Hawaii

[DawnCt1]

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!

Yes we stayed there with our family of six in a two bedroom unit. Kanaloa at Kona is a sprawling condo but very convenient to Kailua/Kona. The units are lovely, with pools, grills, large lanai's etc. We had an ocean view that we got through another concern, not Outrigger so there are different ways to stay at the same place and the price will vary. Don't be afraid to look; even on www.vrbo.com The downside is, it is not in a resort area. There is not a swimmable beach at the condos, which is not unusual for the Big Island. There is a swimmable beach in Kona but the large resorts on the Kohala Coast, up north have the beaches and they are beautiful. Kohala is about 30 minutes from Kona. There is also not a "resort feel". You feel like you are staying in a very nice residential community. There is a restaurant on site which was fine but we like to be out and about.

 

[abdmom]

I would also recommend staying in a condo in Waikoloa Beach Resort. It's about 30 minutes to any sites in Kona, 2-3 hours to the Volcano. The vog level is much less than Kona.

Check out vrbo.com. The Kolea condos are a short walk to the beach. The Hali'i Kai condos have a fabulous pool area with private restaurant.

 

[DawnCt1]

I second the suggestion of the Place of Refuge and Waipi'o Valley. We went horseback riding (jeep ride to the bottom and got our horses there) and it was lovely. If you don't want to horseback ride, there are wagon tours available. We also rented kayaks and paddled to Kealeakakua Bay. It was an easy paddle and there was someone in the area to help us put in. If you take a snorkel tour, consider the Zodiac type boats that can get in and out of the sea caves.

 

[Tinkin]

We vacationed in Hawaii this past May. We spent 4 days on the Big Island and 3 days on Oahu.

On the Big Island we stayed in an amazing house located in Kapoho beach lots, which is located in the Rainforest section of the Big Island. The house was about 20 minutes from Hilo and 45 minutes from the Volcano visitor center.

The house has a private lagoon that the owners have stocked with tropical fish. The lagoon feeds out into a champagne pond (approx. 7 feet deep at the center) and the champagne pond feeds out into the ocean.

Each morning the champagne pond is filled with sea turtles and you can swim with them. We didn’t because they were bigger than my 10 year old and I was a little intimidated by their size. I’m really kicking myself now, because they were definitely used to people. When they saw us by the side of the pond they swam right up and waited for us to get in.

This house was such a find!! It is very reasonably priced and the website pictures do not do it justice. There is so much to tell you about this house that I can’t even begin to cover it all here so I am going to PM you.

 

[disneyred]

hi ,
loved to hear all the info here on Hawaii... i am dreaming of such a trip
and taking in all this info.. who knows maybe in the near future /(i hope!!)

anyways .. for anyone here who knows.. how about the shopping there !!
anything to tell us ?????

thanks !

 

[crz4mm2]

We vacationed in Hawaii this past May. We spent 4 days on the Big Island and 3 days on Oahu.

On the Big Island we stayed in an amazing house located in Kapoho beach lots, which is located in the Rainforest section of the Big Island. The house was about 20 minutes from Hilo and 45 minutes from the Volcano visitor center.

The house has a private lagoon that the owners have stocked with tropical fish. The lagoon feeds out into a champagne pond (approx. 7 feet deep at the center) and the champagne pond feeds out into the ocean.

Each morning the champagne pond is filled with sea turtles and you can swim with them. We didn’t because they were bigger than my 10 year old and I was a little intimidated by their size. I’m really kicking myself now, because they were definitely used to people. When they saw us by the side of the pond they swam right up and waited for us to get in.

This house was such a find!! It is very reasonably priced and the website pictures do not do it justice. There is so much to tell you about this house that I can’t even begin to cover it all here so I am going to PM you.

I would like the website too please....

 

[Tinkin]

I would like the website too please....

Sorry, here it is:

http://www.apoparadise.com/lagoon.html

The house on the front is the house and lagoon you stay in.

Like I said, there are too many things about this house to type them out, if anyone wants more info. PM me.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Sorry, here it is:

http://www.apoparadise.com/lagoon.html

The house on the front is the house and lagoon you stay in.

Like I said, there are too many things about this house to type them out, if anyone wants more info. PM me.

That place looks pretty amazing, Tinkin. I will definitely keep it in mind and be in touch! THANKS for the info.

 

[abdmom]

That property linked above looks like it might be an illegal vacation rental. Puna is not a resort area (which is what is required to make the property a legal vacation rental) and is known to have a lot of crime.

 

[crz4mm2]

That property linked above looks like it might be an illegal vacation rental. Puna is not a resort area (which is what is required to make the property a legal vacation rental) and is known to have a lot of crime.

Really? This property is in Puna? I am so confused..
It sure looks beautiful and there are a lot of good recommendations.

 

[DawnCt1]

That property linked above looks like it might be an illegal vacation rental. Puna is not a resort area (which is what is required to make the property a legal vacation rental) and is known to have a lot of crime.

It looks like it is listed by a real estate agency as a rental, which might make it okay. I agree with you about the crime concern however. I just noticed that it is in a gated community, which is definitely a positive.

 

[crz4mm2]

It looks like it is listed by a real estate agency as a rental, which might make it okay. I agree with you about the crime concern however.

What's the crime concern? Because you are away from the "resort" area?

 

[islangrl]

hi ,
loved to hear all the info here on Hawaii... i am dreaming of such a trip
and taking in all this info.. who knows maybe in the near future /(i hope!!)

anyways .. for anyone here who knows.. how about the shopping there !!
anything to tell us ?????

thanks !

The shopping is great on Oahu! Ala Moana Center is my favorite mall in the world. For souvenirs, WalMart has all the same stuff for much cheaper! If you want to bring back macadamia nuts or hawaiian food as gifts, bring your Sam's club card too, cause there are deals to be had! They are right next to the mall, which is 5 min from Waikiki.

 

[DawnCt1]

What's the crime concern? Because you are away from the "resort" area?

I honestly couldn't tell you. I have heard it repeated often in many guide books and on travel BBs. I also have heard that it is the area that least likes tourists. That could all be old information and not relevant now.

 

[crz4mm2]

I honestly couldn't tell you. I have heard it repeated often in many guide books and on travel BBs. I also have heard that it is the area that least likes tourists. That could all be old information and not relevant now.

Oh. I must not read much Cause I hadn't heard much about that except in the cities.....
I would check, of course, before renting, but with all the recommendations being so positive, it sure looks good.

 

[Pooh's Pixie]

Hmm, maybe the poster that posted about this house could chime in and tell us what they thought of the area. I don't like the idea of "high-crime", but what does that really mean?

 

[DawnCt1]

Comments about the community that the lagoon house is in;


The house is part of a cluster of vacation houses that is accessible only by one entrance road, which has a locked gate manned by a security guard. So, yes, I felt safe there. Although the house feels very secluded, there are other houses on each side--you just can't see them because of the vegetation.

When you go sightseeing in the surrounding area, though, it's a good idea not to leave any valuables in your car (and leave the door unlocked so a would-be thief won't break your car window instead). Personally I never had a problem.

Another comment about the area. If I wanted to stay there, it wouldn't dissuade me. I would just be watchful.

Aloha Mary!

If you are careful, Puna will be a wonderful memory. It is definitely unspoilt Hawaii. I lived on the Big Island for 10(!) years, and recommend off-the beaten path adventures if you are a wise traveler. I must warn you though that the thermal pools at Kapoho and the parking areas nearby have unfortunately become prime theft/car burglary areas. There was a recent unfortunate incident where a couple from The Netherlands, I believe, was ripped off while swimming during the middle of the day; their packs, containing cash, cameras, and passports were taken from the rocks next to the pools where they had left them. By the time they scrambled out shouting, the thieves were long gone and there was no one around to help. I am afraid to some degree people that look like tourists and drive rental cars are in a higher risk category. It's truly sad that this happens, but it's a fact. So, proceed with caution, just as you would in certain areas in Europe where you have to be on-guard. I haven't been to the thermal pools in about as many years, and the last time we were there (my husband and I) we had a great afternoon and shared the thermal pools with a couple of local teenagers. It was mellow. Do be careful and don't leave valuables in your car or packs unnatended.
Aloha,
k

Author: Warren

 

[crz4mm2]

Comments about the community that the lagoon house is in;


The house is part of a cluster of vacation houses that is accessible only by one entrance road, which has a locked gate manned by a security guard. So, yes, I felt safe there. Although the house feels very secluded, there are other houses on each side--you just can't see them because of the vegetation.

When you go sightseeing in the surrounding area, though, it's a good idea not to leave any valuables in your car (and leave the door unlocked so a would-be thief won't break your car window instead). Personally I never had a problem.

Another comment about the area. If I wanted to stay there, it wouldn't dissuade me. I would just be watchful.

Aloha Mary!

If you are careful, Puna will be a wonderful memory. It is definitely unspoilt Hawaii. I lived on the Big Island for 10(!) years, and recommend off-the beaten path adventures if you are a wise traveler. I must warn you though that the thermal pools at Kapoho and the parking areas nearby have unfortunately become prime theft/car burglary areas. There was a recent unfortunate incident where a couple from The Netherlands, I believe, was ripped off while swimming during the middle of the day; their packs, containing cash, cameras, and passports were taken from the rocks next to the pools where they had left them. By the time they scrambled out shouting, the thieves were long gone and there was no one around to help. I am afraid to some degree people that look like tourists and drive rental cars are in a higher risk category. It's truly sad that this happens, but it's a fact. So, proceed with caution, just as you would in certain areas in Europe where you have to be on-guard. I haven't been to the thermal pools in about as many years, and the last time we were there (my husband and I) we had a great afternoon and shared the thermal pools with a couple of local teenagers. It was mellow. Do be careful and don't leave valuables in your car or packs unnatended.
Aloha,
k

Author: Warren

Certainly the locked gate would be enough for me

As for the rest of it, I would treat that like I treated my whole last trip to Hawaii and every other trip I have taken anywhere.... I take good care of my stuff. I don't leave my expensive camera in the car, or unattended anywhere.... I know those folks "probably" thought their stuff was "safe" on the rocks while they were swimming, BUT, I would not have done that either....
Didn't matter which part of Hawaii. Would you get in the water and leave your stuff on the beach without anyone to watch it? I wouldn't.

 

[DawnCt1]

Certainly the locked gate would be enough for me

As for the rest of it, I would treat that like I treated my whole last trip to Hawaii and every other trip I have taken anywhere.... I take good care of my stuff. I don't leave my expensive camera in the car, or unattended anywhere.... I know those folks "probably" thought their stuff was "safe" on the rocks while they were swimming, BUT, I would not have done that either....
Didn't matter which part of Hawaii. Would you get in the water and leave your stuff on the beach without anyone to watch it? I wouldn't.

I agree. I am prudent but I am not paranoid. Bad stuff can happen anywhere.

 

[crz4mm2]

I agree. I am prudent but I am not paranoid. Bad stuff can happen anywhere.

Me too. I have traveled a lot of places. Never really been "afraid" anywhere. But I am NOT stupid There is a difference.