On the Way to Aloha Junction Guesthouse, visit some of the best Big Island attractions on the drive between Kona and Volcano National Park There are two distinct routes from Kona to Volcano and one from Hilo. Get the highlights and directions for interesting things to see on the way to Aloha Junction.
The Saddle Road is a 53-mile experience and the fastest way to travel from Kona through Hilo to Volcano (2 Hours). It connects the east and west sides of The Big Island, passing between the island’s two largest mountains ~ Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea. Some say it’s a white-knuckler, due to dangerously unpredictable weather, speed traps, and dropped cell service. From Saddle Road, you can divert your trip to the Mauna Kea Observatory and then back to Saddle Road to continue your tour at Hilo.
Visit this astonishing mountain that stands in the calm. Fantastic star gazing! You can see Maui from the summit! Best to get a guide. You can divert from Saddle Road to Mauna Kea Observatory by turning at the Huluhulu Cinder cone parking lot on Saddle Road.
This 80 ft waterfall flows over a lava cave, and visitors can often see rainbows from the spray, especially in the morning. The falls are located in Hilo and easily accessible either directly from the parking lot or from the top of the falls after a short hike.
From the Saddle Road, North Big Island, or Hilo Airport, you can arrive at Aloha Junction via Route 11 on the Eastern shore of the Big Island to Volcano (45 Minutes). There are several spectacular rainforest waterfalls and gardens to see along the way near Hilo.
This 80 ft waterfall flows over a lava cave, and visitors can often see rainbows from the spray, especially in the morning. The falls are located in Hilo and easily accessible either directly from the parking lot or from the top of the falls after a short hike.
Driving non-stop via the Southpoint Route is a long 100-mile winding drive to Volcano (2.5 Hours). There are many adventures along the way. If you want to take the tour, plan to spend 4 or 5 hours from Kona Airport to Volcano. Use the map and directions to find each of the listed tour points along the way.
The City of Refuge is located in the Pu'uhonua O Hōnaunau National Historical Park
See this very unusual beach of green olivine sand coming from volcano lava.
Visit this hidden tourist gem that serves a hard-to-find famous local favorite, Portuguese Malasada. It is a fried donut that is to die for! There is also a fabulous gift shop of local treasures and rest facilities.
Unique deep color that is found almost nowhere else in the world. Do not touch or harass the turtles!
