Amateur Traveler Podcast #55: Exploring Hawaii's Big Island

Hilo: The Tropical and Local Side of the Big Island

• 🌴 Hilo, on the windward side of the Big Island, is described as more tropical, lush, and local compared to the sunnier, drier leeward side.
• 🏨 Visitors often stay in smaller, independent hotels, with recommendations for places near Volcanoes National Park and along Banyan Drive.
• 🍽️ Fiascos restaurant in Hilo is highlighted for its surprisingly good Italian, Greek, and Mexican food, with standout desserts like bananas foster.
• 🌋 A notable attraction near Hilo is a lava tube, an ancient flow channel that can be explored with a flashlight.

Understanding Hawaiian Volcanoes and Lava Types

• 🌋 The Big Island features two massive mountains, Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa, over 14,000 ft tall, influencing the island's weather patterns.
• 💨 The windward side (Northeast) is lush, while the leeward side (West/Southwest) is drier due to the rain shadow effect.
• 🪨 Two main types of lava are discussed: 'A'a, which is sharp and bubbly, and Pāhoehoe, which is smoother and flows like fudge.
• 🌊 Lava flowing into the ocean creates black sand beaches through explosive cooling.

Volcanoes National Park: A Must-See Destination

• 🚁 Helicopter tours offer views of Kīlauea crater and lava flows, though trade winds can cause motion sickness.
• 🚶‍♀️ During a second visit, the speaker witnessed active lava flow from the Puʻu ʻŌʻō vent, walking close to the molten rock.
• ⚠️ Rangers enforce safety, warning against poking the lava, which is around 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.
• 🏞️ The park also features the Kīlauea Caldera, which once held a lake of molten lava, and the Devastation Trail.

Exploring the Big Island's Diverse Landscapes

• 🌳 Near Hilo, Rainbow Falls and the unique Banyan trees are worth visiting.
• 🥾 Lava Tree State Park showcases remnants of trees engulfed by lava.
• 🏞️ The Hamakua Coast offers beautiful valleys and waterfalls like Akaka Falls and Kahuna Falls.
• 🏖️ South of Volcanoes National Park lies a black sand beach, and Puna Luʻu Bakery is recommended for pastries like malasadas.
• 🏛️ The Big Island hosts four national parks, including Puʻuhonua o Hōnaunau National Historical Park, a historic royal compound, and Puʻukoholā Heiau National Historic Site.

Kona Coast and Snorkeling Opportunities

• 🌊 The Kona Coast is the resort area, generally more expensive than Hilo, with vast lava fields.
• 🐢 Kahaluʻu State Beach, south of Kona, is an excellent spot for snorkeling and seeing sea turtles, with a state law requiring a 10-foot distance.
• 🐠 The sheltered bay offers wonderful fish and is suitable for beginners and children.
• 🏝️ While the Big Island has fewer beaches than other islands due to its newer volcanic origin, beaches like Hāpuna State Beach offer scenic beauty.
• ⛰️ Key highlights of the Big Island include waterfalls, tropical scenery, snorkeling, volcanoes, and unique culinary spots like Billy Bob's Park and Pork.