Post #536525 by mahinui on Tue, Jun 15, 2010 4:53 PM

some off the beaten track Big Island ideas -

This island is full of hidden spots. For example. just north of Hilo are several beach parks. They are marked on the highway, and you pull off and down winding little roads, and park. There are waterfalls into the ocean, fishing spots, high beautiful surf. You will feel like an explorer making discoveries when you visit these out of the way spots.

Kona is much visited and well known. Hilo not so much. In a strip mall of all places, there is Hilo Bay Cafe. You may think to pass on this place because how much atmosphere could it have... the menu is great, and the drinks superb. This restaurant and Cafe Pesto on the Bay front are two favorites. Advantage of the Bay Front is of course the view.

If you are trying to conserve funds while vacationing here, stay someplace with a kitchen and do some of your own food prep. Otherwise, be prepared to spend about $100 or more a day per couple to eat fairly modestly. Go food shopping at Farmer's markets to get good buys.

Lots of people who come to the Big Island expect and hope to see lava. The flowing kind. Lava tends to creep along in a somewhat sluggish and uninteresting way. Except for when it is dribbling in falls into the ocean. It's pricey but a lavaboat is a good way to go if this is what you came for. Also, check at the park to see whether the flow at night is visible from Kalapana. If so, worth the drive at the end of the day. Get there before twilight and watch the light show. Jaggar Museum in the park is where to drive to also at dusk to see the glow at Halemaumau. This information is current as of June 2010. Changes are frequent, so check what Pele is up to just before you come.

The real sense of Hawaii comes alive in the small towns. World class slack key happens all over the place in places like Hawi, north of North Kohala.

As for tiki, there is Don the Beachcomber. And we are trying to bring tiki culture to Volcano. To see that, our website is on my profile. I hope! Below is the moongate to our treehouse at the volcano.

Aloha!