Hawaii Big Island

[superdog]

Never thought I’d ever go to Hawaii. Always wanted to though. And the missus and I turn 5 in January. So we just booked a trip.

In the last 5 years I’ve only taken long weekends. Friday to Monday or Tuesday is the sort of thing I’m most comfortable with.

This will be 8 days. I’m thinking I will go nuts. We are planning activities. Definitely we want to do a lot of snorkeling. That’s kind of our thing. So we are going to charter a boat for a day to take us to the “best” spots. And then do some other snorkeling tours.

Otherwise, any suggestions? We are active and like to be outside. I was already told night manta ray snorkeling and anything having to do with a helicopter are not an option to even consider.

I’m okay taking a quick trip to another Island if there is any “must do” things.

It is exceptionally unlikely we will return. It is also unlikely I’ll take another long trip like this again. Eight days is an eternity to my squirrel brain.

I’d very much appreciate any insights or guidance from those that have been there before. I’ve read a ton of various reviews to the point where it’s all becoming a blur. Much prefer feedback from some of the folks here.

Many thanks,

[Pw92676]

Eight days is a long time to me also. No suggestions here, been wanting to go also but haven’t gotten the right chance. Enjoy and please share photos!

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Pw92676

Eight days is a long time to me also. No suggestions here, been wanting to go also but haven’t gotten the right chance. Enjoy and please share photos!

I sure will!!

[Burlington]

Have fun !

If you enjoy snorkelling, how about giving diving a go ?

[Dr. Robert]

How about half the time on Kauai.....lots to do, from snorkeling, hiking, swimming..

[Keadog]

8 days is not that long for that many time zones, at least for me. It would take me 2-3 days to readjust when returning from Eastern time zone.

The Big Island is big. Not sure what's going on with Kilauea lately but that might be worth a look (from a safe distance). We went through the park while living on Oahu in the '70s and while I am not asthmatic in any way, the sulfur fumes were a bit tough on me.
Kona coast very nice. Fishing?

I haven't been back since the mid '90s, so not much else to offer.

[Darlinboy]

The big island is nice, but if you want options - Oahu or Maui will be worth the trip.

[BisonHead]

My wife wants to go next year for her 50th also. I think she thinks she will meet Dr Jack running down the beach from the TV show Lost.......

Everybody i have spoken to says its beautiful.

[ᕦ(ò_óˇ)ᕤ{Adventure!)]

They have everything from snorkeling to zip lining and skydiving. Highly recommend consulting locals via Lyft for unique spots without just generic assumptions or paid referrals. Most of your adventures will start early in the morning and if it’s a package tour deal with groups it will be a half-day excursion, so keeping you and your spouse to two grand activities a day should allow you both to truly enjoy them instead of feeling rushed (I made that mistake personally two years in a row lol).

Oh and if you can sneak a trip to Oahu, the museums are exquisite and it’s the only real place to get Ni’ihau beadwork jewelry without paying an arm and a leg (or getting shafted with replicas).


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[Sjmoore11]

A lot of good hiking options around Volcano park or the Waipio area.
Kahalu’u beach park is a good option for a quick off the beach snorkel if you’re in the Kona area.

[superdog]

Thanks guys for the comments.

My wife actually can't swim. So she wears a life vest whenever we go snorkeling. She is a great athlete so it is just a mental thing. She gets terrified. Sadly, diving is out.

I have thought about taking her locally and having her learn in a pool. But I am not confident she would buy into it.

Hiking is likely going to take up much of our time. Sightseeing as well. We were told that there is a ton to do on the Big Island.

I agree that with the time change, 8 days might not be as long as it appears. I am sensitive to it even while in Chicago one our different from me.

We will likely take a flight for one or two nights somewhere. Just not 100% sure where yet.

[RW16610]

Glad to hear you're going to be getting some well deserved time away! Hopefully you get to go surfing or spend as much time as you can on the water. There's some good shopping there too and much more to see. Safe travels, Seth.

[Cru Jones]

I find that after 8 days, I can finally just start to relax.... one of the perks of living in France: plenty of vacation time. :-)

I think you might find you like having time to unwind and think of other things.

Anyway, Hawaii is great. Be sure to visit a lava field and take a long helicopter ride.

[locutus49]

8 days is a great amount of time. My advice is don't crowd too many things into the eight days, take it a bit easy and enjoy each activity.

[returntorolex]

Subscribing...Oahu in April for 8 days here

[uscmatt99]

My wife and I have been to the Big Island a couple times, and have visited most of the other islands as well. It's special as there are less tourists, less development, and it is vast compared to the smaller islands.

We have stayed in Waikoloa both times, which I prefer to the Hilo side. Some of our favorites as a couple, without the kids, were the following:

Breakfast at Hawaiian Style Café. Authentic food, sooooooo good. Massive portions though so you may want to share a plate. The Lau Lau soup is to die for.

Kilauea Iki hike. This is an easy to moderate trail in a caldera right across the way from the active volcano in the park. Lots of steam vents, lava sheets, it's like being on another planet. Only people we saw were some military guys doing a training run there, I think there is a nearby base.

Papakolea Beach. Yet another of nature's wonders, this is a beach comprised of green sand. There is some high concentration of a green mineral in the lava that flowed here to create this part of the island. The beach is like a wind-carved amphitheater of greenish sand, and it's so windy that there are constant rivulets of the stuff sloughing off the sides. You can park at a small lot and hike out and back, or pay a driver. When we went, there was an old Hawaiian aunty who ran the show and doled out local drivers to visitors. Don't be the guy who takes the rental Jeep on your own. Support the locals and don't end up stuck waiting for a tow like other idiots we saw struggling, unless you have a lot of off road experience yourself. Bonus points if you can get a wrist shot with a Hulk on this beach

Ka Lae. The southernmost point of Hawaii and of the United States. Beautiful, windy, and you can watch people cliff dive.

This is a tiny fraction of what there is to do. It's a quiet island, but 8 days barely lets you scratch the surface. Enjoy!

[superdog]

^^^

This is great. Thanks.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by locutus49

8 days is a great amount of time. My advice is don't crowd too many things into the eight days, take it a bit easy and enjoy each activity.

That’s good advice. Ty

[Rolex addict]

I spent two weeks on the big island for the Ironman World Championship. Call me. I can tell you most of the cool stuff to do.

[superdog]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

I spent two weeks on the big island for the Ironman World Championship. Call me. I can tell you most of the cool stuff to do.

PERFECT!!!!!!!!!

I surely will. Likely tomorrow.

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by superdog

PERFECT!!!!!!!!!

I surely will. Likely tomorrow.

[nick c]

My wife saying we need to buy a house there for retirement.


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[mfer]

Wish I could give you advice on big island. Been to Maui a couple times. Hard to not have a good time in HI. HAVE FUN.

[Spartacus]

I love Hawaii. You will love it...and will probably call a realtor while you are there.

[denmanproject]

Hawaii is amazing you will have a blast

Now just to choose which watch to bring

[Laszlo]

Hawaii is the best place on the planet, you will absolutely fall in love with it. We go to Maui and pretty much stay on resort in Kapalua relaxing while eating and drinking a lot in Lahaina.

[tie219]

Loved Hawaii when I went a few years ago. Stayed on Waikiki beach on Oahu and hiked everyday I was there.

I can recommend some great ones if you're interested!

[healer]

Take a cruise so you can visit all the island. Youl love it;)

[Investr]

1) Maui is mandatory!!
2) O’ahu- the most touristy spot but Pearl Harbor is amazing! I’m a bit partial being Navy

[Keadog]

Originally Posted by Investr

1) Maui is mandatory!!
2) O’ahu- the most touristy spot but Pearl Harbor is amazing! I’m a bit partial being Navy

Don't forget Punchbowl. The generation that saved the modern Western world is dying off and being forgotten.