The Massive Scale and Geography of the Big Island
The Big Island got its name for good reason, as it is truly enormous in scale, with hundreds of miles of coastline and several distinct geological regions. Compared to another Hawaiian island, Kauai, which is only 33 miles wide, the Big Island stretches 93 miles across. The two main cities on the island serve as landmarks on each coastal edge, with Kona in the west and Hilo in the east. And as the two main airports are in Kona and Hilo, you’ll likely land in one of these two locations, where you can then rent a car and get the wheels rolling on your Hawaiian getaway. Volcano is a must stop along any route you take and our Hawaii bed and breakfast is perfectly situated on Hwy 11, you go right by our door on your drive around the island.
Heading South and Following the Coastline
Starting at Volcano Village Estates, you’ll have a couple of appealing routes to drive across the island. One option goes southward, taking Highway 11 out of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and tracing the coastline towards the island’s southernmost tip. You’ll head right by Punalu’u Beach along the way, one of the world’s only volcanic black sand beaches and one of the more magical detours you’ll find anywhere. Highway 11, also known as Hawaii Belt Road, continues around the island’s southern tip and up the western coast. As you make your way up that side, plan to have an afternoon picnic at one of several iconic beaches, such as Ho’okena Beach Park. Ho’okena is a site of historical importance, as it is the location of one of the last active Hawaiian canoe fishing villages. You can also rent kayaks and spend an hour or two on the water, getting an authentic taste of the Hawaiian way of life.
Across the Middle of the Island, Through Forests, and Along a Volcano’s Edge
The other route for traversing the Big Island heads north out of Volcano on Highway 11, where you’ll arrive in downtown Hilo in 45 minutes. You’ll turn onto Saddle Road, which cuts directly across the island’s center. As you cross the central region, you’ll climb up in elevation, entering a climate zone vastly different from the eastern side where you were just an hour ago. Here it is much dryer and cooler, without the dramatic rainfall of the Hilo area. Stop to have a snack and stretch your legs at Mauna Kea State Recreation Area, where you’ll be treated to postcard-worthy views of the Mauna Kea volcano while enjoying the crisp air at 6,500 feet above sea level. This route also goes through Hilo Watershed Forest Reserve, which comprises 64,000 acres of public land set aside in 1905. It is teeming with trails, streams, and rare wildlife, so it’s a great place to add in a hike if you’re feeling extra adventurous.
Each of these routes takes around two hours, depending on if/where you stop along the way. Rather than try to decide between the two, link them up into one big loop, and you’ll see the best of both, making for an unforgettable day trip.
Book your stay with us, and plan your epic road trip across the Big Island!
