Embarking on a journey through the Big Island’s diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring sights calls for a blend of comfort, convenience, and adventure that only a Big Island Jeep rental can offer. From the rugged trails leading to Mauna Kea Summit to the smooth drives along the Hamakua Coast, a Jeep Wrangler rental becomes your passport to exploring the island’s hidden gems at your own pace. This modality of travel not only enriches your Hawaiian adventure but also ensures that you don’t miss out on the unique experiences that set Big Island apart from its sister isles, making it a quintessential choice for travelers seeking to imbibe the full spectrum of Hawaiian beauty and adventure.
In this post, you’ll be guided through breathtaking destinations that are perfectly complemented by the freedom and flexibility that comes with your Jeep rental. Prepare to traverse the scenic Saddle Road, uncover the mystical charm of Volcano Village, and lounge on the unique shores of the Green Sand Beach. Additionally, the exploration extends to Kona Coffee Farms & Plantations, where the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee blends with the fresh air of the highlands, offering a sensory delight unlike any other. Through the lens of Big Island Jeep rentals, including options in Kailua Kona and across Hawaii, this journey promises not just a voyage across terrain but an immersion into the very soul of the island.
Mauna Loa & Volcano Village Scenic Drive
Unique Volcanic Beaches Await
Embark on a journey to the southern shores of the Big Island, where the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and the rare Papakōlea Green Sand Beach offer a visual spectacle unlike any other. The black sand at Punalu’u is created by lava fragments that have been naturally crushed and smoothed over time, creating a striking contrast against the blue ocean. Just a drive away, Papakōlea Beach astonishes with its olive-green sands, a rare phenomenon produced by the mineral olivine, found in the surrounding lava.
Spotting Sea Turtles at Punalu’u
While you soak in the sun and the unique landscapes, keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles, also known as honu. These gentle creatures often come ashore at Punalu’u to rest on the warm black sand. Observing these endangered turtles from a respectful distance offers a memorable experience, combining wildlife observation with beach relaxation.
Visiting the Rare Green Sand of Papakōlea
A visit to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is a must for any Big Island itinerary. Located at the southernmost tip of the island, and indeed the United States, this beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The hike to the beach reveals stunning views from above—a small cove filled with green sand and surrounded by turquoise waters, a true paradise worth the trek. Remember, the only legal way to access this beach is by hiking, which helps preserve its natural and cultural integrity.
Hamakua Coast
The Hamakua Coast, stretching over 40 miles from Hilo to Waipi’o Valley, is a testament to Hawaii’s breathtaking natural beauty, offering lush landscapes, towering waterfalls, and panoramic ocean vistas that captivate all who venture here.
Discovering the Towering Akaka Falls State Park
At the heart of this coastal paradise lies Akaka Falls State Park, a sanctuary that houses the awe-inspiring Akaka Falls. Plunging 442 feet into a fern-laden gorge, this waterfall is a spectacle of nature’s force and beauty. Hiking trails within the park allow you to explore various vantage points, offering up-close encounters with the falls and the surrounding rainforest’s rich biodiversity.
Unparalleled Views of the Coastline
The journey along the Hamakua Coast is punctuated by scenic drives that unveil the majestic Pacific Ocean, framed by steep cliffs and verdant valleys. These drives, including the Pepe’eoko Scenic Drive, are moments of pure enchantment, with each turn presenting new wonders—from cascading waterfalls to the lush Hawaii Tropical Bioreserve & Garden, home to over 2000 species of plants.
Connecting Hilo to Waipi’o Valley
The northern end of the Hamakua Coast near Hilo serves as the gateway to the mystical Waipi’o Valley. Known as the “Valley of Kings,” this area, once central to ancient Hawaiian culture, offers breathtaking hikes, numerous waterfalls, and a serene black-sand beach. Accessible by a steep road or hiking trail, Waipi’o Valley’s dramatic landscapes and historical significance make it a must-visit for anyone exploring the Hamakua Coast.
Discovering the Towering Akaka Falls State Park, Unparalleled Views of the Coastline, and Connecting Hilo to Waipi’o Valley—your journey along the Hamakua Coast with a Big Island Jeep rental promises an adventure filled with natural splendor and cultural richness.
Saddle Road Adventure
Traversing the Diverse Landscapes of the Big Island
Your journey begins as you leave Hilo, taking Highway 200, famously known as The Saddle Road. This route is not only wide, straight, and smooth but also offers a constantly ascending path that showcases the Big Island’s dramatic landscape changes. From warm, tropical environments to an alien moonscape created by centuries-old lava flow, the experience is nothing short of spectacular.
Dramatic Views of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa
As you venture further, the Saddle Road presents unparalleled views of two of the island’s colossal giants – Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa. Both towering over 13,000 feet, these volcanoes dominate the landscape, providing a stunning backdrop to your adventure. A turn onto the well-signposted Mauna Kea summit road introduces you to a steep, uphill prairie, where the long grasses dance in the wind, marking a stark contrast to the lunar landscapes below.
Stargazing at Mauna Kea Visitor Information Station
Reaching an elevation of 9,200 feet, you arrive at the Onizuka Center for International Astronomy, a gateway to one of the world’s premier astronomical sites. Here, amidst the high altitude and clear skies, you’re offered an unparalleled stargazing experience. It’s advisable to spend some time acclimatizing before heading further up. The center, though small, is a treasure trove of information about astronomy and the summit. The night sky here is so clear that you get an untainted view of what lies beyond, making it an ideal spot for observing galaxies, nebulae, planets, and constellations.
Remember, this adventure on Saddle Road, with its diverse landscapes and celestial wonders, is a testament to the Big Island’s unique beauty and the enriching experiences it offers.
Punalu’u Black Sand Beach & Green Sand Beach
Unique Volcanic Beaches Await
Embark on a journey to the southern shores of the Big Island, where the Punalu’u Black Sand Beach and the rare Papakōlea Green Sand Beach offer a visual spectacle unlike any other. The black sand at Punalu’u is created by lava fragments that have been naturally crushed and smoothed over time, creating a striking contrast against the blue ocean. Just a drive away, Papakōlea Beach astonishes with its olive-green sands, a rare phenomenon produced by the mineral olivine, found in the surrounding lava.
Spotting Sea Turtles at Punalu’u
While you soak in the sun and the unique landscapes, keep an eye out for Hawaiian green sea turtles, also known as honu. These gentle creatures often come ashore at Punalu’u to rest on the warm black sand. Observing these endangered turtles from a respectful distance offers a memorable experience, combining wildlife observation with beach relaxation.
Visiting the Rare Green Sand of Papakōlea
A visit to Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is a must for any Big Island itinerary. Located at the southernmost tip of the island, and indeed the United States, this beach is one of only four green sand beaches in the world. The hike to the beach reveals stunning views from above—a small cove filled with green sand and surrounded by turquoise waters, a true paradise worth the trek. Remember, the only legal way to access this beach is by hiking, which helps preserve its natural and cultural integrity.
Kona Coffee Farms & Plantations
The Rich Flavors of Kona Coffee
Kona coffee is celebrated globally for its rich, smooth flavor, making it one of the most esteemed and priciest coffees worldwide. The unique volcanic soil, combined with ideal climatic conditions of mild temperatures and frequent rainfall, contributes to the distinctive taste of Kona coffee, which ranges from sweet and fruity to nutty and chocolatey.
Touring Coffee Farms for a Taste of Local Culture
Visiting Kona coffee farms provides a unique opportunity not only to taste freshly roasted coffee but also to immerse in the local culture. Many farms offer guided tours, allowing you to witness the meticulous process of coffee making, from the hand-picking of ripe, red cherries to the final roasting. These tours often include walks through the coffee fields and visits to the processing facilities where you can learn about both traditional and modern methods used in coffee production.
Understanding the Coffee-Making Process
The coffee-making process in Kona is an intricate art that involves several steps to ensure the highest quality. After hand-picking the best cherries, they are processed using either the wet or dry method to remove the skin and pulp before drying. Following this, the beans are carefully roasted to enhance their unique flavors. This labor-intensive process is a crucial part of what makes Kona coffee so special, and witnessing it firsthand is a highlight of any visit to the region.
Throughout this exploration, we have ventured across the Big Island’s vast landscapes, discovering its geological marvels, vibrant ecosystems, and cultural riches through the lens of responsible travel that eschews off-roading, ensuring our adventures respect the natural and cultural integrity of the island. From the majestic summits of Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa to the unique volcanic beaches of Punalu’u and Papakōlea, each destination revealed the island’s ability to awe and inspire. Furthermore, our journey into the heart of Kona’s coffee country offered a taste of local culture and tradition, enriching our understanding of this unique region.
As we conclude our exploration, let’s carry forward the essence of this journey – a deep appreciation for Big Island’s natural splendor, cultural heritage, and the diverse experiences it offers. The journey underscores the importance of traveling with awareness and respect towards the environments we explore. Embracing the spirit of adventure while adhering to principles that protect and preserve these wonders ensures that the beauty of the Big Island remains intact for generations to come.
