wonders of the Big Island would have to Kilauea Volcano.  So, with only one day on the Hilo side, I’d recommend you focus your time at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park.  Just rent a car and then head south on the Hawaii Belt Road, Hwy 11, to the park. The park’s website has some good suggestions of what to see if you have between one to five hours. Basically stop at all the open view points along Crater Rim Drive and Chain of Craters Road.  Make sure you don’t miss the Thurston Lava Tube.  If you love to hike and you can arrange the time, then I’d recommend you plan in a 3 hour hike of the Kilauea Iki trail.  It’s one of my favorites in Hawaii. 

Since Kilauea is an active volcano, you can never predict what you might see.  At the present time, the Halemaumau crater is spewing out a giant plume of ash and the lava is flowing in tubes to the ocean just outside the the national park.  Check the daily updates provided by the Hawaii Volcano Observatory to find out what’s going on with the volcano.  (The national park’s website also provides updates, but sometimes it seems that their updates are not reported as timely.) The day of your visit, stop in at the park’s visitor center for the latest information, closures and advisories. 

If you plan to spend your day at the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, please be aware of these tips:

• You’ll have to pay a fee to access the park.  At the present time, the fee for a vehicle is $10.  Here’s a link to the fees. 
• Do stop in at the visitor’s center to pick up a park map, learn of any closures and get pointers of what to see that day.  The park rangers can be very helpful in helping you plan the most from your brief visit. 
• Make sure you know the hazards of visiting the park.  Volcanic gasses can be particularly dangerous for young children, pregnant women, and people with heart or breathing problems. If you have questions, call the park directly at (808) 985-6000.
• You’d be wise to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
• There’s only one restaurant in the park. In the nearby town of Volcano, you’ll find more dining options.  Here’s a link to the reviews of restaurants in Volcano. 
• Bring sunscreen, a hat, water and snacks.
• If you have time on the way back to the airport or cruse ship, stop in at the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory.  As you return back to Hilo on Highway 11, it will be on your right at Macadamia Road. It’s open until 5pm.
• If you can manage staying overnight and the lava is flowing at a viewable point, then do yourself a favor and see lava flowing at night.  It is simply amazing.  At the present time, there is a viewing point at the end of Highway 130.  Follow this link for more on viewing the lava flow. 

If you don’t feel that visiting the Volcanoes National Park is for you, then here are some alternative suggestions:

• This area of the Big Island has some of Hawaii’s most picturesque waterfalls.  You could make your own waterfall tour with stops at Akaka Falls, the Four Mile Scenic Drive, Rainbow Falls, Peepee Falls and Boiling Pots.  For garden buffs, the Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden located along the Four Mile Scenic Drive is highly touted.  I’ve not been able to work in the time to see it yet, but I have it on my list of things to see next time I’m on the Big Island.  There is a fee required for the garden and you need to make sure you wear mosquito repellant.
• Kauai and the Big Island are my top recommendations for a helicopter tour. Depending on where the lava is flowing, a helicopter tour may give you the best daytime lava flow view. Try to get a tour first thing in the morning, then, if time permits, rent a car and head over to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or check out some of the waterfalls (mentioned above).
• Hilo is a lovely town.  You could walk along the shops and get a loco moco.  (I like the loco moco from Cafe 100)  See this post with a video and a hint of what Hilo town is like. 
• There are plenty of packaged tours that will take you to the highlights of the Hilo area.  So, if you don’t want to do the driving, you’ll have plenty of options.  Roberts of Hawaii and Polynesian Adventures are two of the bigger tour companies. 

Have you visited the Big Island?  What do you think of these recommendations of what to see in just one day on the Hilo side?  What suggestions would you add?  What would you skip?  This was one of the more difficult one day itineraries to write, so I’d love to get your input.

July 8, 2008 Update: Points of Light has suspended operation of their ebay store for travel. For more information see this Q&A.
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A Go Visit Hawaii reader, Lindsay, recently wrote me to tell me about how she had purchased two roundtrip tickets for $780 on American Airlines. That’s a steal at $390 per person from the Midwest!

Now, you’ll probably never guess where Lindsay purchased these tickets. It wasn’t through the American Airlines, or a travel agency, or online discount agency like Travelocity. Are you ready for this? She purchased the tickets on ebay. That’s right, ebay! So, how did she do it? She was kind enough to give me to the scoop to share with you.

So, here’s the deal. There’s a non-profit organization called Points of Light that auctions tickets and vacation packages on ebay as a means for raising funds. Here’s a link to their ebay shop. They sell other items besides airline tickets and travel packages, so you may have to sift though random stuff to find the Hawaii travel related items for auction. Some travel items are available for “buy it now” and others are available for bid. At the moment, here just a sampling of the Hawaii airline tickets and packages that are up for auction:

• Buy It Now: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from the West Coast - $900
• Buy It Now: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from US and Canada - $1500
• For Bid: 2 Roundtrip Coach Tickets from US and Canada - current bid at $810
• For Bid: 4-Star Hotel and Coach Roundtrip Airfare for 2 to Kauai - current bid at $1,475.

Note that there are restrictions for each item for auction so make sure you know what they are before purchase or bid. Also, make sure you understand what additional taxes and fees may be required. Most tickets and packages have restrictions like a 7 or 14 day advance reservation and a Saturday night stay. Most tickets must be used within 12 months. From sifting through a few of them, it appears that it’s best if you have flexibility in your travel dates.

Though this ebay seller has an overall positive feedback rating (approximately 96%), they do have a some neutral and negative ratings. Make sure you shop with ebay wisely.

For frequent fliers, you’ll still earn travel miles with these tickets. That’s a great bonus.

A big mahalo to Lindsay for sharing this tip! What do you think of this way of purchasing discount tickets? Do you think it’s worth a try or are you scared? Have you purchased tickets or vacation packages from this ebay store? How did it work for you?

UPDATE: Did we flood their system? The day after I posted this tidbit, all the travel items were removed from the ebay store and this notice was posted:

Due to unexpectedly high volumes of summer travel, we have exceeded our capacity to handle new travel packages efficiently. We have temporarily suspended the sale of future travel until we can catch up with your demand.

Today, we continue the series of what to see on each Hawaiian island in one day. The Big Island is big indeed and there is so much to see. This island even has two major airports - one in Kona and one in Hilo. Since there are two major airports and since cruise ships usually have a day assigned to each side, we’re going to approach our one day itineraries in the same way. So, we’ll start with a visit to the Kona side of the Big Island.

As I’ve written these one day guides, I’ve tried to focus on the natural beauty of each island and what makes them unique. This one day sight-seeing plan from the Kona side for the Big Island will be no exception. The Kohala Coast and Hamakua Coast along the northern end of the Big Island is stunning with cliffs, lush green hills and valleys, and black sand beaches.

I’m going to suggest a big loop of sight-seeing with the first stop being at Waipio Valley (photo on the right). The earlier in the day that you visit this valley, the more likely you’ll avoid rain. So, that’s why I suggest you head straight there. Assuming you are starting from Kailua-Kona, I’d begin the day by driving towards Waimea and onwards toward Honokaa. I estimate it will take between 1 to 1.5 hour to get there from Kona. There are two ways to head towards Waimea - either via Highway 190 or Highway 19. To maximize what you see, I might suggest that you go on Highway 190 and return via Highway 19.

To get to Waipio Valley, you’ll turn on Highway 240 towards the historic sugarcane plantation town of Honokaa. Just follow Highway 240 until it ends at the Waipio Valley lookout. Admire the width and depth of this fertile valley. Notice the black sand beach, fishponds, and taro fields. The view of Waipio valley never fails to impress.

Hopping back in the car, you’ll have to backtrack to Honokaa. (If you have time, grab one of the most delicious frozen fruitsicles in Honokaa town.) You’ll get back onto Mamalahoa Highway (19) and head back towards Waimea. If it’s a clear day, occasionally take a glance over to the left to see if you can get a view of the top of Mauna Kea.

Once you get into Waimea, stay on Highway 19 until you get to the intersection of Highway 250. Take the Kohala Mountain Road (Highway 250) for a amazingly scenic drive near the top of the Kohala Mountain, an extinct volcano. The landscape here is very unique. You won’t see anything else like it in Hawaii. I would liken it to something you’d see in Ireland. (See the photo on the right.)

After you reach the end of Highway 250, you’ll be in another historic sugarcane plantation town, Hawi, at the intersection of Highway 270. Turn right onto 270 and follow it out of Hawi and over a few miles into the smaller town of Kapaau. On the right, between mile markers 23 and 24, you’ll see a really nice statue of King Kamehameha in front of the police department. Don’t stop or park along the right side of the street. Pull into the parking lot on the right immediately past the statue.

After seeing the statue, continue heading East on Highway 270 until the road ends at the beautiful Pololu Valley Lookout. (Photo on the right.) If you have the time available, water, and the proper shoes for a steep hike, you can hike down to Pololu black sand beach. (Don’t plan to swim here as the current is too dangerous.) You’ll need somewhere between 1 to 1.5 hours for the hike depending on how fit you are and much time you want to spend viewing the beach.

After viewing Pololu valley, follow Highway 270 back and stay on it past Hawi for a pleasant and somewhat dramatic drive from the lush windward side to the dry leeward side of the Kohala Coast. From here, you can drive back to Kona following Highway 270 to 19.

So, I’ve now covered the main sights I’d highly recommend that you see. Since I don’t know how much time you specifically have available, I’ll suggest these other places to see on your way back to Kona if you have the time.

• You could see the craft and art shops in Hawi.
• You could see Lapakahi State Historical Park for to learn about ancient Hawaiian life.
• You could have a walk around the beautiful grounds of the Mauna Lani resort to see the shark pond, petroglyphs and fishponds. There’s a lovely shoreline path that goes between the Mauna Lani and the Fairmont. I’ve taken some great photos there.
• You could stop off at one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii, Hapuna Beach State Recreational Park.

You could more than fill a day with all these suggestions. So, make sure you allow plenty of time to return your rental car and either catch your plane or cruise ship.

Some tips for your day:

• Bring a light jacket and/or rain poncho. The weather in the upcountry can be about 10 to 15 degrees cooler.
• Be sure and pick up the free maps they give you at the rental car desk. If possible, buy a proper map of the island before you go on vacation. The rental car maps can sometimes be difficult to follow as the maps are scattered over several pages.
• Always lock your car doors when you leave the car.
• Plan restroom stops wisely. You’ll find restroom facilities at the Waipio Valley lookout, but not at the Pololu Valley lookout.
• There are some nice little restaurants in Waimea, Honokaa, Hawi, Kawaihae (near intersection of highways 19 and 270) for lunch. (See this link for more on Big Island restaurants.)

So, these are my suggestions for what to see from the Kona side in one day. Have you seen these sights? Do you think they’re worthy seeing on the one day visit?

Excellent Hawaii travel deals are popping out all over the place. Some deals that were advertised a month or so ago, have become even better. For example, the ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel deal listed below is better than this one I posted just over two months ago. With deals like these, it’s a great time to go to Hawaii!

ResortQuest Waikiki Beach Hotel on Oahu
The Deal: Every Third Night Free
Why I like this deal: Whoa! Buy two nights and stay one night for free or buy four nights and stay for six! This offer includes free daily breakfast on Waikiki Beach. You’ll also receive a coupon book for 2 for 1 luau tickets and other discounts.
Offer Valid Through: Book now through December 25, 2008 for stays from August 25th - December 25th. Blackout dates are December 11th - 14th.
Special Rate Code: The booking engine should automatically issue each third night free. If you have an issue, you can call 1-800-514-1969. Note that this special rate hasn’t even been advertised yet, so you’re getting a sneak peek now.
For More Information: See this link for more on ResortQuest Waikiki Beach.

Waikoloa Beach Marriott on the Big Island
The Deal: Rates starting at $209 per night
Why I like this deal: Rates are advertised at 20% off during peak summer travel. Waikoloa Beach Resort is a great base for a Hawaii vacation. There’s great golf, restaurants and shopping all within walking distance at this Kohala Coast resort. This Marriott is set back from one of the best beaches on the Big Island, Anaehoomalu Beach (also known as A-bay). This hotel has recently completed a $40 million dollar renovation. The decor is quite sophisticated without feeling pretentious.
Offer Valid Through: For stays through September 6th, 2008
Special Rate Code: None specified
For More Information: See this link

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So, these were some of the special offers that have especially caught my eye. If you’re searching for more great rates, don’t forget to check out all the deals that the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau have arranged with several top travel partners.

The islands of Hawaii have some fantastic fourth of July events planned for 2008. Here’s some of what’s going on:

On Oahu

July 3rd - Pre-Independence Day Celebration: Aloha Tower Marketplace will be the host of a pre-independence day celebration filled with a fabulous fireworks display over Honolulu Harbor at 9pm. The free event includes live entertainment on multiple stages, a fashion show with top Hawaii models, face & hair painting, a balloon artist, and many strolling entertainers throughout the entire marketplace. These events start at 5pm.

July 4th - Ala Moana Forth of July Fireworks & Concert: Full lineup of live entertainment, games and fun, followed by a fireworks extravaganza that’s the biggest in the state. For more information see this link

July 4th - Independence Day at Maunalua Bay: Entertainment will fill the day from 2pm, leading up to a spectacular fireworks display from a barge in Maunalua Bay at 8pm. For more information on this inaugural even for this area of East Honolulu, see this link.

July 4th - 6th - 19th Annual BayFest will be held at the Marine Corps Base in Kaneohe Bay. The public is welcome to enjoy music from various national and local acts, carnival rides and games, great food, exhibits, and fireworks. Admission is required. Proceeds enhance the quality of life for the Marines, Sailors and family members stationed aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii. For more information see this link.

July 4th - Kailua 4th of July Parade, Festival, and Fireworks: For more information, see this link.

July 4th - On Oahu’s North Shore, Turtle Bay Resort Family Day and Fireworks.

On the Big Island

July 4th - 13th Annual Kailua-Kona Independence Day Parade & Fireworks: The parade starts at 5:30pm at Kona’s Kekuaokalani Gym on Kuakini and winding down Palani Road and then South along Alii Drive to Coconut Grove Marketplace. Entertainment at Coconut Grove, then fireworks at 8pm! All free to the public. Visitors are encouraged to wear patriotic colors.

July 4th - Hilo Fireworks: There will be evening fireworks displays at 3 spots in Hilo: on and along the Bayfront Highway and beach area; the soccer fields along Kamehameha Avenue; & Queen Liliuokalani Park. Call Roxie Waltjen, County of Hawaii, Dept. Parks & Recreation, Culture & The Arts for more information at (808) 961-8706. (Per KonaWeb and Cheryl.)

July 4th - 17th Annual Great Waikoloa Rubber Duckie Race & 4th of July Extravaganza: A fundraiser for United Cerebral Palsy of Hawaii, the fun-filled event will feature the always wild and wacky rubber duckie race, great live entertainment, and lots of exciting activities, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display over Kings’ Lake. The even starts at 10am and goes through 9:30pm. For more information, call (808) 886-8811.

July 4th - Turtle Independence Day at the Mauna Lani: This is a different take on independence day. A turtle will be released from the shore fronting the hotel. This is a morning event going from 8:30am - 11:30am. For more details, see this link

On Maui

4th of July in Lahaina: Fireworks are scheduled for 8pm. The fireworks display will be over the ocean in historic Lahaina Town. The 4th of July in Lahaina is a free family event for all and it even includes a concert from 6:00 to 8:00pm on the makai library lawn. Note that some tour companies are providing special 4th of July fireworks excursions to watch the fireworks from the water. For example, see this one from Trilogy.

On Kauai

July 4th - 19th Annual Concert in the Sky: This event in Lihue at the Vidinha Soccer Field starts at 2pm with entertainment, games, and food. A modest admission fee is required with proceeds benefiting Kauai Hospice.

Photo credit to sunsurfr by Creative Commons.