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06-12-2007, 05:06 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 2007
114 posts, read 170,073 times
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Green Sands Beach, Ka'u, Big Island
Does anybody know about a good tour that will take the easiest way down to the beach?
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06-12-2007, 06:01 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Kailua, Oahu, HI and San Diego, CA
711 posts, read 973,823 times
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We just walked in, from the parking lot at South Point, along a dirt road/path on the bluff overlooking the ocean.
Last time I did it my youngest son was about eight, and he's now 45. Things may have changed.
Hank
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06-12-2007, 06:52 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Pahoa Hawaii
589 posts, read 744,440 times
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Not much has changed. When I was there, driving a FWD, I got about 1/3 way there, chickened out. It's more of a cowpath or gully than a road.
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06-13-2007, 01:25 PM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 2007
114 posts, read 170,073 times
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Looks like I'll rent a 4WD for at least part of the trip if I'm going to get to these places without problems. I don't know how many worthwhile sites require 4WD's, any ideas?
Thanks guys,
Patrick
PS: I checked out Harpers rental and will probably get a 4WD from them for 2 days to cross the Saddle RD and go to Green Sands Beach. Is there another site that you can think of that I should use the 4WD for during those 2 days?
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06-13-2007, 10:11 PM
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Senior Member
Status:
"150 days to go!"
(set 9 days ago)
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Join Date: Mar 2007
547 posts, read 585,707 times
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Patrick, you do not need a 4wd to cross the Saddle Road, nor to go to the visitor's center on Mauna Kea. The road is a little narrow and bumpy on the Kona side, but is perfectly driveable in a regular sedan. We actually drove a regular car to the very top of Mauna Kea, but we are used to driving on unpaved mountain roads in Colorado and I wouldn't recommend doing that unless you are similarily skilled.
Driving to the Green Sand Beach is very challenging, like Leilaniguy says. If you have a pregnant wife and 2 small children, I suggest skipping it entirely and waiting until the kids are older. The walk is a very long, hot 2 miles. The drive is very difficult, you need to pick your way carefully and probably follow where others have gone just to make it through the really rough spots. If I were your wife, I'd say forget it!
If this is your first trip to the BI and you are checking out a lot of different places for future living, skip the 4wd. There are lots of great places to visit where you don't need a 4wd. You can always go exploring later after you move here.
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06-16-2007, 09:09 AM
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Senior Member
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Join Date: May 2007
114 posts, read 170,073 times
Reputation: 34
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Hello!
As usual, I thank you all for the practical and informed advice. You are like a bunch of guardian angels!
Grateful, & I will follow the sound advice,
Patrick
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