Big Island for 3 days, what to do? Vacation (Hilo, Waipio: rent, stores)

[Basic42]

Have traveled to Oahu many time, been to Maui also.

This vacation we are breaking away from Oahu and going to the big Island for 3 days.

Things we've enjoyed in Oahu most are the North Shore, going to local places, not a huge fan of downtown Waikiki (although it was fun the first few times).

Things we didn't enjoy were places like the Polynesian Village. Not a huge fan of the high end tourist traps.

We are very comfortable with local culture there, and blend in nicely.

Any recommendations on 72 hours and what to do?

[KoaKine]

Where will you be staying as in which side?

Volcano
Kalapana.. Lava flow into the ocean long hike but worth it

[unicorn1209]

My favorite part was the "around the Island" tour, the scuba diving, and I bought a book called "hidden hawaii" that told about things that were not touristy and found some awesome places to eat, and so forth... also really did enjoy the kona coffee plantation...

[Basic42]

We are staying on the Kohala Coast - also traveling with a 7 year old. We really enjoy driving around too.

The little one is not going to be of good spirit to hike, she's a bit whiny...but travels well in the car.

Any tips for the airport there? Are there traffic jams on the road for the airport like Oahu? Should we preplan for that?

[newUHprof]

I can't imagine just three days on BI... there's way too much to do.

I always recommend Dolphin Journeys... best thing I did on the BI (and that's saying something!)
Swim with dolphins, whale watching - Kailua-Kona Hawaii

[DeirdreDedra]

If you rent a 4-wheel drive you can drive down into Waipi'o Valley. If not, take one of the tours down there. It's amazing. And we got to interact with wild horses while we were in the valley. Also, visit Pu'uhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, not too far south of Kona. So beautiful with palm trees and tide pools. My 7-year-old loved looking in the pools, walking on the lava and discovering dried salt on the rocks. Sea turtles too! Two of my favorite places.

[Basic42]

Ya, three days is a shortie for sure! How are the bugs in the park? Are they anything like Waimea Valley on Oahu? That place is beyond wonderful, but the bugs are nothing to fool with.

Stupid question: Are there ABC stores there? I usually don't pack the stuff I know I can pick up at ABC, takes up too much suitcase room.

Tide pools are wonderful, that is so going on the list.

We drove to the top of the Haleka in Maui - and that was nuts nuts nuts nuts. Too scary for me! I see the drives up mauna koa..and I'm thinking it's probably like that? Am I close?

[Mar0]

I did three days on Big Island and found that b/c the island was so big, I felt really rushed. Would you consider Maui again or Kauai? They are much easier to navigate on such a short stay.

Hopefully you will be staying on the Hilo side so you will not be spending 3 hours or so driving back and forth from Kona to Volcanoes. I don't recall much bugs in the park- it was a bit cooler because of the elevation, however.

You might want to do some research on the tripadvisor forums as they are more visitor oriented, IMO.

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

I think you should pick one side for this trip and the other side for your next trip (you WILL want to come back). Kona side has the nicest beaches, and I second the Place of Refuge. There's also a neat place north of Kona Town where you can see sea horses; your daughter should like that. And, yes, there are several ABC stores in Kona, as well as a WalMart and a Target.

I would not recommend driving yourself down into the Waipio Valley. The view from the overlook is spectacular, and the drive down is much, much worse than Haleakala. You can drive up to the visitor's center on Mauna Kea; it is not very scary even for flatlanders. But you do not want to drive all the way to the top if Haleakala scares you.

No traffic jams on the BI like on Oahu. The airport is very easy to get in and out of. You will hit some traffic both north and south of Kona Town just because the road is one lane in each direction, but nothing to be worried about.

[DeirdreDedra]

We've never had problems with bugs even though the tour books always say bring spray.