BIG ISLAND ACTIVITIES

Captain Cook Kayak & Snorkel

We booked our Kayak/Snorkel trip through Aloha Kayak. Aloha Kayak is about an hour drive from the Hapuna. We had a private tour with our Guide Boo, only because no one else had signed up for our time. He was awesome! If you want to do any snorkeling we highly suggest Aloha Kayak make sure to ask for Boo. They are going to quit doing this tour after January 2013. You can only get to this bay by Boat for snorkeling.


Volcano National Park

There are some beautiful sites to see at the Volcano National Park. Give yourself at minimum 4-5 hours depending on how quickly you hike. There are a lot of overlooks that you can drive to.

Thurston Lava Tube

This tube is a very uniqe lava formation that is quick and easy to get to. A very short hike. After parking in the Thurston Lava Tube we suggest taking the Kialau Iki Trail from there.


Kialau Iki Trail

This trail is great. 4 mile round trip but very feasible for novice hikers. One of the rangers suggested doing the trail backwards starting at the Thurston Lava Tube parking lot. We really enjoyed the hike that way and would suggest that path.


Halema`uma`u Crater

Located outside of the Jaggar Museum, this is a quick drive to the top. The crate has a beautiful view and at night you can see the glow of the lava. Also the stars are amazing at night. It was raining while we were there, which gave us a double rainbow.


Devastation Trail

This is a very short but good trail, only 1 mile round trip. This trail shows the old road before the November 14th, 1959 volcano eruption. It also holds a very unique view of the Crater Rim.


Akaka Falls

These falls are well worth the stop. It was raining while we were there, the water was flowing heavily!



Kailua Village

We really enjoyed this wonderful village. There a couple of great restaurants and shops in this village all with amazing views of the ocean. It is about a 45 minute drive from the Hapuna Prince.


Hilo

Locals informed us that it rains in Hilo more than it rains in Seattle. Even with the rain it is a beautiful town. We chose to drive up the Hilo side to the Hapuna Prince. The drive was stunning. Very similar views as the Road to Hana in Maui with a lot more waterfalls. Unfortunately we were unable to make it to the Kamauna Caves but has been suggested by others.