The Big Island
So will now be spending more nights on Hawaii Island {xx_}(Kona - volcano - snorkeling with Mantas).
So Alaska and Hawaii combo. An eclectic mix along with a single engine plane flight to the summit of Denali!
Disclaimer: Yes, I am addicted to TBI.
Repeat after me; "
The
Big
Island, the Big Island..."
Or the Island of Hawaii but (do not make locals cringe) NEVER Hawaii Island!
Have you read "The Curse of Lono"? If not, read it as soon as possible so you can possibly alter your habits on TBI.
Although you may void your hire car insurance coverage as a result...
Did you know the 2nd biggest ranch in all of the US is on the Big Island?
Have you been to Kona (home of the Ironman...) before?
Tried "Triple Tropical Blend" espresso at the Saturday morning stalls?
Gone on a DIY tour of some of the coffee plantations - be warned a couple will take a LONG time to be convinced that you really not there to buy some green leafed material. Nothing like the smell of all the coffee husks etc used as mulch.
There's an 'alternative' newspaper/newsletter that's worth a look at,
Coffee Times - Directory Of Past Feature Articles
Coffee Times - Index of Feature Stories despite what it says is a guide to the Big Island
Fancy some star gazing - also one of the best spots in the world (helps to have a giant observatory & telescope.
Visitor Information Station
Heard about making energy from cold water? nelha.
hawaii.gov/
Visited Kilauea?
It can get VERY cold there. To see the fireworks (lava flowing into the ocean) you need to be there after dark - so you need a good torch, strong shoes and windproof jacket & jeans etc.
(Best overheard comment - 'Look honey, they're wearing plastic wrap' - T-shirts & shorts do not cut it even in the midst of summer, so we bought 2 disposable rain ponchos, the winds can get very strong as night falls on the black lava fields)
Kīlauea Visitor Center - Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park (U.S.
It is WORTH waiting to see the video shown at the visitor centre to get an idea of the scale of Kilauea.
A visit to the Kona King Kamehameha Hotel is worthwhile (next to the pier) as they have a historical display throughout the ground floor. Their luau is also traditionally the best in Kona (and Oahu). DO NOT volunteer for the hula competition unless you are well lubricated.
If there's some 'fun' event on, and you get tempted to take part - be warned - the locals are COMPETITIVE. Two 50-something women swam over me and I was 3rd last into the water - they were the only ones behind me and not for long!
Now when can I create an excuse to go back again...
