This staging area doesn't seem to be the busiest ... but I'll try anyway:

The wife and I are going to Hawaii and will visit Kaua'i and the Big Island, as they seem the least touristy. On the Big Island I have rented a Jeep Wrangler, it's supposed to be a 2 door JK with auto like I have at home.



Anyone have any tips for spots you can only reach with a 4wd, or other nice trails?
If there is such a thing as a locals only beach, I want to respect that.

Thanks, uh, Mahalo!

 

Big Island rental companies don't allow their vehicles going off-road, but I've seen a lot of rentals on trails. Just try not to break down. Most locals are okay as long as you don't get obnoxious with them. As soon as I get done with work I'll try to post some maps to a few popular trails.

 

Kapoho - Champagne Ponds
1) If your coming out of Hilo Airport take a left on Kanoelehua( H11). Stay on H11 for about 5 miles
2&3) Turn left on the Kea'au bypass (H130) and drive to Pahoa Kapoho Rd.(H132) about 12 mi.
4&5) Turn left on (H132) and about 5 miles down
6&7) Follow the road as is it veers left then continue all the way to the 4 way stop
8&9) Go straight on the gravel road about 2 miles down and you'll see a white utility tower there will be 2 trails on the right. Doesn't matter which one you take just follow the trail going towards the right hand side it'll be another mile till you reach Champagne Ponds.

 

Sorry pics uploaded weird. This is the order it appeared:

8,7,6
5,4,3
2,9,1

E kala mai. I'll try to post the Waipio map tomorrow.

 

Honokaa-Waipio Valley
One of my favorites. Steep hill down to trail, black sand beach and if the river is not too rough you can drive upstream to find a beautiful secluded house.

take a right out of the Hilo Airport onto Kanoelehua (H11)
you take a left at the next stop light Kamehameha (H19)
continue down about a mile and take a right on Pauahi St. which continues as H19
stay on the Highway for about 40mi.
to Honoka'a and take a right on
Mamane St. also called Waipio Rd.
follow the road down for about 8mi.
to the Waipio Lookout then follow the signs.

Hope the directions aren't too confusing.
Have fun in Hawaii.

Aloha no kakou. Malama i ka aina.

 

Thank you !!

 

on Kauai take Kaumualli Hwy west past the Barking Sands Missle Base. at the end there is some dirt roads to get to Polihale State Park. We took our rental Unlimited through all those roads exploring then out to the beach where the Na Pali coast starts. Beautiful scenery on the beach there! Have fun and be respectful of the locals is all i can say!!

Mahalo!