A few questions
Hi everyone!
A group of 15 of us are visiting Hawaii in June, but will largely be doing our own things. We are staying at Mauna Lani Point (hopefully a decent place). We will only have 5 full days on the Island of Hawaii. Here are a few questions I would love some input on:
1. With a limited amount of time, I don't want to spend several days traveling to the other side of the island, but VNP is a must for me. I know it would be a very long day, but can you get a fulfilling experience in one day, traveling from the other side of the island?
2. We definitely want to do the night manta ray snorkeling, but would like to do some other snorkeling as well. Is that something we would need to book? Or are there good options for snorkeling ourselves near our resort?
3. We would like to take some hikes (nothing overly difficult), that would take us by some nice waterfalls, or scenic ocean views. Any recommendations on that near our resort?
Thank you!
Visiting the Big Island with only five full days can be a bit of a logistical challenge, but with careful planning, you can have a rewarding experience without feeling rushed. Since you are staying at Mauna Lani Point, which is on the Kohala Coast, here are some thoughts for your questions:
1. Visiting Hawaii Volcanoes National Park (VNP) in one day:
It is possible to see the highlights of VNP in one long day from the Kohala Coast, but it will be a full-day adventure with several hours of driving each way. Expect roughly 3–3.5 hours one way without stops. For a fulfilling experience:
- Leave early in the morning to maximize daylight and park time.
- Focus on key attractions like the Kīlauea Visitor Center, Crater Rim Drive, Steam Vents, and the Thurston Lava Tube.
- If conditions allow, check out the Chain of Craters Road for ocean views and lava formations.
- Keep in mind that lava viewing can be seasonal, so check current conditions before you go.
This approach will give you a strong taste of VNP in a single day, though you’ll be on a tight schedule and mostly driving rather than leisurely exploring.
2. Snorkeling near Mauna Lani and night manta ray excursions:
For snorkeling:
- The Kohala Coast has excellent snorkeling spots, and many are accessible without booking a tour. Popular areas include:
- Two Step (near Pu'ukohola Heiau) – easy water entry, abundant sea life.
- Mauna Lani Fishpond – calm waters, family-friendly snorkeling.
- Kua Bay / Manini’owali Beach – a bit further south but very scenic.
- Bring your own gear if possible, though rentals are available nearby.
For night manta snorkeling:
- Booking a guided tour is highly recommended. Operators provide gear, lights, and safe transport to the manta cleaning stations off the Kona coast.
- Popular tour companies include Kona Honu Divers, Big Island Divers, and Fair Wind Cruises. Book in advance, especially for larger groups.
3. Hiking near Mauna Lani:
While the immediate area around your resort is relatively flat, there are some accessible hikes with ocean views and waterfalls a short drive away:
- Pololu Valley Lookout & short hike – spectacular cliffs and ocean vistas; the full valley hike is steep but short segments are doable.
- Waipi’o Valley Lookout & short trail – iconic waterfalls and lush scenery; access to the valley floor requires caution if mobility is a concern.
- Hapuna Beach coastal walk – easy, scenic oceanfront stroll connecting beaches.
- Pu’u Kohola Heiau area – short walks with cultural points of interest and ocean views.
Additional tips:
- Start your days early to avoid midday heat, especially when combining activities with driving across the island.
- Pack snacks, water, and reef-safe sunscreen for long outings.
- Consider splitting the group for certain activities if pace differs; the Kohala Coast offers plenty of things to do within a short drive.
Overall, your itinerary can balance both adventure and relaxation. You can get a solid VNP experience in a day, enjoy snorkeling nearby without necessarily booking every day, and have some scenic and accessible hikes around your resort area.
