Christopher’s Big Island Guide

Uber really is hard to come by (it is available) and so are other means of any public transport--it is best to have your own vehicle to get around (and you will want to get around!).

You really need several days to see the island (if not weeks) but don't miss out on visiting Volcano National Park; lower Puna and the black sand beaches (especially Kehena which is clothing optional); Hilo Bay area with restaurants and shops; the waterfalls on the eastern side; the valleys of Waipio and Pololu (on the northern shores); the green sand beach and southernmost point in the U.S.; as well as the Kona beaches, snorkeling in Captain Cook, the Waikoloa resort area, and Kona in general.

In Hawaii we talk about aloha as a greeting, as love, as a way of life. There are multiple meanings but all are important to remember. People slow down here and are kind in driving, in talking, and in general. Of course, you may experience some not so kindness but in general, people give what they get and it's important to remember that this is a culture where colonists came in and disrupted a rich history and tradition and not so long ago. Take time to show kindness and respect and understand and learn local culture, tradition, and customs. Show Aloha!

There is so much to do outside here that you won't want to stay indoors long. And it's free. That said, gas is expensive (so are restaurants and grocery stores) and there is a reason--everything comes in from far away and that costs. If you can remember this, you will do fine in finding deals. Farmer markets (Makuu and Hilo have farmers markets you must check out) are a way to go and you can find many great deals from roadside vendors (like seafood, Mexican eats, and more).

One popular tourist activity that you must do is attend a luau. And there are many to choose from--but they book quickly and sometimes take a month or two to schedule. So book in advance. Otherwise, most everything else will be fine.

No one wears dress clothes here for any reason. The most dressed a person will be is in an aloha shirt or dress for a nice dinner, funeral, or to go to church. Otherwise, invest in a good pair of slippers (sandals) and get used to shorts and tees. Of course, Hilo side is rainy so having layers is important. Plus there is the mountains and higher elevations where it gets cool so a light jacket helps as well. And of course don't forget your swimwear, sunscreen, and good attitude.

Aloha (hello, love, goodbye, etc.), mahalo (thank you) or mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) go a long way. Remember, it may look like a lot of vowels, but you pronounce each and it makes sense: A--ah E--eh I--ee O--oh U--oo W's are tricky as they are more like a "V" sound (Hawaii is technically Ha-vai-ee). There is so much more to learn but other key words are keiki (kids), kupuna (older folks), kakou (greeting to a group), a hui ho (until we meet again), howzit (a greeting in pidgin speak), pau hana (happy hour), grindz (food at a restaurant), ono (good), haole (non native) and more!

This is a great place for kids and they will love it. But be careful as there are many things that people take for granted. For example, the oceans are great but dangerous if you turn your back--riptides and waves have been known to seriously hurt and kill people when they don't respect the waters/rules); cliffs and lava can be treacherous--sharp and can break apart so respect the rule of not getting too close to an edge or taking on a risk that could be a bad fall; and remember that while there aren't many bad animals around, pigs and the like can get territorial and attack if provoked.