(Keywords: sightseeing - Hawaii)
The Big Island
The Ultimate Multi-sport Destination
All in one day on the Big Island of Hawaii, you can snorkel in blue water, bask on a sandy beach, plung through lush a rainforest, trek across a crusty volcano, and watch the sun set atop a snow capped mountain. But why in such a hurry?
Download this GPS map of a multi-day, mulit-sport adventure vactaion on the Big Island.
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GPS Map
- Download the free GPS Map in GPS eXchange (.gpx) file format, which can be read and transferred to your GPS using free GPS software. (The .gpx file will appear in a new window where you can File > Save as... on your computer)
GPS Map File Details
File Name: hawaii.gpx
File Size: 66 KB
Revised: 26 March 2011
Class A Data
Waypoints: 22 points of interest, including: Lodging, restaurants, and Big Island features listed in the Suggested Itinary below.
Tracks:
Iki Crater Trail - Emerge from the rainforest to walk on moonscape.
Lava Trail - Hike at sunset to view lava pour into ocean.
Jeep Trail up Mauna Kea - Drive to observatories to view sunset from the summit.
Kealakekua Bay - Paddle across to Cook Monument
Suggested Itinerary
Day 1 - Recover from travel by decompressing on one of the white sand beaches of the Kona Coast. We stayed at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel, enjoying 4-star accomodations and one of the best beaches rated in Andrew Doughty blue book " The Big Island Revealed"
Day 2 - Jump in the rental car and head over Volcanoes National Park and spend the day exploring the Kilauea Caldera in Iki Crater. Later, work your way down to where the lava pours into the ocean. On the way back to Kona take in some of the local flavor in the town of Pahoa.
Day 3 - Yesterday was hard. Sleep in. For lunch drive north to Hawi and eat at Bamboo Resturant. Afterwardward, drive a bit further to take in the view at Pololu Valley overlook. On the way back, if you have a high-clearance vehicle, drive down past the Upolu Airport to the sacred ruins of Kamehameha Birthplace.
Day 4 - Plan to spend a day exploring Waipi'o Valley. From the lookout you can see several 1000' waterfalls pouring into the valley to create a river which empties into the ocean. A 4WD is requred to get down in to the valley. A shuttle is available, or of course you can hike it but the climb back up is grueling. Enjoy a picnic on the black sand beach. Check conditions before entering the usually rough surf.
Day 5 - Travel to the east side, driving the scenic route by Onomea Bay. Have lunch and shop in Hilo. Then head up Mauna Kea to the visitor center where you can learn more about the mountain. On many evenings, amature astronomers set up outside the visitors center, pointing out features of the stary sky and allowing the public to have a look through their telescopes. If you have a four wheel drive and you time it right, drive to the summit to watch the sunset before heading back down to the visitors center for star gazing.
Day 6 - Go snorkling at some of the best reefs along the west coast. For begineers, the Kahalu'u Beach Park offers an excellent shallow water experience. This is the best place to see turtles. More advanced divers will appreciate Kealakekua Bay near Cooks mounment. You'll need to paddle to get there, and conveniently you can rent kayaks on the beach.
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