Even Been to Hawaii?

Question

Going to the big island in Hawaii in less then 8 days! I have a limited budget, but would love to do some fun things. Do you have any suggestions?

Answer 1

Only been once, three years ago on my honeymoon (marriage #3). Let me tell you, I never thought Hawaii could be worth the expense of traveling and staying there. I was wrong! It was as close to Paradise as anywhere I can imagine! I now highly recommend everyone go there at least once!

I know what you mean about a limited budget...don't know how limited you are talking about, but most "activities" in Hawaii are very expensive. Two low cost activities I would recommend are snorkeling and hiking. We saw some beautiful tropical fish in some fairly shallow reef pools at the beaches we went to...the water is so clear! We also did some nice hiking, but never made it to our destination of the "secret waterfall". Nevertheless, we did have some beautiful views on our hike. I'd look into the different "self-guided" hiking trails on the island...a guided tour is very expensive. Depending on your age and physical condition, you might also try some "boogie boarding" at one of the local beaches. Equipment rental (boogie board) is relatively cheap, and if you are more physically coordinated than me, you can have a blast close to shore. Me, I couldn't stay on the darned thing even in fairly light surf.

Perhaps cliche', but still a Hawaiian standard, is to go to a Luau. You have to eat anyway, right? You'll get a chance to eat some reasonably authentic island cuisine and catch an entertaining show. Looking at current prices, expect a luau to run around $70 per adult, half that for children. Be sure to look for/ask around about discounts...you might find a 2 for 1 or the like.

Make sure you rent a car (try Hotwire or Priceline ahead of time for a great deal). Even with the high cost of gas (especially on the islands), being able to sightsee in the car and get where you want when you want will be invaluable.

You might want to check out the link below for some more ideas, especially if your budget limits you to more "sightseeing" rather than fun but expensive activities such as helicopter/submarine tours, parasailing, cruises, etc.

Answer 2

Kealakekua Bay is fun snorkeling. Rent a Kayak from Kona boys and paddle over...... (they rent snorkels too)

Volcano National park is fun and just entrance fee for the day.

I stayed at the Royal Kona Resort less than $100 a night (priceline) and would walk down to the Rocks bar to have a maitai and chicken wings and watch the Sunset. There is a luau there too..... (at the resort)

Drive north to Hapuna beach and just float around on an airmattress (they sell them cheap at ABC -- which is everywhere) .... nice lazy day -- bring picnic and just chill.

I loved Horseback riding in the Waipo Valley, but not sure how expensive? It was fun!

Oooh and if you get a chance go to top of Mauna Kea to stargaze. Very cool. Arnott's Lodge has cheapest transport up there if you want to go with a tour.

You can go up yourself, but think you need 4-wheel drive.

And last, Don't miss a trip to Place of Refuge. Great photo ops and tons of Sea Turtles. They are everywhere over there. The black beach in the South end also has lots of Sea Turtles.....I got very good photos both places.

Answer 3

I spent 9 days on the Big Island a year ago. I spent my time in a rental car, exploring Kona, the Kailua-Kona Harbor and of course the long drive up to the Kilauea Volcano is a must see.
I did not spend alot of money on "tours". I did most of my exploring on my own. Kealakekua Bay is the home to the Captain Cook Monument a 26 ft tall obelisk. I loved the Wailokoa Beach area just north of Kona.

As far as lodging if you do not have them confirmed, I found Kona condos to be very reasonable. I had a one bedroom Condo with an oceanfront view at $100 per night!

Go to www.greathawaiivacations.com for alot of inexpensive lodging information. See this site: http://www.top-10-hawaii.com/1.htm for a list of things to see and do. It will help you prepare before you travel with ideas on setting up your activities itinerary. That's what I did.

Aloha! Have a great time!

Answer 4

Have a nice trip! I've been to Oahu and Maui, but never the Big Island. I saw it from the top of the volcano on Maui, though. Be sure and rent some snorkeling gear by the week, you'll want to go out every day.

Answer 5

ya, take a tour to see the mauna loa factory (macadamian nuts), then go see the newest land of the big island formed by a volcano, then take a drive through this garden or the pineapple growing area, then go see the black sand beach.

Answer 6

Nope