The Big Island of Hawaii for beauty is legendary, and has the most diverse landscapes on earth, but it can also be difficult to study because it is charming’ The height of the frozen snow-covered volcanoes, steam beaches and rainforests, lava fields flowing, flowers and choked canyons open tropical grassland landscapes without equal’ In general, the quality of your stay on the Big Island will depend on how much of what we choose to see how to define and discover their own adventures of Big Island’ Here are some ideas on ways to travel to Hawaii and Hawaii to move once they are here’
Another key quality of their time on the Big Island has to do with the spirit of aloha’ The people you meet in Hawaii in general tend to be more open and friendly, quick to help or friends, than anywhere else’ It is the tradition of “Aloha’” When you meet with local residents, either to seek instructions and guidance services or rental or in conversation, treating them with respect, humor and openness to the spirit of aloha around you on the road, and very enriched by it’
In Hawaii, your smile is your passport’
Getting to Hawaii
The standing joke among residents of Hawaii when it comes time, inconvenience and discomfort of travel in the continent is as follows: “This used to be much easier before the bridge collapse! Of course, there has never been a bridge over the nearly 2500 miles between the Big Island and the United States, but the humor tends to emphasize the commitment, planning and time spent traveling to and from Hawaii’
Flying to Hawaii: Certainly the most common, faster and less expensive (note, I did not say “cheap”) to go is to fly to Hawaii’ U’S’ Many major airlines and international flights to Honolulu and Oahu a series of local and international airlines offer flights from there to all the other Hawaiian Islands, including the Big Island’ From the airport in Kona is the only large island that has a direct flight connections to the mainland U’S', Canada, Japan and Australia’ Despite the style as “Hilo International Airport, and flights from Hilo to connect to other islands of Hawaii’
Although the two airports have facilities and services, including car rental agencies on site and access to public transport, taxis and buses, which makes a big difference for the passenger, where the earth’ For now, the vast majority of visitors to the Big Island, or stay or the Kona Kohala Resorts which are all on the west side of the island and are aged 20 to 45 minutes from Kona airport’ If you stay in Hilo, he is there to steal, but do not have the infrastructure Hilo, beautiful beaches and fine weather the coast of Kona, and few tourists stay longer’ Many tourists booked on the west side of Liability take flights to Hilo, due to the misleading name of the airport, not knowing (or misinformed and meaning, but ignorant of Travel Agents), at the end of a long day and travel in the twilight of the early disappearance tropical sunset, against a car about 3 hours, through high mountains and narrow, winding, roads unknown to you’ I just hope it starts to rain more, too’
Therefore, the location, fly-in airports’
If you are flying in a direct flight to Kona or Honolulu and get a connecting flight from Hilo or Kona, you want to be sure to reserve a seat, so you see more of the incredible panorama that can be’ Since 90% of flights over the ocean (which is not as fascinating as one would expect) that you want to squeeze more enjoyment of the countryside make their flight’ If you are the first stop in Honolulu, sitting in the port (left) side of the aircraft for this leg of his trip offers the best views on the crisis in the past Koko Head and the summit of Diamond Head and Waikiki Beach directly on the back of Pearl Harbor and moved to land at Honolulu International Airport’ Sitting on the side is not as spectacular, offering views of the islands of Moloka’i and Maui, and the views of Pearl Harbor, the Wai’anae and Ko’olau mountains from downtown Honolulu and O’ahu just before landing’
Flying in from O’ahu Hilo, we also want to be part of the port side of the aircraft’ The flight path crosses the islands of Maui and Moloka’i, runs along the eastern margin of the island of Hawaii, with a rich and fascinating combination of rising cliffs, ravines, volcanic mountains and jungle, jaw – fall and the water crashing surf along the coast’ Flying Kona, either directly or Honolulu is no less beautiful than the plane in Hilo, but we want to be on the side’ This gives the traveler a wonderful view over the islands of Maui, Molokini, Lana’i and Kaho’olawe, and incredible views of the Big Island, Kohala Mountains, Mauna Kea, Hualalai, and on clear days, as Mauna Loa Cruises Blast on Kohala Coast, making Makalwena rights to land on the beach and the Kona International Airport at Keahole’
Cruise and cargo ships: Many cruise ships plying the waters of the Hawaiian archipelago, but the services of the Big Island, most of the passengers of a cruise book for all This means that although you can make one or two stops in Hawaii, you can stay in port for a day, at night, at most, before sailing on’ In general, you can not get on board a ship for a stay on the ground and take another ship out’
Increasing popularity, however, is in charge of the Hawaii cruise cheaper than a cruise on an open and adaptive, is an excellent alternative to flying’ It is both more costly and more time (an average of 3 days of shipment from Los Angeles to Honolulu, and the hours are variable, then get to the Big Island) The airplane, but it is restful, quiet and unique’ Positions offers spacious passenger cabin, without food for many cruises that tend to resemble floating, food on the cargo ship is a beautiful and abundant’ Perhaps the greatest drawback of the constituency of cargo ships of the Big Island is on the east side, which in the spring, for example, less desirable to Hilo, on the west pier, which Kawaihae, Kailua Kona, a midway between the stations and the Kohala Coast said in the middle of nowhere’ The two miles from the land of many resorts and rental cars’ However, the two ports are serviced by taxis and public transport, if planned in advance, you should present any problems’
Getting around in Hawaii
Taxi shuttles / Limos / Tours: Taxis, of course, the main airports of the island, the metropolitan areas and all stations’ Taxis, although not cheap, are not as usury as may be feared and drivers are generally good, kind, honest and really nice is that all elected aloha’ Taxi drivers are happy to answer your questions, even more stupid is likely shy to ask, they will freely give advice on what to do and see and where to eat, and generally try to be as helpful as possible’ However, many speak in Pidgin English that can be almost impenetrable to newcomers’ ears’ Feel free to respectfully request to repeat the same thing, and if necessary, which means that nearly all tariffs practices’ Ask him to write the names of places, names and Hawaiian restaurant several words are not at all in his way, he said, wishes to be able to read words and symbols on maps, or may ask someone else later’
Hilo and Kona Both airports are served by point to point, limousines and shuttles, whose prices are very reasonable and certainly less expensive than taxis’ The disadvantage is that there will be many people on board for several destinations, we need a little more than a taxi’
Many large resorts offer free limousine service to and from the airport and in some cases arrange for your rental car awaits you at the property when you arrive at the airport ”’ check when making reservations’ When available, less personality, but faster, simpler and cheaper to get to your accommodation’
Some travel from the store that offered by hotels and small tourism businesses are also at the airport early in their rounds, if your arrival time is convenient for the visit, therefore, the cost to get absorbed in your the cost of the visit’ This option is useful in research if you plan to rent a car during your stay’
Travel tips, taxi, limousine service and the drivers are not only encouraged, its main source of income’ I remember that he showed the Aloha’
Car rental and driving tips: Although some people choose not to rent a car during your stay, based on field trips and public transport to travel, we must bear in mind that there is a reason they call it “The Big Island ‘ Distances between attractions can be long hours of public transport are not always practical, and face, which is much freer, more independent and easier to have your own wheels’ Be sure to conduct a search in the online booking agency prior to arrival, a great gateway to the grouping ofttimes airfare, lodging and car rental can be found, especially in the game of the season’
There are two types of car rental agencies on the Big Island’ Great, rental cars are available at both airports to the property, giving the visitor a wide range of special offers and businesses, including car theft room combo treaty – as well as various cars available palaces’ The alternative, often much less expensive, especially for sites in the long term, and rental property’ These people do not usually find at the airport if you must go to their offices in town, but the choice of vehicles and rates are generally larger variety’
If you are under 21, the rental companies do not rent a car’ If you are between 21 and May 24, to add a supplement to the lease which may be up to twenty-five dollars per day for the daily fee’
The first issue, the passenger must answer for themselves what type of vehicle you want while on the Big Island’ Some agencies specialize in renting exotic and luxury cars – Mercedes, Lamborghini, Rolls Royce and others’ Other Volkswagen campers and caravans’ Many people arrive and decide they want to flash around the island in a Camaro or Mustang convertible, which are very good and fun, but do not provide security for their personal items and limit the types of roads you drive on, and ensuring almost the sun and wind burn’ If you have just discovered the island, you should consider going to the extra expense of renting a wheel-drive vehicle or a jeep or an SUV over’ Much of the mountain and many of the most attractive beaches and canyons need four-wheel drive’ Then propose an SUV if you do not have to shout to be heard, as you do on a jeep, and have more protection from the elements and thieves’
Briefly above, recreational vehicles and Volkswagen campers are excellent ways to see the island and the need to avoid an expensive hotel’ However, caravans are not common in Hawaii and there are no RV parks, as such, outside the cities of Hilo and Kona, he is not at all for the deposit of waste water drainage must be sure to use public facilities as possible’ But you can park and camp for free almost anywhere, even if most of the camps will be charged a fee for an RV campsite, even if you are camping in the parking lot’
Motorcycles and mopeds can be rented in Hilo and Kona and is a fun way to see the island until it rains’ Is happening’ It is also difficult to travel with a bag on a motorcycle’ You will notice a growing segment of the local population in the city on scooters zipping (local and liability, known as “mopeds”)’ Bicycle with 50 cc engine sizes smaller than without a motorcycle license and insurance is not required’ The “moped” vehicle class has the same licensing and regulation in the cycling road, it is not surprising to see along the zipper of the road, passing cars in traffic jams, or pop and down the sidewalk’ If you rent a moped in Hawaii, please do not push the way people do, is unsafe’ I use a motorcycle, almost exclusively to get around Kailua town where I live, do not ride your scooter in the way I do mine’
The cost of gasoline in Hawaii is worse than what we have been led to believe when selecting a rental car must be taken into account’ Costco in Kona has the cheapest gas on the island (which is within our reach, near the airport), the gas station of the road in Kohala Akon Pule about 76 miles marker has the least expensive gas at the Chevron station and Kohala at the airport, turn – a reduction in Hilo the cheapest gas in East Hawaii’ Remember that the Big Island is largely rural, service stations, especially in the north and south of the island, it may not hours or even continue with his schedule is especially if the surf or fishing is good’ In general, outside the urban areas of Hilo and Kona, the gas is difficult to find after 6pm’ Personally, I never leave Monday gas tank more than half empty, not only for that reason’ Certainly, we should never let more than half empty on the south side of the island, make a point that must be completed before the end of the afternoon if you’re lucky, probably before going to Volcanoes National Park Hawaii (which ll stay longer and use more gas than you expected, because, believe me, the refrigerator, never) and before crossing the road to the saddle’
Driving time between the Big Island’s attractions are longer than you might expect, given the actual mileage between the points of interest’ This is partly because most of the “road” consists of the settlement system, Blacktop roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour’ Another major reason for longer than expected because you have to stop and look, stop and explore, take your time and enjoy’ As the bumper label says: “Slow down, Brah-discrimination is not the continent!” In that sense, many locals in the hills and go blind, even with traffic, they know the way, it does not follow suit ‘ Try to drive as is the local jump in the ocean and try to navigate, to navigate and it is not really a good idea’ The local custom is to renounce the use of flash and the horn, which is a different customs, not imitate’
Police on the Big Island are many ways professionals seriously’ However, most cruise around in their cars (with a blue light on top) and can be very difficult for the observer (or a Ford Mustang Toyota Rav4 with light bar? Times ”’)’ They are particularly serious on drunk drivers, speed limits and restrictions for the child / seal belts’ Aloha, respect and honesty to a large extent to the interactions with the police in the county of Hawaii more enjoyable’ This is not the Louisiana or a third world banana republic, or even offer a bribe if it is stopped by a police officer of the County of Hawaii’ On the subject of the police, is the local custom of flash to your traffic that goes Brights if a cop behind you’ I take this to your discretion, but that is why all people who flash you’
There are wild goats and sheep (wild donkeys along the road in Kohala!), Feral pigs, cats and dogs that have lead hazards, especially at night’ Fruits like mango, avocado, guava and often fall en masse on the road and produce a viscous risk, especially for motorcycles’ In town, watch for cyclists, pedestrians and skateboarders (see these guys skate on the beach with their boards under their arms)’ Kailua Kona is the proud home of the Iron Man Triathlon World Championships and many riders and cyclists to use fully and vigorously defend their rights of way, smile, wave and return, right? You have come to enjoy the relaxation’ The Big Island Big Sky is paying ”’ driving lever is in the sun or west at sunset is painful and dangerous, so try to plan your day to avoid it’
Never leave valuables in your car, even the trunk’ Ever’ The people are friendly, but some are frisky, high-value evaporate from your car with alarming rapidity’ Think of all places frequented by visitors to be at risk of theft, even if you do a hundred meters from his car’
Many roads, intersections and points of interest are poorly marked and what signs there are in Hawaii, it’s hard to read, hard to remember exactly the name of the place you are looking for’ To ask directions, that the person writing the name of the place’ Many people are used to provide guidance in terms of benchmarks mean nothing to you ( “Remember when Keala uncle had a fruit stand 20 years ago? Want to go to the other side of the pig Auntie Tutu from there, where coconut trees ”’”) used to display a map’ Be sure to start by pointing out where you are, yet’ Respect, humor and aloha will help where it is’
In this regard, many tourists from their GPS from the house to conserve water, make sure you download the maps before arriving in Hawaii, some brands of GPS does not cover Hawaii’ Some rental cars have GPS units for rental at reasonable prices’ The best solution, is the town’s Tour Guide Hawaii (808′557′0051; www’tourguidehawaii’com) that offer a computer with a handheld GPS on board the very reasonable rental rates’ Stuffed in this system more than six points of interest (to be heard? 600!) Of recreational, cultural and historical significance’ There was a short audio / video presentation for each site, telling you all this history and culture, to bring, what to do, though, that even public toilets in the list! These presentations will be played in the approach to points of interest, or can be ordered at any time or place’ Thus the device can be used to view all sites around the island in the comfort of your hotel room, before the plan or to obtain travel information and in-turn road navigation’ The combination of high technology and old stories, the incredibly easy to use, informative and fun Tour Guide is a self-guided GPS incredible blessing and a great way to see Hawaii’ At present, provide a wall down (45 of the best landing sites toilets!) That is downloaded to the iPhone and the iPod’
Commercial Tours: If you rent a car, business trips offer a great way to aim at the island and hear a little about the history and culture of our home’ Tours come in all sizes and description of the taxi driver who makes it on the fly, as it takes you to dinner, half the taxi visits lasting a full day to visit a specialist and brilliant, all day travel around the island full-size coaches’ There are bus tours to the summit of Mauna Kea, on tour around the country Kona coffee, visits to see the volcano, historical visits, tours of all lengths and covers almost everything and anything you want’ Some trips include a meal as you can go to a real working ranch for a barbecue! Then there are the highly specialized tours: fixed wing and helicopter on the island, dolphin and whale excursions, snorkeling tours, sunset cruises tour, cycling tours, hang gliding feeding excursions, tours in Kailua Bay a submarine, and even visits by boat to see the lava flowing into the ocean’ Even if they can be quite spendy, most are totally worth the price’ Be sure to circle the tower right at the right price according to your interests’
Bicycle rental: There are several places where you can rent bikes on the Big Island and is very pleasant to spend the day pedaling through Kailua Kona and Hilo’ However, the problems of weather (sun, rain!) The long distances between the points of interest and the ever-present huge volcanoes (think: “hills”) opposed to what is best for exploration, with the exception of the most passionate cycling tourism’
Public Transportation: The County of Hawaii Hele-term bus travels to most of the island, and very good time for the good news is that riding the bus is free ”’ The bad news is that it is available to workers between the main stations of Kona and Kohala and towns across the island where they live’ As such, the bus schedule may not be practical for the visitor, or for exploration’ However, it is only useful if you want to go somewhere and spend the day’ Make sure you understand the bus schedule, however, that many places are only served twice a day by bus (at a fixed and linked to a travel day) and if you forget the return journey and one must find other means to return to your hotel, you will learn quickly what they call “The Big Island”!
Walks and hitchhiking: Two words: Isla Grande’ It is possible to walk across the island (as I did this and west-south-north; Devil in 2008, a wheelchair athlete rolled his wheelchair into the sea 37 miles Hilo and 13,800 feet at the summit of Mauna Kea, you catch part of “The athlete in a wheelchair”), but long-distance nature in rural areas (it is a long way from impracticably places to get food, water and field) and the bright sun make an epic adventure, not a resting place for the holiday travel’ Both Hilo and Kailua town are safe and comfortable for walking, but going to the beaches, waterfalls and other points of interest is difficult to walk’
Until very recently, hitchhiking is a common and respectable way to get around the island, where a room, everyone knew what you or your aunt, if you are a visitor, make your unique and interesting, it is very safe , too’ Although probably more secure today with the explosion of the Continental move to our island (who may be reluctant to tour), I noticed a marked decrease in the number of self-hikers on the road today’ Hitchhiking is legal for the road, until you’re on the road, which presents a danger to yourself or a hindrance to traffic’ If you use your common sense to stop at home before dark, and refuse to go with the drunks or people of doubtful character or cleaning’ Do not ride in the back of trucks’
So armed with this information, which is now better prepared to evaluate your options for exploring the unique and varied landscapes, experiences and pleasures of their adventures-Hawaii are limited only by your imagination’ Remember that the attitude in Hawaii is important to the quality of your holiday spirit of Aloha is everywhere’ When anger, loneliness, confusion, frustration, tired or bored, remember what I said: “In Hawaii, your smile is your passport