Itinerary sanity check and suggestions

Question

I'm headed to the BI in mid-Feb for a solo trip to recharge during a career transition. My version of recharging is more along the adventure and exploring nature side than the sit on the beach side. I've never been to the island so I'd love some help with a sanity check on my initial itinerary. I fly into Kona in the evening and plan to stay in Kealakekua the first night to get an early start to hike/run the Captain Cook Monument Trail and head south to Punaluʻu Beach. I plan to stay in Volcano for 2 nights (tentatively staying at Volcano House) and explore craters and lava tubes (probably Kilauea Iki trail and/or Halema'uma'u trail). I plan to head to Hilo next for a night--staying at Grand Naniloa and visiting Rainbow Falls. I was considering visiting the botanical gardens north of Hilo or doing the Tree-to-Chocolate Tour. I'm staying in Waikoloa Village for the final 4 nights so thought I'd visit and hike Waipi'o Valley on the drive over. I am considering running/hiking the Pu'u Wa'awa'a Cinder Cone trail the following day and doing one of the night manta ray snorkel tours that evening. I am also considering a Mauna Kae adventure day but not sure if it's worth the time commitment. I'd likely run/hike from the visitor's center to the summit. I'm from Colorado and used to climbing 14ers so comfortable with the altitude and physical requirements...just not sure if spending an entire day of my trip would make sense. I'm open to any other suggestions for the west side of the island. And I saw a few comments about being concerned with leaving luggage in the car on transit day adventures. How much should I worry about that since I'll be moving around almost daily for the first part of my trip. Thank you!

Answer

Aloha! Your itinerary for the Big Island looks fantastic, and it seems like you've planned a good mix of adventure and exploration, which is perfect for recharging in a way that aligns with your interests. Here’s a detailed sanity check and some additional suggestions to help fine-tune your trip:

1. Kealakekua and Captain Cook Monument Trail: Staying in Kealakekua is a great choice for the first night. The Captain Cook Monument Trail is an excellent way to start your adventure, offering beautiful views and an opportunity to explore the area’s rich history. Keep in mind that the trail can be challenging, but since you're used to Colorado 14ers, it should be well within your capabilities. Just make sure to bring plenty of water and sunscreen for the hike.

2. Punaluʻu Beach: Heading south to Punaluʻu Beach is a great idea. It’s one of the best places on the island to see Hawaiian green sea turtles (especially in the morning). It’s also a nice spot to relax and recharge after your hike, as the black sand beach is quite stunning.

3. Volcano House and Crater Exploration: Spending 2 nights in Volcano is a great plan, as it gives you time to fully explore the area. The Kīlauea Iki Trail and Halema'uma'u Trail are both excellent hikes that provide an up-close look at volcanic landscapes. If you’re interested, consider also exploring the Thurston Lava Tube, which is a short walk but offers a fascinating glimpse into the volcanic formations on the island.

4. Hilo and Rainbow Falls: Hilo is a lovely area with lush vegetation and beautiful waterfalls. Rainbow Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls on the island, and it’s an easy stop. If you're interested in the botanical gardens north of Hilo, they are definitely worth a visit for their diverse plant life and gorgeous surroundings. The Tree-to-Chocolate Tour sounds intriguing if you’re interested in a more cultural experience, but it’s a bit more time-consuming. You might prefer the gardens if you’re looking to stay outdoors and enjoy more nature.

5. Waikoloa Village and West Side Adventures: Waikoloa Village is a great base for exploring the west side of the island. You can easily reach places like Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, which is a great spot for history and cultural exploration. The beach areas around Waikoloa also offer opportunities for snorkeling and relaxation.

6. Waipi’o Valley: Waipi'o Valley is definitely worth the visit. The views are spectacular, and it’s an iconic location on the island. Since you’re comfortable with hiking, you might want to consider taking the hike down into the valley, as the views are much more immersive. However, if you’d prefer a less strenuous option, there are also guided tours that can take you into the valley without hiking.

7. Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone Trail: The Pu’u Wa’awa’a Cinder Cone Trail is a great choice for a hike. The trail offers a relatively moderate climb with some stunning views over the coastline and the island. Since it’s not too long, it should fit well into your itinerary. You could also combine it with some time at the beaches or other local attractions nearby.

8. Manta Ray Snorkel Tours: The night manta ray snorkel is one of the most unique experiences on the Big Island and should definitely be on your list. If you're a diver or comfortable in the water, you’ll love this experience. It’s very different from typical snorkeling, as the mantas perform acrobatics right beneath you. Given your adventurous spirit, I think this will be an unforgettable experience.

9. Mauna Kea Adventure Day: As for Mauna Kea, it’s a tough call. Given that you’re comfortable with altitude, you’ll likely handle the conditions well, but it is a long day. The drive to the summit can be challenging, and the time commitment is significant, especially if you’re planning to run/hike from the visitor’s center. If you have the time and energy for it, the sunset at the summit is spectacular, and the stargazing afterward is world-class. However, it might be worth asking yourself if you prefer to explore more of the island’s natural beauty in a less time-intensive way. If you’re unsure, you could always plan for a visit to Mauna Kea but keep your options flexible depending on how you feel on the day.

10. Security Concerns with Leaving Luggage in the Car: Regarding leaving luggage in the car, it’s always a good idea to be cautious. The Big Island is relatively safe, but it’s still best to avoid leaving valuables in your car, especially while you're out on an adventure. For your overnight stays and day trips, you might want to keep your essentials with you and leave larger bags or valuables locked in your accommodation. Many rental car companies offer safe options for keeping your luggage locked while you’re out, but it's always best to err on the side of caution.

Other Suggestions: If you have some extra time on the west side of the island, you might want to check out the following:

Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park: A beautiful and culturally significant spot where ancient Hawaiians would seek refuge and sanctuary.
Hawi and Kapa’au: These are small towns on the northern tip of the island, known for their charming shops and the famous King Kamehameha statue.
Kona Coffee Tour: Kona is known for its coffee, so you might enjoy a tour of one of the local coffee farms to see how it’s grown and processed.

Overall, your itinerary looks well-balanced, and with your adventurous spirit, you’re going to have an incredible time exploring the Big Island. I’d suggest confirming your day-by-day plans based on how you feel and the time you have available, but you’re definitely on the right track. Have a wonderful time!

Itinerary sanity check and suggestions

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