We decided to take a quick trip to the Big Island because Southwest Airlines was offering a killer deal on tickets. It had been years since I visited any of the outer islands. Because for a quick island hop, it’s not cheap. At $49.99 from Honolulu to Kona, we jumped on this one! They are in the introduction phase at the moment.
Having only 48 hours to enjoy ourselves we crammed in as much as we possibly could.
Day 1
Kamuela Inn
The first day we arrived we stayed at the Kamuela Inn. As it was suggested by the school we toured and the realtor we were working with. It’s a super idyllic Motel for the ranching area. Complete with a hitching post for the Jeep. The rooms also carried the ranching theme. The breakfast was not bad either! I would definitely stay here again. No frills if that’s what you seek in a vacation though….because….it’s a Motel. Since we tend to spend all of our time exploring I really don’t care where we sleep.
Website: https://www.thekamuelainn.com/
Phone: (808) 885-4243
Email: thekamuelainn@gmail.com
Street Address: 65-1300 Kawaihae Road, Kamuela, HI 96743
Mauna Kea Trails ATV
Mauna Kea Trails ATV ride was a blast! Great views and fun muddy trails. It was different than other trail rides we’ve done. They actually let you have a little fun! Part of the ride was stopping at a waterfall for a quick swim. It was a great chance to loosen up some of the mud from the ride. You’ll get surrounding views of Mauna Kea, Mauna Loa, Kilauea and Pu’u O’o volcanos and the majestic Pacific Ocean to lush rainforest canopies and deep river gorges.
We were so fortunate that it was a cloudy overcast day and that the trails were muddy. Because the dust is a killer they say.
Contact Information:
Kapohokine Adventures
Store Location:
Grand Naniloa DoubleTree by Hilton Lobby
93 Banyan Dr
Hilo, HI 96720
Mauna Kea Summit
Next stop was Mauna Kea! We just barely made it back before sunset.
Did you know, Mauna Kea is one of the only places in the world you can drive from sea level to 14,000 feet in under 2 hours? Did you also know there is about 40% less oxygen at that level. That’s big and you’re going to feel it.
If you make the drive up on your own. It is a very slow ride. The car doesn’t like the lack of oxygen anymore than you do. Speaking of oxygen. Make sure you stop at the station to acclimate yourself to the altitude.
The whole experience is so incredible. You literally feel like your on another planet with this landscape. You’re up above the clouds so the sky is incredibly clear. Truly breathtaking.
Ka’awa Loa Plantation
If you’re just on the Big Island for a 48 hour trip in exploring Waimea, I probably wouldn’t stay this far out. It’s in the Captain Cook area which is about an hour and half or so from Waimea. However, there are plenty of things to do in Captain Cook as well. I didn’t include the activities on this post since our morning was sucked up by real estate ranch shopping. Otherwise, we would’ve had more time to explore this part of the Big Island.
This was our second stay at the Ka’awa Loa Plantation and part of the reason we were okay with getting off course. It is such a charming Bed and Breakfast. The Inns Keeper is the sweetest lady ever and the breakfast was incredible. She greets you with a huge hug and lots of love. Old Hawaii style Auntie.
We arrived late at night but as soon as you drive up you’re greeted with such a serene feeling. However, per any Big Island Bed and Breakfast, Motel or Hotel. They must disclose if there are Coqui frogs. They are a super invasive species that is rapidly taking over the Big Island. They have the LOUDEST chirp that starts in the late evening until early morning. Honestly, it lulled me to sleep. I didn’t mind it at all. But they are seriously bad news.
Day 2
We had our breakfast on the beautiful back porch. Gorgeous views! Since we were on a tight schedule we had to wrap it up and head out.
Phone: (808) 323-2686
Email: aloha@kaawaloaplantation.com
Address:
Ka’awa Loa Plantation
82-5990 Napoopoo Rd
Captain Cook, HI 96704-7903
Website: https://www.kaawaloaplantation.com/
Paniolo Adventures
What better place to get in a horseback ride than on the Big Island. The temperature was cool and clear. They can get a lot of rain in that area. But we lucked out. The trail meandered through a pasture of Bulls. I can’t say I was scared but even growing up on a farm, I’d never been in the same area with that many at one time. Throughout our entire trip we were stalked by an owl. I think this is a good omen they tell me. I couldn’t tell you why. Maybe luck!
FROM HILO
Drive North on Hwy 19 towards Honoka’a. Continue on Hwy 19 into Waimea. Turn right at the third traffic light (Shell and Chevron on corners) and continue on Hwy 19 approx. 2 miles. Turn right (north) on Hwy 250 toward Hawi. We are the Red Barn on the left, 300 yards past mile marker 13 on Hwy 250.
Drive Time: 1 hour 45 mins.
Address: Kohala Mtn. Rd. (Hwy. 250) | N. Kohala, HI 96743
Website: https://www.panioloadventures.com
Phone: 1-808-889-5354
Guests under the age of 18 MUST be accompanied by an adult.
Typically, when people think of the Big Island they think, Volcano. We weren’t in that area this time around. Although, it is on our list to share with you all soon. If you are an Oahu reader, hurry grab one of those cheap Southwest Airline tickets before they go up. Or Hawaiian even brought their outrageous prices down if that’s your airlines of choice. It’s worth a weekend trip or even a day trip.