Explore the Big Island of Hawaii - Kona to Hilo - February 16 - 24, 2013

The Big Island is huge in comparison with all the other Hawaiian Islands, and has an unusual landscape carved by recent and still active and viewable volcanic action. It has beautiful RainbowFalls, the ancient Mookini Heiau, and the resorts, beaches and fish ponds of the Kohala coast in addition to fascinating and historic Hilo.

This is an 8 day trip where we start on the western side of Hawaii, in Kona, where we visit Polulu Valley Lookout.  The Lookout is a Must-See, but be sure to be equipped with apparel for the cold, wind and rain because the weather changes there dramatically.

No problem renting snorkel equipment in Hawaii.  They are inexpensive and everywhere.

Hilo

We travel to the eastern side of Hawaii, to Hilo, where we venture to hike Volcanoes National Park.  Just to remind you, the weather may be beautiful in Hilo, but awful at the National Park.  Be prepared for cold and wind.  There are numerous cool hikes at the park.  Kilaueaiki Iki trail is a remarkable trail, probably like nothing you have ever hiked before.  The flowers and color are not there, but the uniqueness brings you in.

In between

Somewhere, you need to visit a couple of coffee plantations.  I would rank Mountain Thunder up there.  The tour is so informative and you will be hooked on the coffee!

There are numerous beaches that you should try to go to.  They are hard to get there in a regular car, so you need to rent a 4-wheel drive.  For instance, the Green Sand Beach and the Black Sand Beach.

Kona

We head back to Kona for our last two days to kayak and swim with colorful tropical fish among healthy coral gardens at this spectacular snorkeling oasis where spinner dolphins make this bay their home.

It's easy enough to go kayaking at Kona.  The kayaks are right on the beach where you can rent and take them out on your own as far out as you wish.  Kona Boys worked for us.

At some point, a visit the Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center may be possible, as it is just a 30-second stroll from the open-air terminals at the Kona airport.   Created to honor the Big Island-born astronaut who died with six others on the space shuttle Challenger in January 1986, the center is packed with hands-on activities that illustrate science and space concepts.

There are a total of eight days/seven nights at hotels.  We will be staying nights 1and 2 in Kona, night 3, 4 and 5 in Hilo and our last 2 nights back in Kona for easy access to catch an overnight flight home.  Because of the long flight home, you won't get home until Sunday, the 24th.










Included in Cost of Trip
•    Transportation starting and ending at Kona National airport
•    Transportation to Hilo
•    Seven breakfasts, six lunches and seven dinners as on itinerary
•    Accommodations for seven nights in Kona and Hilo hotels
•    Park Fees to Volcanoes National Park
•    Kayak rental    

Not Included in Cost of Trip
•    Round-trip plane ticket from home to Kona, Hawaii
•    Transportation from home to airport and back home
•    Travel insurance (recommend to have your own travel insurance)
•    Personal expenses (telephone, laundry, alcoholic drinks)
•    Admission to Astronaut Ellison S. Onizuka Space Center ($3)
•    Anything else not mentioned on itinerary

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