Hawaii

[Pooh's Pixie]

We may be planning a trip to Hawaii for '09...part business, part vacation. We will be going to Honolulu (business) and hopefully the Big Island to see the volcano stuff...We are a family of 5, and spoiled by DVC, so I would love recommendations on where to stay that might be condo/suite like accomodations. Any other advice is welcome too!

Another question I have is about flights...I can't decide if going straight from Boston is best (obviously with a stopover) or staying a night on the West coast to break it up a bit...any experience?

Thanks in advance!

 

[DawnCt1]

We may be planning a trip to Hawaii for '09...part business, part vacation. We will be going to Honolulu (business) and hopefully the Big Island to see the volcano stuff...We are a family of 5, and spoiled by DVC, so I would love recommendations on where to stay that might be condo/suite like accomodations. Any other advice is welcome too!

Another question I have is about flights...I can't decide if going straight from Boston is best (obviously with a stopover) or staying a night on the West coast to break it up a bit...any experience?

Thanks in advance!

All of the hotel rooms in Hawaii have an occupancy of 4 per room, although I have negotiated with a hotel manager or two in the past. and in reality, no one pays much attention to how many are in the room if you are good guests. That said, if I were "hoteling it", the Hilton Waikaloa is a great place for families. The pool, lagoon, and the grounds are lovely. For a condo, we got a great ocean view condo that was extremely nice at Kanaloa At Kona. Its close to Kona and convenient, but not convenient to Volcano National Park, so I would spend a couple of nights on the Hilo side, and then drive to the Kona side, and perhaps leave the Big Island from Kona rather than Hilo.
Here is the Outrigger link for Kanaloa at Kona, but there are lot of different ways to stay there; through Outrigger, VRBO, etc. If you like the way they look, google it.
http://www.outrigger.com/hotels-resorts/hawaiian-islands/hawaii-big-island/outrigger-kanaloa-at-kona

 

[dare2dream]

DD was 26 in Nov 2005 when we did a girls only trip to HI. We went to Honolulu and had a blast.

I flew from MD so my first suggestion would be to break up the trip with a west coast stay before the flight to HI. DD is in Seattle so I spent a day with her. Pike Market is fun to see in Seattle and the restaurant at the Space Needle is cheaper for lunch M-Th and it revolves around with great views of the city. Or a stay in Anaheim, CA would also be fun with several days at DL. DH and I were there for 2 1/2 days in July 2005 and it was not nearly enough time to do everything and deal with the heat.

On Oahu try to get to the Polynesian Cultural Center. It has lots for kids to do. I have wonderful memories of my DD laughing so much there. In downtown Honolulu there is a cash only ticket place where you can get same day tickets to attractions for a really great price. Pick up tourist coupon books by the luggage pick up area at the airport. We looked over those books and found some neat things to do.

I hope the trip materializes and you all have a great time.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Thanks for the info. Dawn, have you stayed in Hilo? If so, where? Is the island so big that it wouldn't make sense to stay in Kona if I wanted to do volcano stuff? My research is just beginning but this is helpful so far.

Dare2dream, I was thinking Seattle too! Although I was thinking if it might be worth it to just do a day there, and leave at night or the next morning for HI...although it might be too tiring.

Any recommendations for Hawaii travel books? As much as I love the internet for research, I still love to thumb through a good travel book to get my bearings.

 

[manning]

Polynesian Cultural Center is a must see.

 

[DawnCt1]

Thanks for the info. Dawn, have you stayed in Hilo? If so, where? Is the island so big that it wouldn't make sense to stay in Kona if I wanted to do volcano stuff? My research is just beginning but this is helpful so far.

Dare2dream, I was thinking Seattle too! Although I was thinking if it might be worth it to just do a day there, and leave at night or the next morning for HI...although it might be too tiring.

Any recommendations for Hawaii travel books? As much as I love the internet for research, I still love to thumb through a good travel book to get my bearings.

The BIG ISLAND is call the Big Island because its big. You can count on about 2 to 3 hours from Kailua Kona to Volcano National Park. I love being in the park after dark and seeing the glow of the lava off of the pali. We stayed at Kilauea Military Camp which is a wonderful place to stay but unless you are in the military or retired, or a reservist, is not available to you. I would to a search and see what is there. Two nights in the area is more than worth it. I would be willing to take "inferior accommodations", even a tent, to stay in the park and hope that I could see a moonbow. Good luck.

 

[DawnCt1]

With regard to Hilo, make sure you visit the Pacific Tsunami Museum in downtown Hilo and Akaka Falls and little further up the road.

 

[DawnCt1]

Polynesian Cultural Center is a must see.

I agree. We liked it. There are coupons in the Hawaii Entertainment book, buy one and get one admission free. There are also a lot of little booklets available with the same offer. Remember, it is closed on Sunday. It is operated by the LDS (Church of the Latter Day Saints, Mormons.)

 

[beachbunny]

I would spend a couple of days in Kona and a couple in Hilo. The drive is about 3 hours long, depending on traffic - Kona can be a gridlock during rush hour.

For volcano viewing, check the national parks website for updates. The direction of the lava changes hourly. Wear long pants even if it's hot - if you fall, lava is sharp like glass. Bring lots of water.

As far as accomodations are concerned, Hilo is not a resort area so there's not a lot of selection. My favorite is the Kilauea Lodge. It is a B&B right down the road from the entrance to Volcanoes National Park. KL has rooms or cottages available - if you're AAA, you can get a discount. If you're staying there, make a dinner reservation at their restaurant. The owner and chef is french trained and does great pacific rim/french cuisine.

On the Kona side, my favorite is the Hilton Waiakoloa. It's very Disney-like with boat and monorail transportation. If you like Kona coffee, pick up a map at your hotel concierge and do the Kona coffee tasting drive - kinda like a wine tasting tour but with coffee.

In Honolulu, hike Diamondhead - have breakfast at the Kapiolani Community College Saturday farmer's market beforehand (located just 2 minutes from the entrance to Diamondhead), visit the Arizona Memorial, the U.S.S. Missouri, and the Air Museum (all 3 on one ticket), tour Iolani Palace (the only royal residence on U.S. soil), take a surfing lesson on Waikiki beach, swim with the fishes at Hanauma Bay, and depending on the season, take a whale watching cruise off Waikiki with Paradise Cruises.

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

We stayed one night in Hilo at the Hilo Seaside Motel. It's not fancy at all, but nowhere in Hilo is fancy! It was very clean we we stayed there and the staff was delightful and very friendly! They made some suggestions for meals that were outstanding!

If you go to the Big Island please do plan to spend 1/2 day at the Tropical Botanical Garden. The orchids there were incredible! There's also a a place called "Volcano Inn" that's very close to the Volcanoes National Park that friends of ours enjoyed (sadly they were fully booked when we wanted to go). The hike to view the lava is LONG, rugged and very rewarding. You must wear closed toed shoes, and long pants are a good idea. Also, bring a good flashlight (with extra batteries...something about the volcano and batteries going out quicker) and a large bottle of water.

I'd also STRONGLY encourage you to go to the other end of the island to Hawi and go to The Black Sand Beach (it has a hawaiian name that I can't remember). You can hike down to the beach and it is well worth it. There's also a little sandwich place in Hawi...it's actually a bakery...and they have wonderful sandwiches!

We found wonderful accomodations by looking at VRBO.com.

On Oahu we stayed up in Haleiwa and LOVED it! Waikiki is way too much traffic and too little paradise for my tastes.

I'd also recommend buying the "Revealed" books...Oahu Revealed...The Big Island Revealed.

Enjoy your trip. It's a magical place!

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Thanks everyone! I am enjoying your suggestions! I ordered a few books from Amazon, so I will look through them as well as internet and mark all of your suggestions. Hawaii is almost like traveling to a foreign country, there is a lot to know!

 

[DawnCt1]

Thanks everyone! I am enjoying your suggestions! I ordered a few books from Amazon, so I will look through them as well as internet and mark all of your suggestions. Hawaii is almost like traveling to a foreign country, there is a lot to know!

Go to this website; www.wizardpub.com The books are terrific and now you can look at the hotel/condo reviews without a password. They have links, photos and arial shots.

 

[AnninIowa]

We stayed at the Hilton in Waikiki - http://www.hiltonhawaiianvillage.com. Tons to see and do right at the resort, not to mention it's right on the beach. Just be prepared to spend money - everything is so expensive. A fun "free" thing to do is to take the Hilo Hattie Trolley to their flagship store. Well, the ride is free, but you do have to pay for the shopping!

I also recommend the Polynesian Cultural Center. We did one of their tour and got priority seating at the luau and night show. It was worth the extra money, IMO.

 

[Duckfan]

I recommend Lonely Planet and Off the Beaten track guide books for Hawaii since they have some out of the ordinary places with the regular info. Also, I really used the Tripadvisor discussion boards when planning my trip to Hawaii, the last was on the Big Island. We loved the Hilo Hawaiian but we are Allstars kind of travelers. I love Hilo though, it is one of my favorite spots. If you go, visit Big Island Candies, The Tsunami museum, find the park off Banyon drive and go over the bridge to Coconut Island.

 

[All American]

Check out tripadvisor.com.

Lots of great information, pictures, opinions, and forums. It helped a ton when I was planning my recent trip.

Happy Planning!

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

It looks like the Hawaii trip is going to happen for us! We will be in Oahu for a conference and then move on to the Big Island for pleasure. I am wondering about accomodations on the Big Island. I was thinking a couple of nights in the Kona area for relaxation, snorkeling, etc. My kids are wildlife fiends, so the chance of seeing sea turtles, etc is going to be a big thrill. After doing a little research, the Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona seemed to get great reviews. Anyone have experience there? I was thinking of also trying to do a night or two in Hilo or Volcano, but I am having a hard time finding accomodations for our family of 5...any advice? Or should we stick with Kona and drive to Volcano (I know it is along drive and I would also like to do the nighttime volcano thing!) I am
THANKS!

 

[Jeafl]

I second (third?) the Hilton Waikoloa. It is absolutely gorgeous, and there is plenty to do. They have spectacular pools, plus a "lagoon" swimming area with turtles and other fish. It's a little colder than the pools, but my kids loved it anyway. You can also swim with the dolphins there.

 

[damo]

We stayed in an RCI condo right beside the Hilton Waikoloa and allowing you to use their facilities. It was a brand new, absolutely gorgeous resort, The Hilton Grand Vacation Club at Waikoloa Beach Resort. It was brand new a few years ago and very well appointed. We visited the entire island using this as our base for 5 days.

http://www.hiltongrandvacations.com/honolulu-timeshare-villas.php

 

[crz4mm2]

It looks like the Hawaii trip is going to happen for us! We will be in Oahu for a conference and then move on to the Big Island for pleasure. I am wondering about accomodations on the Big Island. I was thinking a couple of nights in the Kona area for relaxation, snorkeling, etc. My kids are wildlife fiends, so the chance of seeing sea turtles, etc is going to be a big thrill. After doing a little research, the Outrigger Kanaloa at Kona seemed to get great reviews. Anyone have experience there? I was thinking of also trying to do a night or two in Hilo or Volcano, but I am having a hard time finding accomodations for our family of 5...any advice? Or should we stick with Kona and drive to Volcano (I know it is along drive and I would also like to do the nighttime volcano thing!) I am
THANKS!

This is where we stayed a couple of years ago. It was FABULOUS. We had booked a one bedroom condo and received an upgrade to a 2 bedroom when we checked in. It was the most beautiful place... wow.

 

[H.E. Pennypacker]

Check out a wonderful site we go to all the time to keep up on things on the Big Island. www.konaweb.com. Good links, good info, message boards with posts from other visitors and locals.

My recommendation, if you're looking for a condo/townhouse type place to stay, look into renting directly from an owner. Check out www.vrbo.com. Nice places for as little as $115/night. You can even find entire houses for about $1000/week. Or watch eBay for a deal on a timeshare rental, or sites like www.redweek.com.

As for activities on the Big Island, Volcanoes National Park is only one of many must-see areas of the Big Island. If you're going to be driving from Kona to Volcanoes National, I'd suggest getting an early start because it's quite a long drive through lots of winding roads and blind turns, and you may not want to be driving that route back late at night in the dark.

Besides the volcano, consider a trip down to South Point, a stop a Pu'uhonua o Honaunau (Place of Refuge), maybe a trip up to Waimea to the Parker Ranch, a stop at the Waipi'o Valley overlook, Akaka Falls State Park, Rainbow Falls State Park, see the Painted Church. If you're into snorkeling, or just want to give it a try, book a snorkeling strip in Kealakekua Bay. Stick with a snorkel company that runs smaller groups (10 - 15 people.) They're usually the first ones in the bay in the morning and you practically have the whole reef to yourselves. Go to a luau (my favorite is at the King Kamehameha Resort.) There are tons of things to see and do. Something for everyone on the Big Island.