Hawaii 2022 - Part 1: Big Island

Day 1

Our first day takes us to the south of the island. Apart from the amazing ocean, the area is rather unspectacular, but at the same time, it is also the southernmost point of the United States.

Next, we visit the Papakōlea Green Sand Beach. From the parking lot, we either have to walk 6.5 km or ride in the back of a pickup truck (which is obviously much cooler). Rental cars are not allowed on the off-road route.

That's enough for the first day. The 28-hour journey and 12-hour time difference are taking their toll. 😇 We drive to our next accommodation.

Day 2

Beautiful tour to the Kilauea Volcano. The hike starts through lush green rainforest with many ferns, ginger plants, and moss-covered trees. Then we descend to the caldera and cross the Kīlauea Iki Crater.

To end the day, we go to the Halemaʻumaʻu Crater and watch the active lava lake. Here, you can feel that we are above a hotspot on the youngest island in Hawaii.

Day 3

Today, we head to the east coast of the island. We pass former lava fields with uncovered roads, through magical rainforests, and continuously encounter gigantic trees on the side of the road.

Day 4

We spend the morning with a few small tours in the Hilo area. We enjoy the landscape with its waterfalls and beautiful plants. Nature is truly impressive, leaving us almost speechless.

The highlight of the day is driving to the summit of Mauna Kea. The highest mountain in Hawaii (or, depending on the measurement method, in the world). http://www.insel-lexikon.com/inseln-im-pazifik/hoechste-berg-der-welt.htm

The sunset above the clouds at 4200 meters is breathtaking.

Day 5

Today, we took a lazy day 😇 Half of the day it was raining and gloomy weather. So we spent the time reading and swimming in the nearby beach parks. We even had a sea turtle in our bay.

Day 6

Today is a travel day. We have to go from the east coast to the west coast of Big Island. Our destination is Kona, where we have a small private bed and breakfast accommodation amidst the greenery. We spend the afternoon in Kona, strolling through the city, drinking coffee, and chilling.

Day 7

Our last day on Big Island starts with a kayak tour and snorkeling in the Kealakekua Bay. In the bay, we were able to watch some dolphins from the kayak and see many colorful fish while snorkeling.

Tomorrow morning, we are heading to our second island. 🛬 KAUAI