This trip to the big island was delayed nearly a year due to Covid, but the wait was worth it…a mix of beaches, hiking, Volcano National Park, and circumnavigating the island on my bicycle. I’d been here as a kid but have a whole new appreciation as an adult. I was especially impressed with some of the people living off grid, some of whom I stayed with on my trip around the island. I need to look into this…

 

 

Feb 3: Arrive Kona

Feb 4: Makalewena and Kiholo beaches

Feb 5: Snorkel at Two Step

Feb 6: Volcano National Park

Feb 7: Mauna Kea (hike from Visitor’s Center, my 49th state high point)

Feb 8: Prep for bike ride, stay at Barbara Lam’s Farm

Feb 9: Cycle from Kona Airport to Barbara’s (~42 miles)

Feb 10: Cycle from Barbara’s to 15 miles shy of Volcano (~44 miles)

Feb 11: Cycle to Volcano, then down through the park, out via Chain of Craters gravel road to Kalapana (~62 miles)

Feb 12: Hot Spring at Isaac Hale Beach Park, cycle to Hilo (~54 miles)

Feb 13: Rest day Hilo

Feb 14: Rental car Hilo: Waipio Lookout, Akaka Falls, explored around Kapaho

Feb 15: Cycle to Honokaa (~44 miles)

Feb 16: Cycle to Waimea, Hawi (via the mountain road), wild camp on the beach west of Hawi (many whale sightings!, ~44 miles)

Feb 17: Cycle to aiprort, drive to Barbara’s (~38 miles)

Feb 18: Pack up at Barbara’s, South Point, Volcano NP at night

Feb 19: Fly home