Kona
07-02-2018, 06:05 AM
#1
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Joined APC: Dec 2014
Posts: 27
Kona
Now that I have great gouge for Tokyo (thanks!), planning on hitting Kona on way to Japan.
Any gouge for Kona? I'd like to get the family surf lessons and explore the island.
Any helicopter discounts or surf shop recommendations?
Any gouge for Kona? I'd like to get the family surf lessons and explore the island.
Any helicopter discounts or surf shop recommendations?
07-02-2018, 07:58 AM
#4
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,456
Blue Hawaiian offers a 20% crew discount that extends to family members. Reserve in advance and bring your ID. The jumpseat isn't an option for Delta pilots. Check with Paradise Helicopters as well. If you want a lava tour Hilo is a better option, but requires a 90 minute drive across the island. Lava boat tours are also an option.
If you like hiking, try the Green Sand beach. It's about 2.5 miles from south point. If hiking isn't your thing, there is a group of locals pretending to be a taxi service for $10 per person each way. The trucks are more dangerous than an NYC taxi... Ignore the semi official looking truck waving you to the right for the far away parking lot, just stay to the left and drive up to the close lot like you own the place.
Punaluu Bake Shop on the south side is worth a stop.
Volcano National park is closed on Kilauea, but the visitor center on the south side of the island is open.
Rainforest Zoo on the Hilo side is worth a visit and the free entry fits even a 777 Captain's budget.
Mauna Kea has stargazing events throughout the week. It's 9k elevation, so wear pants and bring a jacket.
Lots of good restaurants around the island. Trip Adviser is your friend.
Bring your Costco card if you are a member. They have a great Wasabi Ahi Poke and Ahi Sashimi back by the meat department. It's not fancy, but it's good. Also has the cheapest gas on the island by a long shot.
Lava Lava beach club is overrated. Decent food, but you pay double for the view at sunset. If you are at the Hilton or the Marriott, enjoy the beach behind the resort. Marriott has a place to rent snorkle gear on the beach. You don't have to stay at either to walk the beach.
If you like hiking, try the Green Sand beach. It's about 2.5 miles from south point. If hiking isn't your thing, there is a group of locals pretending to be a taxi service for $10 per person each way. The trucks are more dangerous than an NYC taxi... Ignore the semi official looking truck waving you to the right for the far away parking lot, just stay to the left and drive up to the close lot like you own the place.
Punaluu Bake Shop on the south side is worth a stop.
Volcano National park is closed on Kilauea, but the visitor center on the south side of the island is open.
Rainforest Zoo on the Hilo side is worth a visit and the free entry fits even a 777 Captain's budget.
Mauna Kea has stargazing events throughout the week. It's 9k elevation, so wear pants and bring a jacket.
Lots of good restaurants around the island. Trip Adviser is your friend.
Bring your Costco card if you are a member. They have a great Wasabi Ahi Poke and Ahi Sashimi back by the meat department. It's not fancy, but it's good. Also has the cheapest gas on the island by a long shot.
Lava Lava beach club is overrated. Decent food, but you pay double for the view at sunset. If you are at the Hilton or the Marriott, enjoy the beach behind the resort. Marriott has a place to rent snorkle gear on the beach. You don't have to stay at either to walk the beach.
07-02-2018, 03:22 PM
#6
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Joined APC: Oct 2017
Posts: 390
Great info already. Will second Mauna Kea and the Hilo zoo.
Recommend the sea horse farm near kona, little more pricy $30ish I believe, but was very cool, and totally unique.
Snorkel with manta rays is a popular activity, haven’t done it myself yet.
Recommend the sea horse farm near kona, little more pricy $30ish I believe, but was very cool, and totally unique.
Snorkel with manta rays is a popular activity, haven’t done it myself yet.
07-02-2018, 03:57 PM
#7
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Jan 2014
Posts: 218
I really enjoyed snorkeling in Kealakekua Bay.
Mauna Kea was fantastic. Looking through a telescope at Saturn and actually seeing the rings was amazing. The free public star gazing events on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings are must attend events. Rent a 4WD vehicle so that you can drive all the way to the top before the event.
If you like caves, there is a huge lava tube near Volcano that was a trip highlight. We hiked (with a guide) two miles one way into the tube and two miles back out. I'm not sure if the guide would take your children. You would have to call him and ask. He runs the guided tours out of his backyard (he own an entrance to the cave). If you're interested, let me know, and I'll dig up his contact info.
This guide book is worth the price:
https://www.amazon.com/Hawaii-Big-Is..._&dpSrc=detail
I love the Big Island. My fiance and I spent two weeks on the Big Island, and we didn't see everything there is to see. We could easily go back for another two weeks.
Mauna Kea was fantastic. Looking through a telescope at Saturn and actually seeing the rings was amazing. The free public star gazing events on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday evenings are must attend events. Rent a 4WD vehicle so that you can drive all the way to the top before the event.
If you like caves, there is a huge lava tube near Volcano that was a trip highlight. We hiked (with a guide) two miles one way into the tube and two miles back out. I'm not sure if the guide would take your children. You would have to call him and ask. He runs the guided tours out of his backyard (he own an entrance to the cave). If you're interested, let me know, and I'll dig up his contact info.
This guide book is worth the price:
https://www.amazon.com/Hawaii-Big-Is..._&dpSrc=detail
I love the Big Island. My fiance and I spent two weeks on the Big Island, and we didn't see everything there is to see. We could easily go back for another two weeks.
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