Welcome to Tom and Jana's November 2025
Big Island, Hawai'i Journal!

Epic views, volcanoes, waterfalls, and the highest point in Hawaii!

In the fall of 2025, next up in our list of high points to tackle was Mauna Kea, the highest point in Hawaii, at 13,796 feet. Easy because you can drive up. Hard because Hawaii is so far away. We also had to rent a 4x4, show up on a day with good weather so the road would be open, and contend with the thin mountain air. Success! State high point number 36 is on the board! Click this link to see Tom & Jana's State High Points Map.

The Hawaiian archipelago consists of eight major islands and 129 minor islands, islets, and atolls. On this trip, we would visit only the largest one, the Island of Hawaii, also known as Hawaii Island, the Big Island, or, in the native language, Moku o Keawe. There's plenty on the Big Island to do and see, and we didn't want to rush it.

Jana and Tom, Pololu Valley, Hawaii

Tom and I had each visited all 50 states previously, but with this trip to Hawaii, we have now been to all 50 states together!

 

November 12, 2025
Nashville, Tennessee to Kailua-Kona, Hawaii
November 13, 2025
Kona Coast
November 14, 2025
Kailua-Kona to Volcano Village via South Point
November 15, 2025
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
November 16, 2025
Mauna Kea, Highest point in Hawaii
November 17, 2025
Hawaii Volcanoes National Park
November 18, 2025
Volcano Village to Hilo via Puna
November 19, 2025
Hilo area caves and waterfalls
November 20, 2025
North island road trip
November 21, 2025
Hilo
November 22, 2025
Mauna Loa Observatory Rd and Hawaii Volcanoes N. P.
November 23, 2025
Hilo to Kona via Hawaii Volcanoes N. P. and homeward bound

 

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