Green Sands Beach, Ka'u, Big Island (rental, living, move)

[Paddywagons]

Does anybody know about a good tour that will take the easiest way down to the beach?

[HankDfrmSD]

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

[leilaniguy]

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.

[Paddywagons]

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?

[Dreaming of Hawaii]

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.

[Paddywagons]

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