Hawaii, Big Island Trip Planning

[doug395]

I’m going to the Big Island the end of this month, I’ve started a list of places
I want to see, looking for ideas, also advice about Waipio Valley.
Staying on the Hilo side for a week, looking for tropical day hikes and classic spots to run around with my camera. I’ll be doing Waipio Valley on foot, looking to avoid trails with privet property problems. Is there a way to do a loop; hiking the beach then cut across into the valley. “Bug spray and rain gear”, appreciate any suggestions.

[Strider]

Waipio Valley will be road hiking with lots of people around, and you don't want to cut across any 'sacred' land. You'd really enjoy the Pololu trail in North Kohala:

http://gohawaii.about.com/b/a/249620.htm

I lived in Hilo for three years, and my favorite hikes were the top of Mauna Loa and the Crater Rim loop around Kilauea volcano. I got shot at once scrambling along the coast southeast of Hilo - you have to be careful of pakalolo growers and Hawaiian separatists.

[copeg]

When I was on the island for a brief stay I stayed on other side in Kona, but we did do go to Waipio Valley down the road to the beach. A beautiful area. I'd definitely suggest the Hawaii Volcanos National Park..such as the Rim Loop around Kilauea as Strider suggested...touristy, but really worth putting up with the crowds.

[doug395]

Thanks Strider and TB. Definitely want to explore around Palulu Valley and will look up options on the Rim Loop. I lived on Oahu and Kauai in the late 60’s, things where pretty wild back then and I found plenty of trouble; places to stay away from is part of the planning process.

[Strider]

Doug,

How was your trip? Hope you get choke pictures, la'dat!

[doug395]

Strider - I had a great trip and perfect weather, I'll post some photos
soon!