Big Island, Hawaii
Out of context: Reply #12
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- l_vel_fe0
so rt11 is the main strip that connects Kona to Hilo and pretty much wraps around the island. the island isn't giant (maybe 90mi wide) but it takes about 2.5 hours to go from end to end and there isn't necessarily a 'straight route' anywhere. maybe 4 hours or so to do a big loop depending on your speed. A lot of it is only 1 lane so if you get stuck behind a slow pickup it could slow you down.
when i was there i just went with the jeep for a week at the rental place (in order to get to Green Sands and down into Waipi'o valley) and a compact for the other 3.
motorbikes i'd recommend heading up to waimea area (north side of island), and driving that stretch, it's the 'scenic' highway and you have some nice views onto the ocean. it's more rural/farm country on that part of the island.
there is also a nice stretch on 11 between Keokea and Captain Cook that gets windy but also has some great views to the east. You can take some side roads down to the ocean side (steep declines), but they do offer some lush scenery. It's probably easier to find some bikes to rent in Kona and drive from there down. You can also checkout Two Step (near captain cook) for some good snorkeling but it's usually pretty crowded.
on Kona side there are tons of 4wd access beaches (black sand and whitesand) directly off of rt11. The Lonely Planet guide has great maps and access information for the specifics on these.
in terms of actual places to rent 4wd (quads or dirt bikes etc) i dont have any specifics.
gas is usually 40-50 cents cheaper on Hilo side also.
- i couldn't believe how much cheaper gas was on the Hilo side. strange.betelgeuse
- Wow, thanks, I really appreciate the info!SteveJobs
- my pleasure! the big island holds a special spiritual place in my heartl_vel_fe
- and my guess on the gas prices; Kona side = tourists. $$ Hilo side = locals. cheaper.l_vel_fe