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What is the best luau on the Big Island of Hawaii?

Going to big island hawaii in Oct this year?

  • and we are going to be camping at Mackenzie State Recreation Area...so we will be on (the west side?) about 30 miles south of Hilo...Anyways, we plan to see Akaka Falls, Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Red Road, Lava Tree State Monument and Rainbow Falls. What else is there to do on that side of the island? Will it be worth the drive (and money) to visit Kona? Also, where should we go to see a good Luau?

  • Answer:

    First of all, Mackenzie State Rec Area is located on the east side of the Big Island. Not many tourists go down that far and you will find mostly locals in the area. That's good and bad, in that not all locals in that part of the island are "visitor friendly", so keep that in mind. There can also be incidences of vandalism, car break-ins, etc. because it is fairly isolated. There is no water there. The other problem of staying "at the end of the road" so to speak is that for you to visit any of the places you've mentioned, with the exception of the Lava Tree State Monument, you're looking at a minimum of an hour's drive. May not seem like much, but after a day or two of back and forth driving, gas at $5/gal, you'll rethink that. You might consider camping at one of the campsites located in the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park for part of your visit, instead. Not only is it more convenient to the HVNP, but they are kept up better. I will add that if you do choose to do so, you'll want to bring fairly warm clothing and rain gear as it does tend to get "cool" at night and misty/drizzling conditions are common as well. Namakanipaio Campground is off the main road (Hwy 11) and has water, restrooms, picnic tables, etc. and is a first-come, first-serve campground. It only has 8 campsites, so can be tricky finding one open at times. http://www.nps.gov/havo/planyourvisit/campgrounds.htm Contrary to the other response left, it is called the Big Island because it is fairly big, unless you just plan on driving around the island on a windshield-tour, there is a lot of driving to get from point to point. Kona is the western side of the island and where most of the tourist activities and hotels are to be found because it is the sunny, dry side of the island. So, if you're wanting to go to a luau, Kona will be your destination. Kona is about 3.5/4-hrs drive from Mackenzie State Park. Its about a 2/2.5-hr drive from HVNP Unless you're a member of Costco, fill your vehicle with gas in Hilo when possible, gas runs 15-20 cents/gal more elsewhere on the island. I invite you to visit my blog at www.myhawaiifoodfun.com, click on the Big Island under the Categories section to get a better idea of what kind of activities are available.

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The scuba diving is wonderful on that side. A beach called two step is great for scuba. You'll have no trouble going to different parts of the island, it's not that large.

Trinary

Go to the National Park!! Where else in the world can you see an active volcano and not be in danger? Also, you want to camp out in the Volcanoes National Park, it is cold, at night (mountain country), so bring some warm clothing & a flashlight. It is very dark there and the flashlight will help you get around. The State Park has good places to camp; and it is safe. Unfortunately, like everywhere else, there are those who would like to take YOUR belongings. Also in that area is Mouna Kea Visitors Center. You can see all the stars in the UNIVERSE, or so it seems!! Mackenzie State park in on the Hilo side of Hawaii, so are all the other things you mentioned!! I live there it is wild and beautiful. But it's a "must see" spot. Just go to Mackenzine in the daytime--take lots of photos!! It is awesome and gorgeous and natural, not like anything you've probably seen. Many times my husband and I have taken chairs and just sat there for hours...peaceful and serene. The luau on this island is only on Kona, and it's a nice one. Lots of music and dancing!! And it is close to King Kam hotel, also very nice and you could book there, and do the Kona side. It is a lovely drive--take the Eastern route in the day time--it will take a couple of extra hours because you will pass Akaka Falls ,Umauma Falls & Zip line near World Botanic Gardens. Wear sturdy shoes and take your own water, if you go to the gardens. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWxWxkmmc8Y&feature=related << Check it out!>>> Stop in Honomu and eat with the locals before or after Akaka Falls--I always do!! Great Kau kau (food) in a tiny friendly town with great shopping!!! Big island will knock your socks off--and you will only have to wear them at night at Volcano National Park --while you stand above the Calderon and look into the lava crater!! Hey! call me--I'm not booked...LOL

Jorgie Girl

Mackenzie State Recreation Area is a pretty rough place to camp. And said that was on the west side, no that's the East side or as we say here, windward side. If you are here for a couple of weeks, maybe a trip to the Kona side would be good. You asked about the money to visit the Kona side, all it will cost is a few gallons of gas. The only luaus are on the Kona side. Beside the things you mentioned seeing on this side there are more, like Akaka Falls, at least three world class gardens and zip lines. The volcano needs to be viewed at night as well as daytime. Also, there are lava tubes you can walk through and the highest mountain in the Pacific. I have seen snow on it in October. If you need more information, just E-MAIL me. Here are some shots you might want to see here. https://picasaweb.google.com/113469061768012111877/BigIslandToursWithBobAndSamiLamb

Keikihipa

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