Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
If you arrive in
Hilo
, browse the farmers markets and explore historic downtown
before visiting ʻImiloa Astronomy Center. If the lava is flowing into the ocean, head
to
Puna
at night to check it out. Then spend a day hiking Hawaiʻi Volcanoes Nation-
al Park.
Four Days
If you've got double the time, double your fun by linking the leeward and windward
itineraries with a twilight visit to
Mauna Kea
for sunset and stargazing, or a hike in
Waipiʻo Valley. En route you'll pass through Waimea, restaurant capital of the is-
land: give casual Pau or powerhouse Merriman's a try.
A Week
To really make the most of the Big Island, you should give yourself a week. On top
of our four-day itinerary, spend an extra day exploring Kona Coast beaches includ-
ing
Kekaha Kai State Park
and Kiholo Bay before snorkeling or diving with manta
rays at night. Bookend these experiences with a visit north to quaint
Hawi
and hik-
ing the Pololu Valley. Close out your adventures with a trip to
South Point
and
Green Sands Beach.
KAILUA-KONA
POP 11,975
Kailua-Kona, also known as 'Kaliua,' 'Kona Town' and sometimes, just 'Town,' is a
love-it-or-leave-it kind of place. Along the main drag of shoreline Aliʻi Dr, Kailua works
hard to evoke the nonchalance of a sun-drenched tropical getaway, but in an injection-
molded, bargain-priced way.
Pros: it's an easy place to book tours, what nightlife exists on the Big Island is here
and the waterfront can be attractive in the right light (ie sunset). Cons: many restaurants
are overrated, traffic can be a pain in the ass, and at times, this place evokes the tackiest
of seaside clichés.
