On Sun, 21 Oct 2007 00:19:05 GMT, "Andrew Nightingale"
wrote:
>I am visiting the big island of Hawaii in January on a RTW trip from the
>UK. I would like to stay in Kona for 3 nights and Hilo for 3 nights. I
>do not drive. (I am thinking of the "Seaside" hotels).
>
>What is the most practical method to get from one to the other?
>
>I am informed that public transport is very limited on the island. On
>the other hand, the island's own website talks of a free public
>transport system. Would it be practicable for this particular journey
>one time? I would very much like to hear from anyone that has used the
>Hawaii big island public transport system.
>
>I am informed that a taxi from one place to the other would be absurdly
>expensive. That's vague. Could anyone estimate an actual figure? Is
>there a place I can look up fares? Could someone reading this in Hawaii
>put me in contact with a taxi driver for a quote?
>
>The possibility of a flight from Kona to Hilo arises. Is that the sanest
>idea?
>
>Or would it be most sensible to stay in Kona for the whole period?
>
>I am keen to fit in a whale-watching trip, which seems easiest from
>Kona, but also to see something of the famous volcanic activity, which
>seems easiest from Hilo.
>
>Thanks for your help.
Well, I visited there with my family a couple of summers ago. At that
time, I didn't see any public transit in the manner of buses or rail.
At least not any that circled the island like the system on Oahu
(Honolulu)
Yeah, a taxi is probably expensive. I suppose you could get a flight
from Kona to Hilo on something like Island Air or Pacific Wings.
They've got really small planes.
Considering your desire is to see some whales, I think your best bet
is to stay in the Kona area and take a bus tour or helicopter ride to
see the volcano. What you see when you go to the volcano in terms of
red lava flow is a gamble. It might be flowing like mad in the way
movies show volcanos, or not much may be visible. |