heyyou wrote: Mon Nov 03, 2025 9:50 pm
Consider the Big Island of Hawaii, the one island named Hawaii, for a few weeks in the quieter off season from September to Thanksgiving, first with a rented car with good gas mileage, then a 4WD vehicle. Repeatedly visit each well known tourist location until it is time to move on to the next one. There are books on visiting each island but they assume you only have a week or two of time at each one. On Big Island, intend to be there for the full moon rising from the ocean on the east side, and rising from behind the mountain while you are on the west side. Use a compass to learn the bearing for those before your trip. IIRC, the moon comes up 52 minutes later each day (perhaps a 28 day cycle with the 24 hour day?) which might be helpful if you want a repeat of what you saw last night.On Big Island, go look at the red flowing lava in the daytime, intending to return sometime at night, so bring a good flashlight for each person (and one spare one) for night hiking on the broken, rough surface when the moon is full and high, but maybe wait to buy the batteries instead of bringing them on the airplane. There are Walmart stores in the two cities there. Put a string on each flashlight to help avoid dropping it while walking on the very rough, congealed lava.
Research the windy, somewhat cold nighttime temperatures at the peak of the tall mountain with its extraordinary star gazing. Yes, there is a weather station there. If that view intrigues you, bringing a hooded, medium weight fleece garment would be helpful, in addition to thin polyester long johns under your regular clothing with full rain gear added as a windproof outer layer. Polyester mittens and caps are needed. As mentioned before, we shopped for extra clothing at city thrift stores there, then returned it before we left. Consider first taking a guided half-night stargazing tour there on a moonless night (with the tour’s hooded parkas), then returning on your own, but do inquire on your first trip about the limited private vehicle access. IIRC, our preference on return trips was to just drive part way to the top, then comfortably star gaze at that half of the night sky without needing to see to the horizon in all directions higher up with its the time-limiting cold temperatures. Use a thermometer at home to find what outdoor temperatures that you prefer for extended amounts of sunless time with your limited amount of travel clothing, then use that info to plan your star gazing at night in Hawaii.
Along the rugged coast on the northeast part of Big Island, there are long hiking trails with views to Maui, starting from the known, public beach access places with limited day-time parking. On return trips, we often stayed in Hawi for several peaceful days. The tiny motel was a Mom-only operation, since Pop was long gone. We helped her change the sheets on our bed. From Havi, we drove the paved, dead-end highway to a scenic overlook with a hiking trailhead from its paved parking lot.
Do watch out for deep soft sand before entering into unpaved beach parking lots full of local surfers’ 4WD vehicles. The remaining parking spaces will be the worst ones for easily getting stuck.
To prep for your trip, start at the public library, expecting to later buy and bring the book or two that suit you the best, bought at Amazon or used book stores. I think there was a Big Island hiking trails book that we used.
Big Island is a gem. That is an understatement. I feel lucky to have had two great trips over the years.
Could I stay there for 4-6 weeks? Hmm, I’m not convinced yet
