From Kona Around the Big Island to See the Volcano

 

No trip to the big island would be complete without a trip to the volcano, which was on the opposite side of the island.  The drive takes the entire day, but it is worth the time.  This particular island is so diverse, so this is the best way to experience it—my opinion anyway. 

We began our journey on the main highway, Highway 19 north and then east.  The terrain changes quite quickly as we traveled north and as we turned east toward and through Waimea.  In fact, driving through the outskirts of Waimea reminded me a bit of Washington State—green, lush with lots of trees. 

Beware the Cooler Temps Up North

Before making our turn east toward Waimea, we decided to drive up to the lookout at the end of Hwy 270 to view the Pololu Valley. It is an amazing view. The highway dissolves into neighborhood streets, so drive slowly and watch for locals.  Two of which were two local dogs who decided that the street made for a nice warm place to nap—too funny. 

Accessibility Note

The Pololu Valley lookout is not wheelchair accessible, as we had to walk down a steep walkway.  Cane users could do it, but it is difficult.  

Found Waimea, but no Cowboys

Waimea, the seat of the famous Parker Ranch, is a pleasant, medium-sized city.  It is spread out like many mainland cities and is home to many well-known stores and businesses, even a Starbucks (mocha time!).  No cowboys though.  Darn.  I bet they’re in the hills doing cowboy stuff.  But we are on our way east and don’t have time to stop and look for them. 

You’ll Fall for Akaka Falls

We ventured off the main road for a bit to visit Akaka Falls State Park, not far from Hakalau.  The falls are amazing!    The two trails are an easy trek for the ambulatory.  One is a longer trail, but both have many steps.  Although it may be a challenge for those who tire quickly, I didn’t have an issue. 

Accessibility Note

The trails one must travel to visit these falls are not wheelchair accessible and are a challenge for those with canes as well, as there are many steps. It may be best to visit these falls through someone else’s eyes.  Ask someone close to film them for you. 

Is That Hilo in the Distance?

As we get closer to Hilo we notice that there are more and more businesses and more populated.  Hilo is a busy, bustling city located next to the ocean.  Since it took us hours to get there, and I was tiring, we didn’t explore it much.  Our goal was to visit the volcano, which wasn’t too far from here.  So, we made a quick stop at Walmart and Hilo Hattie before heading out again. 

Walmart is the best place to pick up munchies and drinks in Hilo.  This is a definite money saver.  Prices mirror mainland prices.  However, Hilo Hattie is no long a reasonably priced shop.  Nor is it very easy to navigate inside.  Visitors are funneled through an awkward entry and aisles are situated close together.  It is unfortunate.  I used to enjoy shopping there. 

Hilo Hattie Note

I’ve been to many Hilo Hattie stores since writing this article.  This one was much different than the rest.  

Accessibility Note

Walmart has accessible restrooms. 

On the Road Again... Volcano! 

One stop I was really looking forward to is the Mauna Kea Macadamia nut farm.  There is a turnoff, which is well marked, on the road to the volcano from Hilo, so don't forget to stop there.  Unfortunately, we were too tired to stop but regret skipping it.  Supposedly it is accessible and has wheelchair-friendly restrooms. 

Finally!  The volcano is near and those with respiratory problems beware.  The entire area is somewhat smoky.  We began at the visitor’s center which is accessible with a ramp and parking.  We found lots of informative pictures and park volunteers.  As we left the visitor’s center, moving on toward the observatory, we noticed steam shooting randomly from the ground.  It was actually quite unnerving.  I envisioned an eruption blasting from the smoldering earth at any time—my SyFy brain on overload.  Thankfully we didn’t experience anything nearly that scary. 

Check Out the Observatory & Lava Tube

The observatory was only a few miles down the road and housed informative videos, a store to purchase volcano memorabilia, and quite an impressive collection of educational items to help the visitor understand what has happened in the past and present with our biggest Hawaiian island as it pertains to the Kilauea volcano and volcanic activity. 

Before we left the park, we visited what is called the “lava tube”.  It is an especially interesting jaunt though.  The walk takes the visitor through an extremely large lava tube that appears to be a cave open on both ends.  It’s a bit eerie—and wet. 

Accessibility Note

The Lava Tube is an impossible trek for non-ambulatory people and for those with respiratory problems.

Rounding the Island & Heading Toward Kona

From the volcano roughly to Pahala the terrain was scarred by the heat and gasses.  There were some spindly trees, but not many.  It is green, however, and quaint small towns cropped up every few miles.  Occasionally, especially nearing Na alehu, the ocean peeks through to tempt us. 

As we round the tip of the island enjoying the small towns and open green land, we begin to travel north again.  Small towns like Kealia, Honaunau, Captain Cook (cute!), and Honalo announce that we are moving ever closer to Kona. 

Stuck in a Time-Warp Again...

The town of Kailua-Kona is a quaint (using that word a lot, huh?) tourist town that seems to be stuck in a time warp.  To me, it seemed exactly what one would have envisioned in the 1960s.  Gidget anyone?  The tiny old town faces the ocean which wraps around the shore.  It appears to be a nice place to stay, albeit touristy, but I’m definitely going to spend some time here next trip.  The place was laid back and appeared carefree. 

Accessibility Note

I didn’t use a wheelchair in Kailua-Kona, but it didn’t appear to be too easy to venture around in one.  Please share your experiences.

Was the Venture Worth It?

All in all, it was a great trip.  I would have liked to have seen active lava flows.  But that will have to be another time.  It makes for a long day, so start early.

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