By Kris Hazard
I get asked constantly by clients settling into Kona what's worth exploring beyond the immediate area, and the truth is the Big Island itself holds enough for several weekend trips without ever getting on a plane. Between volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, and a completely different side of the island in Hilo, there's a lot of range packed into a single island. Here's where I usually point people, along with a practical note worth knowing before you go.
Key Takeaways
- Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is a real weekend destination, though current conditions are worth checking first
- The Hamakua Coast offers Waipio Valley Lookout and Akaka Falls in one scenic drive
- Hilo offers a completely different feel from Kona, worth a day or an overnight
- The direct route from Kona to the volcano currently requires a detour due to road damage
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Worth Knowing Before You Go
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park is one of the most unique destinations on the island, with Kilauea currently in an active eruptive cycle that periodically produces dramatic lava fountaining at the summit. That said, activity comes and goes in distinct episodes, so I'd never promise a specific visit will line up with visible lava, and it's worth checking the U.S. Geological Survey's current update before you go. Even without an active episode happening, the crater overlooks and surrounding landscape are worth the trip on their own.
What to Know Before Visiting
- Kilauea's activity is episodic, so lava visibility isn't guaranteed on any given visit
- Checking the current USGS volcano status before heading out is worth the two minutes
- The crater overlooks are worthwhile even without active lava visible
- Some areas of the park may have limited access depending on current conditions
The Hamakua Coast: Waipio Valley and Akaka Falls
The drive along the Hamakua Coast, heading through Waimea and Honoka'a, brings you to the Waipio Valley Lookout, which offers a sweeping view of the valley and coastline that's well worth the detour on its own. Continuing along the coast toward Akaka Falls State Park adds a short, easy walk to a 442-foot waterfall, making the whole stretch an easy half-day or full-day loop. It's one of my favorite drives on the island for anyone who hasn't done it yet.
What This Drive Offers
- Waipio Valley Lookout, with sweeping views of the valley and coast
- Akaka Falls State Park, a short walk to a dramatic 442-foot waterfall
- Scenic coastal driving through Waimea, Honoka'a, and Laupahoehoe
- A flexible route that works as a half-day trip or a longer excursion
A Day (or Weekend) in Hilo
Hilo really does feel like a different island compared to Kona, with a lush, rainy climate and a slower, more historic downtown feel. It makes a great base for exploring the eastern side of the island, including nearby waterfalls and the farmers market that's become a real fixture of downtown Hilo life. Staying overnight in Hilo also puts you closer to the volcano for an early start the next morning.
Why Hilo Is Worth the Trip
- A noticeably different climate and character than the Kona side
- A historic downtown with real small-town charm
- Proximity to nearby waterfalls and outdoor spots
- A convenient overnight base for exploring the eastern side of the island
Waimea and the Kohala Coast
Waimea offers a completely different landscape than the coastal parts of the island, with rolling ranch land and a cooler, greener climate up in elevation. It's a shorter, easier trip from Kona than Hilo or the volcano, making it a good option for a half-day escape rather than a full weekend commitment. The surrounding Kohala area adds a slower, more rural feel that contrasts nicely with Kona's coastal energy.
What Makes Waimea Worth a Visit
- Cooler temperatures and greener landscape at higher elevation
- A distinctly different, ranch-country feel from coastal Kona
- A shorter drive than Hilo or the volcano for a quicker getaway
- The surrounding Kohala area for a slower, more rural pace
A Practical Note on Current Road Conditions
Right now, the direct southern route on Highway 11 from Kona toward the volcano has sustained damage and isn't recommended for travel. If you're heading to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park from Kona, the better route currently runs through Saddle Road or up along Highway 19 and the Hamakua Coast instead. It's worth confirming current road conditions before any trip toward that side of the island, since conditions here can change.
What to Check Before You Go
- Current Highway 11 conditions between Kona and the volcano area
- Alternate routes like Saddle Road or the Hamakua Coast highway
- Current park conditions directly through the National Park Service
- Current Kilauea activity status through the USGS Hawaiian Volcano Observatory
FAQs
Is it worth visiting the volcano if there's no active lava at the time?
I'd still say yes. The landscape, the overlooks, and the park itself are worth the trip regardless of whether an eruption episode happens to be active.
Do we need to drive all the way around the island to reach the volcano right now?
Not necessarily, but the usual direct route does need adjusting given current road damage. I'd plan on Saddle Road or the Hamakua Coast route instead of the southern highway for now.
Is Waipio Valley Lookout the same as visiting the valley floor itself?
I always make sure clients know it's not the same thing. The lookout is easily accessible and offers a great view, while actually getting down into the valley involves separate access considerations worth researching ahead of time.
Ready to Explore More of What the Big Island Has to Offer?
Real estate has been my singular career for most of my adult life, and I love helping both sellers and buyers realize their real estate goals. After owning a successful brokerage and completing hundreds of transactions a year in California, I've spent the past 20 years working with clients on a more personal level in the focused North Kona market. My knowledge spans Kona waterfront properties, Kailua-Kona homes and condos, vacation beach homes, and forever homes alike, and I'd love to help you find a home that puts you close to everything this island has to offer.
