Tips for Volcanos National Park

Snagged from: http://www.govisithawaii.com/2008/03/16/advice-for-viewing-the-big-island-lava-flow/

- Water is a must, particularly if you’ll be going to see the lava in the daytime.

- Snacks or energy bars may come in handy. There are no restaurants in the area.

- Flashlight for finding your way in the dark. The county has installed some reflective poles and some yellow tape on the ground to help you navigate to and from the viewing point.

- Binoculars will help you get a closer view. You may be a couple of hundred yards or more from the lava.

- Cameras with well charged batteries and plenty of memory or film. Near the water, it’s quite windy, so if you have a tripod, do bring it

- A hiking stick or pole helps to keep you steady over uneven terrain.

- Sunscreen and lip balm with sun protection.

- Wet wipes. (There are port-a-johns, but no way to clean your hands.)

- If you have long hair, you may want to bring something to tie it back because it can be very windy near the ocean.

- Band-Aids and antibiotic ointment, in case you fall.

- Depending on where you’ll be going, you may want to have some mosquito repellant. After viewing the lava in the daytime, we walked back to our car to escape the sun and sit on cushioned chairs while we waited for sunset. We rolled down the windows and ended up getting some mosquitos in the car. Luckily we had our mosquito repellant with us.

Kaua'i Plans

Tuesday, February 23
     06:08pm     Flight arrives at Lihue Airport
     06:10pm     Pick up rental car
     07:00pm     Check into Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort
    Find supper
    Relax
Wednesday, February 24
    Spend the entire day exploring the Na Pali Coast and Princeville
Thursday, February 25
     08:15am     Check in for Helicopter Tour at Blue Hawaiian office
                           Harbor Mall - 3501 Rice St Suite 107a, Lihue 96766
                           (Across from Nawiliwili Harbor)
Friday, February 26
     10:00am     Explore Coffee Plantation
     12:00pm     Lunch in Poipu
     02:00pm     Ziplining Tour in Poipu
                         Outfitters Kauai shop in Poipu Plaza
                         2827 Poipu Road
                         Wear swimsuit & water shoes
Saturday, February 27
     04:30pm     Return Rental Car
     05:55pm     Flight leaves from Lihue Airport

The Big Island Plans

Saturday, February 27
     07:48pm      Flight arrives at Kona Airport
     08:00pm      Pick up rental car
     Check into Kona Coast Resort at Keauhou Gardens
     Find supper
     Relax
Sunday, February 28
     08:00am     Explore Hilo
     12:00pm     Lunch in Hilo
     02:00pm     Volcanoes National Park
     Supper back at the condo
Monday, March 1
     No plans for the entire day!  Do whatever you feel like :)
     05:30pm      Evening on the Reef & Glass Bottom Cruise (incl. supper)
Tuesday, March 2
     05:30pm     Return Rental Car
     06:53pm     Flight leaves from Kona Airport
     07:35pm     Flight arrives at Honolulu Airport
     11:15pm     Flight leaves from Honolulu Airport
Wednesday, March 3
     06:53am     Flight arrives at Portland Airport
     08:40am     Flight leaves from Portland Airport 
     01:58pm     Flight arrives at Minneapolis Airport

Oahu Itinerary

We'll be on Oahu from February 21-23 and staying at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki.

Sunday, February 21

• Hike to top of Diamond Head (strenuous hike, great views - bring water!)
• Snorkeling in Hanauma Bay
• Drive a little further along the shore to Kailua
• Lanikia Beach
• Kailua Beach
• Waimanalo Beach
• Shopping near Waikiki
  • Kalakaua Ave - lots of great shops and restaurants
  • Duke's and Hula Grill (in Outrigger Waikiki Beachfront)
  • Ala Moana Center - big open air mall, but alas - just a mall.
  • Swapmeet at Aloha Stadium (http://www.alohastadiumswapmeet.net/)
• Catamaran Cruise of Waikiki Beach at sunset (Na Hoku II - red and yellow stripes $30pp 90 minute http://nahokuii.com/)

Monday, February 22

• Spend a day driving around the North Shore
• Waimea Bay / Falls (and shaved ice – best on the island)
• Sunset Beach - lunch at Taste of Paradise - (808) 638-0855‎
• Turtle Bay / Beach
• Polynesian Cultural Center – go around 3-4pm and take tour, then stay for Luau (one of the best). No alcohol, so you wouldn't be paying for that. ($88 pp + tax)

Tuesday, February 23

• Pearl Harbor / Arizona Memorial (free admission and parking)
• Lunch at the Dole Plantation
• Manoa Falls (hike)
• Drive the Tantalus (doesn’t take long)